Over a foot of rain fell across much of the region, setting the stage for an unfolding disaster of historic proportions. Helene moved through as a tropical storm Friday. There was severe flooding and mudslides, specifically in western parts of the state.
How can you help?
Durham Rescue Mission will hold a supply drive to help those impacted by Helene on Sunday, Sept. 29 and Monday, Sept. 30.
You can drop off supplies at 1201 E. Main Street in Durham.
Johnston County, with the sheriff's office and emergency service, is hosting a week-long donation drive. You can drop off donations Monday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the sheriff's office at 2875 U.S. Highway 70 Business East in Smithfield. They will continue to accept donations until Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Red Cross is accepting donations, organizing blood drives and looking for volunteers. Click here to join them or find ways to help those impacted. You can also call 1-800-733-2767.
Samaritan's Purse, based out of Boone, is looking for volunteers to help homeowners with the destruction in the city.
You can also donate with United Way and Salvation Army.
FEMA
North Carolina homeowners and renters in 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Tropical Storm Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.
There are several ways to apply: Online use the FEMA App. You can also call their toll-free line: 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET daily. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages.
How to help those affected by Helene, other resources
NC Disaster Relief Fund
The money will support both immediate and long-term recovery efforts in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. The fund is managed by United Way of North Carolina. The Duke Energy Foundation has already made a generous donation of $100,000.
Donations to the Governor's NC Disaster Relief Fund can be made here.
"We are deeply committed to helping all impacted North Carolina communities through this crisis," said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina state president. "Our hope is that these matching funds will inspire others to join us in supporting our neighbors during this devastating time."
United Way
United Way of North Carolina has launched a UW Helps NC Fund. The fund will support immediate and long-term recovery efforts in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Contributions to the UW Helps NC Fund can be made easily online. Donors can designate their contributions to a specific United Way or allow UWNC to allocate funds to the areas of greatest need.
Free Cleanup Assistance
You can also help those affected by letting homeowners and property owners know about free storm cleanup.
Crisis Cleanup has issued a number for folks to call for assistance with debris cleanup from Hurricane Helene: (844) 965-1386. All services are free, but they are not guaranteed. The hotline will remain open through Friday, October 11.
Livestock farmers
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has issued an urgent plea for donations of fencing supplies for livestock producers in Western North Carolina.
If you need help or want to help fill out the form in the Disaster Hay and Livestock Assistance Portal. The form asks if you need help or want to help.
If you're looking to donate click on the Want to Help button, then you will be asked for contact information and items you have to donate.
Click here to see a list of donation collection sites in and around Western North Carolina. The information is updated continuously.
Other resources for those affected by Helene:
- NC Department of Public Safety offers information about cleanup, power outages and emergency declarations.
- American Red Cross has a list of open shelters and other information.
- USA.Gov offers information about financial assistance and housing after a disaster.
- DisasterAssistance.gov offers information for finding loved ones. You can also report a loved one through United Way.
- DriveNC: check for road closures due to the storm.
- Duke Energy: Report a power outage, using the app or 57801