Resources for REALTORS and Their Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene

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

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:

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

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:
  • 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.

hurricane helene important resources and key information

Education

Resources for REALTORS Impacted by Hurricane Helene

 

Find resources, information, and ways to contribute to relief efforts on our Resources Page.

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