Help After Helene

Tropical Storm Helene has devastated Western North Carolina, damaging thousands of miles of power lines, destroying roads, and displacing families who have found their lives changed in an instant.

While hundreds of electric co-op lineworkers labored to restore power to hundreds of thousands in the aftermath of Helene, more than 4,000 first responders, national guard and active-duty military personnel deployed to the region to assist in search and rescue efforts.

The region will continue to rebuild for months to come. Here are a few resources for those in need of help, as well as those looking to offer it.

Reliable information

The NC Department of Public Safety (DPS) has a wide range of useful, reliable information at ncdwps.gov/Helene, or by calling 211 for phone-based storm support. Online resources include a list of open emergency shelters, livestock supply donation sites and a link to FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program.

Blue Ridge Energy must build a road before they can tackle repairing power lines.

Financial assistance

In addition to FEMA assistance, other resources have become available for those affected by the storm, including:

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance, is available in 25 counties, as well as to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. People in these counties have 60 days from Oct. 1 to file an application for Disaster Unemployment Assistance at des.nc.gov. The deadline to apply is Dec. 2.
• The WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund has been established to provide rapid relief loans to small businesses impacted by the storm. The fund is administered by Mountain BizWorks and made possible with support from The Golden LEAF Foundation and an expanding list of other partners. Learn more and apply at mountainbizworks.org/helene/fund.

Helping hands

Those looking to make financial donations are encouraged to do so through the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund at nc.gov/donate, managed by United Way of North Carolina.

Those wishing to volunteer can register at nc.gov/volunteer in order to be connected with an NC Volunteer Organization Active in Helene response. DPS asks that volunteers do not self-deploy to Western North Carolina unless they are working with an organization already providing services on the ground.