Hurricane Helene relief resources

Last Updated 10/1 11:03 PM EDT

Hurricane Helene has left so many people needing our help! Please see information below on how to help-- from donating your time to helpful information. This page will be updated with credible information, including their sources, as new information is shared. If you would like to add TRUSTED information to this page, please send us an email at Rusticraleigh@gmail.com with the credible link. Praying for all of those affected, our rescue teams, line crews, and everyone who is helping get everyone back on their feet.

Photo: Asheville, North Carolina. Photo Credit: Andy Toms

DO NOT TRAVEL TO WESTERN NC

DO NOT TRAVEL IN OR TO WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA All roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed and non-emergency travel is prohibited. I-40 is impassable in multiple locations. I-26 is closed at the Tennessee state line. Travel in this area for non-emergency purposes is hindering needed emergency response.

Check https://drivenc.gov/ for more information.

HOW TO HELP

MISSING PERSONS

NC 211: Call 211. The state has a partnership with the United way to give updates, resources, & general information. If you are not local to NC, call (888) 892-1162.

American Red Cross: If you are looking for a loved one affected by Helene, call 1-800-REDCROSS

Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps: Call the non-emergency phone number is 828-263-4178.

FINANCIAL DONATIONS

American Red Cross
- Website: redcross.org
- Provides shelter, food, and assistance for those affected by disasters.
United Way of North Carolina
- Website: unitedwaync.org
- Offers local resources and connects individuals with services and support.
Samaritan's Purse
- Website: samaritanspurse.org/
- Headquartered in Boone, NC, volunteers are putting together efforts to help displaced homeowners.
Salvation Army
- Website: https://give.helpsalvationarmy.org/give/166081/#!/donation/checkout
- The Salvation Army is preparing to provide emergency aid, food, drinks, emotional and spiritual care, and long-term recovery services to survivors and rescue workers.
NC Disaster Relief Fund
- Website: nc.gov
- Information on state-funded relief efforts and how to apply for assistance.
Operation Blessing
- Website: operationblessing.org
- Provides disaster relief and recovery services.
Feeding America
- Website: feedingamerica.org
- Coordinates food distribution to those in need.
Haywood Christian Ministry
- Providing Hurricane relief for Waynesville, NC
- https://hcmnc.org/
Hospitality House Northwest NC
- Venmo: @HospHouse
- Hospitality House Northwest NC website
- Providing emergency shelter & food to residents of Boone, NC
Asheville Dream Center
- Outreach organization in Asheville, NC providing food, resources, and aid.
- Website: https://ashevilledreamcenter.org/
Wine to Water
- Helping to provide food, water, and shelter to the victims of this catastrophic storm in Western NC
- Website: https://give.wtw.org/give/624505/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=web

LOCAL DONATION DROP-OFFS

Operation AirDrop

Website: https://www.operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene
Flight operations will begin on Monday, September 30th, 2024. We’re calling on volunteer pilots to get ready to deploy! Multiple destinations are set, with Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) being our largest, and other locations (with and without airport access) that are in need.
For those delivering ground donations, our drop-off location is at the Walmart near Concord Regional Airport: 5825 Thunder Rd NW, Concord, NC 28027
DO NOT DROP OFF DONATIONS AT THE AIRPORT!
https://www.facebook.com/opairdrop/posts/pfbid02rP984EFRtY8nmTyTbA1bpm7BXq2VBzPgPfxZPNxs3ddDooQqe6hwpVJCGu9rjFRdl
Supply list here

Local to Raleigh, NC donations are being accepted below:

Raleigh:

Drip Drop IV Hydration & Wellness

2921 Wakefield Crossing Dr. #110

M-F 10:30 -5:30 & Sat-Sun 10a - 2p

Family Tradition RV Rentals

400 Troy Pl. Raleigh

Next week: anytime

Oak City Aviators game

2009 Pagan Rd, Raleigh

October 3, 6-8 PM

Sanford:

Beech & Boon

147 N. Steele St. Sanford, NC 27330

Hugger Mugger

229 Wicker St, Sanford, NC 27330

VOLUNTEER

Samaritan's Purse
- Assist homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene in Boone, NC
- spvolunteer.org/project-response/743
Red Cross
- Donate Blood or Volunteer services
- www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer/urgent-need-for-volunteers.html
Baptists on a Mission
- Volunteers are putting teams together to serve those affected in North Carolina as conditions allow. The group is accepting donations and looking for volunteers.
- https://baptistsonmission.org/Mission-Projects/By-Mission-Type/Disaster-Relief/Hurricane-Helene/Update

HOW TO HELP

IMPORTANT INFO FOR THOSE AFFECTED

SHELTERS

For information on shelters in North Carolina, please visit

Ready NC

https://www.readync.gov/stay-informed/open-shelters

Red Cross

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html

211 Helpline

Dial 211 for a free and confidential service that can connect you with local resources, including shelters and food banks.

