Meet Some of the Organizations Helping with Helene Recovery in Asheville and WNC

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, numerous organizations have extended their support to aid Asheville and Western North Carolina in recovery efforts. Below is a list of some of these organizations, along with brief descriptions and links to their websites.

  1. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Provided search-and-rescue teams, bottled water, and Starlink terminals to restore communication. https://www.fema.gov/locations/north%20carolina
  2. American Red Cross: Deployed emergency disaster services teams to assist affected areas. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief/hurricane-relief/hurricane-helene.html
  3. The Salvation Army: Provided emergency disaster services in multiple affected areas. https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/north-south-carolina/helene-response/
  4. North Carolina National Guard: Deployed units to assist disaster relief efforts in North Carolina. https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article-View/Article/3919179/national-guard-rescues-hundreds-of-people-in-wake-of-hurricane/
  5. Operation AirDrop: Deployed volunteer private helicopter pilots to assist in rescue efforts. https://www.justserve.org/projects/4e1aeb7e-c2fb-4da3-b39f-1b46f2e31b71/hurricane-helene-relief-2024—operation-air-drop—disaster-relief-coordination-rdu-clt
  6. World Central Kitchen: Deployed food trucks to hurricane-struck areas, providing more than 64,000 meals in multiple states affected. https://wck.org/relief/hurricane-helene
  7. SmartAID: Coordinated with communities in North Carolina to provide limited electricity and communications systems in areas impacted by Helene. https://www.smartaid.org/projects/urgent-appeal-to-support-our-efforts-following-hurricane-helene
  8. Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC): Established the Emergency and Disaster Response Fund to support nonprofits providing relief, repair, and remediation to those affected by Hurricane Helene. https://cfwnc.org/initiatives/hurricane-helene-relief-and-recovery
  9. Hands On Asheville-Buncombe: Coordinated volunteer efforts to support relief activities in Buncombe County. https://www.handsonasheville.org/volunteer-helene/
  10. Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Disaster Relief Project: Provided disaster-related legal assistance and education to individuals and organizations impacted by natural disasters in North Carolina. https://legalaidnc.org/tropical-storm-helene-disaster-assistance/
  11. Samaritan’s Purse: Coordinated volunteer opportunities for tree work, debris cleanup, roof tarping, and mud outs. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/disaster/hurricane-helene/
  12. North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF): Activated the Disaster Relief Fund to support long-term recovery and unmet needs in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. https://www.nccommunityfoundation.org/nonprofits/disaster-relief-fund/hurricane-helene-response
  13. NC 211: Provided information on volunteer opportunities and resources for impacted families. https://nc211.org/resources-for-those-who-were-impacted-by-hurricane-helene/
  14. Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina: Offered resources and support for ongoing hunger relief efforts. https://foodbankcenc.org/helene/
  15. Diocese of Western North Carolina: Established the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund to help small businesses bridge the gap between disaster strikes and other relief funds. https://www.diocesewnc.org/helene
  16. MANNA FoodBank: Provided disaster relief efforts, including operating a Disaster Recovery Center in Asheville to assist survivors. https://mannafoodbank.org/helene/
  17. BeLoved Asheville: Focused on helping marginalized communities recover from the hurricane’s impact. https://www.belovedasheville.com/rebuilding-hope-after-hurricane-helene/
  18. Mountain Projects: Provided support and resources to those affected in Western North Carolina. https://mountainprojects.org/
  19. Rural Organizing and Resilience: Assisted in recovery efforts, focusing on rural communities in WNC. https://ruralorganizing.wordpress.com/
  20. North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NC VOAD): Coordinated volunteer efforts and resources for disaster response. https://www.ncvoad.org/
  21. United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County: Collaborated with partners to support relief efforts in Buncombe County. https://www.unitedwaync.org/nc-disaster-relief-fund-helene
  22. Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC: Raised funds and coordinated volunteers to assist in their western service area affected by Hurricane Helene. https://www.secondharvestnwnc.org/post/second-harvest-food-bank-mobilizes-for-immediate-relief-in-aftermath-of-hurricane-helene
  23. Spokes of Hope: A Christian-based disaster recovery non-profit helping to rebuild affected areas like Chimney Rock. https://spokesofhopesc.com/
  24. Hearts With Hands: A Christian, non-denominational, humanitarian non-profit based in Asheville, North Carolina, instrumental in aiding First Responders. https://www.heartswithhands.org/
  25. North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR): Sought additional funds to expedite housing and infrastructure projects in the affected areas. https://www.rebuild.nc.gov/about-us
  26. Feeding Avery Families: Offered food and support to those impacted in Avery County. https://feedingaveryfamilies.org/hurricane-helene-response/
  27. North Carolina Bar Association’s Disaster Legal Services: Provided pro bono legal services for disaster victims. https://www.ncbar.org/news/free-legal-assistance-available-for-north-carolina-survivors-of-tropical-storm-helene/
  28. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): Offered crisis counseling and support services to individuals affected by the hurricane. https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/hurricane-helene-recovery-resources/hurricane-helene-provider-resources
  29. NC Board of Nursing: implemented several emergency measures to support healthcare delivery in the affected regions. https://www.ncbon.com/hurricane-helene-volunteer-opportunities
  30. North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI): Established Victim Assistance Centers and Insurance Camps to assist residents with insurance claims and other needs. https://www.ncdoi.gov/hurricane-helene-response-and-recovery
  31. North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA): Revived the Nurse Recovery Fund to distribute funds directly to nurses in the western part of the state who are suffering loss or damages. https://www.ncnurses.org/nursing-forward/hurricane-helene-resources-for-north-carolina-nurses/

We know that countless other organizations have stepped up to support Helene recovery efforts in Asheville and WNC, and we want to recognize your incredible work! If your organization has been part of the recovery journey, we’d love to hear your story and share how you’re making a difference. Contact us today and let us know how you’ve helped!