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Hurricane Helene: Recovery Resources and Ways to Help Following Destructive Storm

Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented flooding and damage in North Carolina, much of it in rural communities. Recovery will unfortunately take years for some places, but relief agencies are offering a number services. The Rural Center has compiled this list of resources to help people get started as they search for assistance.

Disaster Relief Resources

WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund

The WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund was created to provide rapid recovery loans to small businesses suffering economic losses related to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. The fund is administered by Mountain BizWorks. Visit the website to learn more and apply.

Small Business Administration 

Disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene. You can apply for three types of loans:

  • Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
  • Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
  • NC Small Business Disaster Recovery Assistance Guide

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Together with state and federal partners, FEMA is actively supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts. Also provides tips for post-storm safety, state resources, family reunification, and other information. You can apply for assistance in three ways:

  • Online by visiting disasterassistance.gov
  • Call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
  • Download the FEMA app

FEMA is also actively addressing misinformation about Hurricane Helene response. For complete information about common rumors, visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response.

N.C. Emergency Management Service

Provides county-level resources, a list of shelters, and a list of frequently asked questions.

N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Hotline to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Farmers can also find recovery resources here.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

The state Division of Employment Security is providing the 25 North Carolina counties eligible for disaster relief and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina with Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Application deadline is Dec. 2, 2024.

ReadyNC.gov

Resources for before, during and after a storm, including updated weather and road conditions.

NC 211

NC 211 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina. Families and individuals can call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 to receive free and confidential information on health and human services within their community.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Answers questions about the status and operations of financial institutions. Offers advice on cybersecurity, avoiding scams, and how to financially recover from disasters.

Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

State and federal resources for small businesses, including grants and loans, links to power and internet companies, how to make donations and other business-related information.

Emergency Prescription Assistance Program

Helps people in a federally identified disaster area who do not have health insurance to access prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment. Find out which pharmacy near you is open online with this map.

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To Help

Follow the links below for opportunities to volunteer or donate. Financial donations are best. Do not travel to impacted areas without coordinating with local and state officials.

NC Disaster Relief Fund

Donations made to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund will go to nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of storm victims such as food and water, cleaning supplies and other emergency supplies. All of the donations made will go to disaster relief. United Way of North Carolina is the fiscal agent for the fund and will provide grants and reimbursement to nonprofits working in impacted communities.

North Carolina Community Foundation

The North Carolina Community Foundation is encouraging donations to groups that are working to address immediate health, humanitarian and safety needs in western North Carolina. A wide range of groups are supporting that effort, including the American Red Cross, Baptists On Mission, The Salvation Army and United Way of North Carolina.

Community Foundation of Western North Carolina

Contributions will support recovery efforts related to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.