Asheville

A-B Tech conference center

https://www.buncombecounty.org/countycenter/news-detail.aspx?id=21752
16 Fernihurst Drive

WNC Agricultural Center

https://www.ashevillenc.gov/news/tropical-storm-helene-recovery-resources/
1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher, NC

Boone

Hospitality House Northwest NC

https://www.facebook.com/HospHouse/
338 Brook Hollow Rd, Boone, NC, United States, North Carolina
For EMERGENCY HOUSING NEEDS please call (828) 264-1237
Website: https://www.hosphouse.org/

Red Cross (Boone)

Holmes Convocation Center
111 Rivers Street
Website: https://www.wataugademocrat.com/news/local/red-cross-holmes-convocation-center-providing-emergency-shelter/article_9f9e6ebe-7dcb-11ef-9690-a377855b6d57.html

Shelter Locations for Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, McDowell, Polk, Transylvania, Yancey

https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/hurricane-helene-update-congressman-edwards

Haywood

Haywood County Government Armory
- 285 Armory Drive, Clyde, NC 28781

Henderson

Henderson County Recreation Center
- 708 S. Grove St, Hendersonville, NC 28792

Jackson

Cashiers Recreation Center
- 355 Frank Allen Rd, Cashiers, NC 28717
Jackson County Department of Aging
- 100 County Services Park, Sylva, NC 28779

McDowell

First Baptist Church of Old Fort
- 203 E Main St, Old Fort, NC 28762
Glenwood Baptist Church
- 1550 Old US 221 South, Marion, NC 28752

Polk

Polk County High School
- 1681 NC 108 Highway East, Columbus, NC 28722

Transylvania

Pisgah Forest Baptist Church
- 494 Hendersonville Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Yancey

South Toe Elementary School
- 139 South Toe School Rd, Burnsville, NC 28714
West Yancey Volunteer Fire Department
- 6557 US Hwy 19, Burnsville, NC 28714

For Appalachian State University Students

Emergency Shelter for students and community members in the Holmes Convocation Center. Off-campus students, faculty and staff in need of shelter should call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767)

Website: https://www.appstate.edu/

FOOD BANKS

For those who have been affected, please see the following options for food & water in your area:

211 Helpline

Dial 211 for a free and confidential service that can connect you with local resources, including shelters and food banks.

Asheville

Water Bottle Pick-up stations (As of 10/2)

William W. Estes Elementary School – 275 Overlook Road, Asheville
Sand Hill Elementary School– 154 Sand Hill School Road, Asheville (Please enter via Acton Circle)
North Windy Ridge Intermediate School– 20 Doan Road, Weaverville
Fairview Elementary School – 1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview
Carolina Day School is distributing water at 1345 Hendersonville Road from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ingles Black Mountain - 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711 (this site is operated by the Town of Black Mountain with support from County warehouse distribution)

The City of Asheville is also distributing water at the following places:

Pack Square Park. Please bring your own container to this location.
Asheville Middle School (211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville) - Cases of bottled water will be available via drive-through

MANNA FoodBank

food and water distribution site tomorrow, Oct. 2, from noon to 4 p.m. at the farmers market
570 Brevard Road in Asheville (Parking lot to the left, just past Jesse Israel Nursery).

BeLoved Asheville

providing water, food, diapers, and baby formula
32 Old Charlotte Hwy.
Spanish-speaking volunteers are available.

See updates on Buncombe County's Website here: https://www.buncombecounty.org/countycenter/news-detail.aspx?id=21749

Asheville Dream Center (Below are for 10/1)

Website: https://ashevilledreamcenter.org/
Revol Church at 399 Beaverdam Rd. : this is a DROP OFF location for those wanting to donate to families as well as a PICK UP location. There is also a WiFi connection available for those that need it. More info to come including time!

Trader Joes

fresh groceries, prepared food, and bottled water available!
Bring your own bags
Taking cash and cards

Boone (For 10/2)

Hospitality House Northwest NC

https://www.facebook.com/HospHouse/
338 Brook Hollow Rd, Boone, NC, United States, North Carolina
We are here 24/7 at our Boone Brook Hollow Complex if you or someone you know is in need of a meal
Website: https://www.hosphouse.org/

Alliance Bible Fellowship

https://www.facebook.com/alliancebiblefellowship/
1035 NC Highway 105 BypassBoone, NC 28607
Open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM for drop-off and distribution Monday-Friday
Water, food, and hygiene products available

Red Cross (Boone)

Holmes Convocation Center
111 Rivers Street
Website: https://www.wataugademocrat.com/news/local/red-cross-holmes-convocation-center-providing-emergency-shelter/article_9f9e6ebe-7dcb-11ef-9690-a377855b6d57.html

Cornerstone Summit Church (Boone)

Website: https://www.cornerstonesummit.org/hurricane-relief
1100 East King Street
Food, water, diapers, hygiene products

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church

bread, water, hygiene products, diapers and ice to give out
3505 Bamboo Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Website: www.mvbcboone.org

Hot Meals from 11am-5p daily at the following:

Foscoe Christian Church
- 8834 NC-105, Boone, NC 28607
Mountaineer Ruritan Club
- 1161 US-321, Sugar Grove, NC 28679
Meat Camp Baptist Church
- 236 Meat Camp Baptist Church Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
- 1564 Silverstone Rd, Zionville, NC 28698

Wine To Water

Food and Water at the following:

Boone (689 George Wilson Rd)
Cove Creek (skateworld: US-321, Vilas)
Linville (4235 Mitchell Avenue- across from post office)

Information: https://www.instagram.com/winetowater/

Baptists on Mission

First Baptist Church at 375 West King St., Boone (located behind the church, between the College Street Parking Deck and the Church) -
Drive-thru meal site
Pick-up available at noon and 5 p.m.

