Asheville, NC Hurricane Helene Recovery: How to Help

Hurricane Helene Recovery: How to Help Asheville, NC and Western North Carolina

Hurricane Helene, one of the most destructive storms to hit the southeastern United States in recent history, has left a deep mark on Western North Carolina. Areas like Asheville, Buncombe County, and the surrounding mountainous regions experienced unprecedented flooding, landslides, and severe wind damage. The storm dumped up to 29 inches of rain in some areas, triggering over 11 major landslides and closing key highways such as I-26 and I-40(NC DPS). As rescue and recovery efforts continue, it’s crucial to support the organizations on the ground helping communities rebuild.

Here are ways to contribute to the ongoing recovery efforts in Asheville and other affected regions in Western North Carolina:

1. Hearts with Hands

Hearts with Hands, based in Asheville, has been instrumental in providing emergency aid to local shelters. They are distributing food, water, hygiene products, and other essentials to families displaced by the storm. The group is asking for financial donations rather than unsolicited supply drop-offs, as their warehouse was temporarily evacuated and is now back in operation.
How to Help:

- Donate online via Hearts with Hands.
- For large supply donations (e.g., truckloads of water or food), contact them via email to coordinate a drop-off​​(NC DPS).

2. Manna FoodBank

As one of the largest food distribution networks in Western North Carolina, Manna FoodBank has been working tirelessly to ensure that families and individuals affected by Hurricane Helene have access to nutritious meals. Their warehouse in Asheville was prepared for the storm, and they are now delivering food to shelters and communities still cut off by floodwaters. Volunteers and monetary donations are needed to keep the supply chain active as recovery efforts ramp up.
How to Help:

- Donate or sign up to volunteer at Manna FoodBank ​(WFMY News 2).

3. BeLoved Asheville

BeLoved Asheville is a community-based nonprofit that has been mobilizing volunteers to distribute a wide array of supplies, including bottled water, food, blankets, trash bags, and baby supplies. They are also seeking donations of first-aid supplies, propane, generators, and contractor-grade tools to help clear debris and rebuild homes. Additionally, truck drivers and owners of large vehicles are needed to help transport goods to remote areas where roads are still inaccessible.
How to Help:

- Donate via Venmo (@BeLoved-Asheville) or CashApp ($BeLovedAsheville).
- Volunteer or drop off supplies at their staging area in Asheville by visiting BeLoved Asheville​ ​(WFMY News).

4. Community Housing Coalition of Madison County

For those looking to support long-term rebuilding efforts, the Community Housing Coalition is focused on emergency home repairs for low-income families in Madison County. Their work includes fixing roofs, repairing structural damage, and providing financial assistance to families whose homes were severely affected by flooding.
How to Help:

- Donations can be made online at chcmadisoncountync.org​ (WFMY News 2).

5. North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund

The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is supporting statewide recovery efforts for communities hit hardest by Hurricane Helene. Managed by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, this fund is helping with both immediate needs—like shelter and food—and longer-term rebuilding projects. Contributions will go toward assisting local governments, infrastructure repairs, and providing housing for displaced families.
How to Help:

- Donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund​ (NC DPS)​ (WFMY News 2).

6. Operation Airdrop

With many mountain roads still impassable, Operation Airdrop has been crucial in delivering supplies to isolated communities by air. The organization, made up of volunteer pilots, is transporting emergency supplies like food, water, and first aid kits to regions in Western North Carolina that rescue teams haven’t yet reached by road.
How to Help:

- Support their efforts by donating at Operation Airdrop ​(NC DPS)​ (WFMY News 2).

7. Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM)

ABCCM has been helping operate shelters across Asheville, providing temporary housing and emergency services to residents displaced by the storm. They are partnered with the American Red Cross to offer meals, clothing, and financial assistance for extended stays in motels for those who cannot return home.
How to Help:

- Donate food, clothing, or funds directly at ABCCM (NC DPS).

Additional Resources and How to Stay Informed

- American Red Cross – For those unable to contact loved ones in Western North Carolina, the American Red Cross is offering assistance through their Disaster Hotline at 1-800-RED CROSS. You can also donate via their website to support local shelters and recovery efforts​(WFMY News 2)​ (NC DPS).
- Feeding the Carolinas – A regional network of food banks, Feeding the Carolinas is providing emergency food supplies to communities in the region. Donations can be made at Feeding the Carolinas​ (WFMY News 2).
- Mountain Projects – This organization is offering relief to rural counties by distributing clean water, food, and hygiene products. They are actively seeking volunteers to assist in their recovery efforts. Visit Mountain Projects for more information.

Hurricane Helene in Asheville

The impact of Hurricane Helene in Asheville and Western North Carolina has been profound, but local and national organizations are mobilizing to help those affected. From food and shelter to rebuilding homes and infrastructure, every donation and volunteer effort plays a critical role in helping communities recover from the devastation. Whether you can contribute financially or volunteer your time, your help will make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling to rebuild after this historic storm.

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