Hurricane Helene has caused widespread devastation in Western North Carolina, leaving families and businesses facing significant challenges. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this disaster.
Available Assistance for Affected Communities
Recovery Assistance
For those who have lost homes, businesses, or loved ones, know that support is available. Communities across the state are mobilizing resources to aid recovery efforts.
NC REALTORS® has requested housing-related assistance from the REALTORS® Relief Foundation. 100% of contributions received through October 11 will support hurricane victims. We will update our page as information on distribution becomes available.
FEMA is also accepting applications for its Individual Assistance Program, offering emergency housing and recovery aid. Apply by calling 800-621-3362 or visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.
Small Business Administration disaster loans may be available to homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes in areas covered by a disaster declaration. Further, The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has set up a Business Recovery Center with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) at their Visitor Center (36 Montford Ave) to assist local businesses recovering from Hurricane Helene. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the center offers support with SBA disaster loan applications and provides valuable recovery resources. In addition, we’ve installed five portable toilets and handwashing stations to accommodate those affected by the storm. You can make an appointment, and walk-ins are welcome as we work together to rebuild our community.
NC Works Disaster Unemployment (DUA) offers temporary payments for people whose employment has been impacted as a direct result of a disaster.
Food and beverage workers can seek assistance from Giving Kitchen and Southern Smoke Foundation.
AshevilleRelief.org is maintaining an open, crowdsourced, and vetted list of information submitted by Asheville citizens and responders. Information includes curfew and water precaution updates, search/rescue/wellness check resources, voting information, and more.
Legal Assistance
If you or someone you know needs help with a legal issue related to the disaster there are pro bono resources available:
Disaster Helpline
Toll-Free: 1 (866) 219-LANC (5262)
8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, Monday – Friday
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Monday & Thursday
Apply for free help with civil (non-criminal) legal issues. Those 60 and older should call the Senior Helpline.
Ask LIA (Legal Information Assistant)
Legal Aid of North Carolina has a chat based Legal Information Assistant. Learn more about this resource and how to use it at LANC-LIA – Legal Aid of North Carolina
Informational Resources
Disaster Recovery | NC Department of Public Safety (Hurricane Helene Emergency Management)
The NC DPS website provides critical information for those affected by Hurricane Helene, including details on road closures, power outages, county-specific updates, distress helplines, missing persons and reunification services, FEMA resources, housing assistance, clean-up guidance, and insurance information. It serves as a hub for residents, businesses, and visitors in the region.
American Red Cross Shelters and Disaster Relief Services
During disasters, the Red Cross offers shelters that provide food, health services, charging stations for cell phones and medical devices, emergency supplies, and access to caseworkers who can help with disaster recovery planning and financial assistance. The Red Cross also serves as an information clearinghouse, coordinating efforts from multiple agencies.
DisasterAssistance.gov Immediate Needs
This website offers resources to assist with urgent needs, including locating lost family members, pets, and friends, finding food, water, and shelter, and accessing emergency medical services.
FEMA provides assistance applications, information on recovery centers, and a range of emergency response resources for individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene.
Tropical Storm Helene Disaster Assistance
Legal Aid of North Carolina has compiled a comprehensive resource for disaster assistance, offering valuable information for those impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
For news in Spanish, visit:
- Enlace Latino NC
- BPR News
- ReadyNC (Select “Language”)
For disaster unemployment assistance, visit the NC DUA Program.
For mental health support, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 for 24/7 emotional support.
Crisis Hotlines
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: just dial 988 or text them. Live chat also available at https://chat.988lifeline.org/
- National Suicide Prevention Line: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- Emergency substance abuse (SAMHSA) helpline: 800-662-4357
- Disaster Distress Helpline (for any emotional stress): 800-985-5990 or text them (español: presiona 2).
- Veterans Crisis Line: www.veteranscrisisline.net. Call 988 (Press 1). Text 838255
- National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat
- Women Veterans Call Center: www.womenshealth.va.gov. Call 855-829-6636
- Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program: www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
- VA Caregiver Support Line: www.caregiver.va.gov Call 855-260-3274
Mental Health Services
An ongoing list of mental health services available to the public – including therapists in North Carolina offering free or reduced rates – can be found at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZEi1U-dfJ145rL_a6_TGKw2Y0zqXJWZ_msD-JqTqHRw/mobilebasic?urp=gmail_link
Providing Assistance to Affected Communities
Volunteering:
Please do not self-deploy to impacted areas without coordination—many roads are impassable, and fuel is scarce.
- Sign up to volunteer at VolunteerNC
- Crisis Cleanup is seeking English and Spanish-speaking volunteers for their hotline. Register here.
- Organizations with large-scale support capabilities can contact NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster at sert@ncvoad.org or make an offer here.
How to Donate
Avoid sending physical donations like clothes or furniture, as they could disrupt critical response efforts. Monetary donations are the most effective way to help:
- REALTORS® Relief Foundation:
- Text HeleneRelief24 to 71777
- Visit RRF.realtor
- Mail checks to REALTORS® Relief Foundation, 430 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 (memo: “RRF Contribution”)
- North Carolina REALTORS® Housing Foundation:
- Donate online at ncrealtorshf.org by selecting “disaster relief.”
- State Disaster Relief Fund:
- Cash donations can be made via United Way of NC here.
Office Depot offers essential supplies like water and cleaning products for donation and can ship directly to the address of your choice.