Watauga High School

water distribution center
open 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

More information for available food/water/services in Boone, NC can be found here:

https://theappalachianonline.com/watauga-county-hurricane-helene-relief-resources-ways-to-help/

and Town of Boone NC Instagram here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAjbj6Ava5P/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Appalachian State University Students

Central Dining Hall, campus markets, the student union, student health services and student recreation on the Boone Campus remain open for students.

Website: https://www.appstate.edu/

MEDICAL

For those who have been affected, please check the following for medical information:

ALL WESTERN NC

The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy

maintaining a list of pharmacies in western NC that are open. Click here to find the list.
The list is being updated by the Board of Pharmacy every 30 minutes.
More Info Here

Asheville

Buncombe County Center

Medical emergency center, for those with medical equipment requiring power, at 10 Genevieve Circle

Website: https://www.buncombecounty.org/countycenter/news-detail.aspx?id=21752

ABCCM Medical Clinic

155 Livingston St.
is accepting medication donations from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday-Thursday. For pharmacy information, emergency refill rules, and general health recommendations in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, go here.

The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy is maintaining a list of pharmacies in western NC that are open. Click here to find the list.

The list is being updated by the Board of Pharmacy every 30 minutes.

Boone

Samaritan's Purse

Watauga Medical Center to provide oxygen for patients who have no power at home.

Website: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/

LIMITED Insulin Availability:

The Hunger and Health Coalition offers insulin.

Bring documentation for dispensing.
Located at 141 Health Center Drive, Suite C.
Call 828-264-5212 (M-F, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Website: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAjbj6Ava5P/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

OPEN BUSINESSES

For those who have been affected, please see the following options for open businesses and/or available WIFI in your area:

Helene Resources- Crowdsourced Map on Reddit (Asheville)

https://www.reddit.com/r/asheville/comments/1frfz7c/helene_resources_crowdsourced_map/

Open Businesses on Reddit (Asheville)https://www.reddit.com/r/asheville/comments/1frfsur/list_of_open_businesses_helene/

ADDITIONAL HELP

For those who have been affected, please check the following for additional information:

FEMA: Apply for Disaster Assistance

Website: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
Document damages for FEMA claims.
call 1-800-621-3362 (7 am - 11 pm)

File a price gouging complaint:

https://ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint/price-gouging/

Asheville

Asheville Cell Service:

Verizon Cellular Satellite Trailer at the Family Justice Center

35 Woodfin Street
This tower will offer an opportunity for limited cellular reception within several city blocks of where it is parked. The tower is operational as of late Sunday afternoon, September 29.

Additionally, T-mobile is bringing SatCOLT (satellite cell on light trucks) to Asheville. These SatCOLTs provide cellular voice and data, along with Wi-Fi (allowing people to use Wi-Fi calling no matter their carrier). Locations below:

Hendersonville County Parks and Recreation Center at 708 South Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792
Asheville Middle School at 211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center at 285 Livingston St. Asheville, NC 28801

More information here: https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/hurricane-helene

The City of Asheville

https://www.ashevillenc.gov/news/tropical-storm-helene-recovery-resources/

Boone

Wifi

Wi-Fi access points (asu-visitor) are available on App State’s Boone campus:
- College Street Parking Deck (Library): 162 College Street, Boone — top level
- Blue Ridge Parking Deck (Stadium): 185 Stadium Heights Drive, Boone — entire deck
- Central Dining Hall: 480 Rivers Street, Boone
- Plemmons Student Union: 263 Locust Street, Boone
also available at Green Valley, Hardin Park, and Watauga High School.

Samaritan's Purse (Boone)

Samaritan's Purse is responding in the High Country and establishing a base of operations at Alliance Bible Fellowship.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance clearing debris, removing downed trees, tarping damaged roofs, or salvaging personal belongings, please call our homeowner assistance phone number.

Assistance Phone: 833-747-1234

FREE CHILDCARE

Boone United Methodist Church

471 New Market Blvd, Boone, NC 28607
Week of October 1st
8:30am-4pm
Website: booneumc.org

Hardin Park,

9 a.m. - 4 pm.
Breakfast, lunch and snack provided, non perishable food sent home if able.
Registration at drop off, transportation not available.
K-6 ONLY

Pet Care Clinic of the High Country

providing boarding for evacuees (dogs and cats).
1614 NC-105, Boone, NC 28607

Western Carolina University

Emergency services and essential student services will remain operational. Campus Dining is operating with limited options. Students may make landline calls from the University Center from 9 AM – 6 PM. We are working to distribute this information to off-campus housing and in the community.

Website: https://www.wcu.edu/