Hurricane Helene has caused widespread devastation across Western North Carolina and beyond. Below are the different ways you can contribute to relief efforts, from donating through the Red Cross to applying for FEMA assistance and supporting local donation drives.
FEMA Disaster Assistance: How to Apply
If you’ve suffered uninsured damage due to Hurricane Helene, FEMA offers disaster assistance, including help with temporary lodging, home repairs, and personal property loss.
How to Apply
- Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
- FEMA App: Download the FEMA app.
- By Phone: Call 800-621-3362 daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
Required Information
- A current phone number and address.
- Your Social Security number.
- A general list of damage and losses.
- Insurance information (if applicable).
For more details, watch How to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance.
Help for Hurricane Helene Victims: How You Can Support
Hurricane Helene has caused widespread devastation across Western North Carolina and beyond. Below are the different ways you can contribute to relief efforts, from donating through the Red Cross to applying for FEMA assistance and supporting local donation drives.
1. American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has launched a major response to assist victims of Hurricane Helene across the Southeast. Nearly 1,400 disaster workers are on the ground, providing shelter, food, and comfort to thousands. You can support their relief efforts in the following ways:
- Donate: Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). You can also text “HELENE” to 90999 to make a donation.
- Give Blood: Help restock blood supplies by visiting RedCrossBlood.org to schedule a blood donation. Below is a list of upcoming blood drives in the Triangle area:
| Date | Time | Location |
| Wed., 10/09/2024 | 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Snow Hill Free Will Baptist Church 1224 Red Hill Road, Mount Olive, NC 28365 |
| Mon., 10/14/2024 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Rooms To Go – Dunn 901 Rooms to Go Way, Dunn, NC 28334 |
| Wed., 10/16/2024 | 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Selma Masonic Lodge 320 405 N. Pollock Street, Selma, NC 27576 |
| Thurs., 10/17/2024 | 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Beautancus Community Club 1728 Beautancus Rd., Mount Olive, NC 28365 |
| Thurs., 10/17/2024 | 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Southern Bank and Trust Community Blood Drive 709 N. Chestnut St., Mount Olive, NC 28365 |
| Mon., 10/21/2024 | 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Dunn Community 901 N. Park Ave., Dunn, NC 28334 |
| Tues., 10/22/2024 | 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Selma Elementary School 311 W. Richardson St., Selma, NC 27576 |
| Tues., 10/22/2024 | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Spring Hill United Methodist Church – Lillington 1960 Spring Hill Church Rd., Lillington, NC 27546 |
| Tues., 10/22/2024 | 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Calvary Chapel of Clayton 935 Shotwell Rd., Clayton, NC 27520 |
| Wed., 10/23/2024 | 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Wayne County American Red Cross 600 N. George St., Goldsboro, NC 27530 |
| Thurs., 10/24/2024 | 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Amelia Christian Church 1696 Amelia Church Rd, Clayton, NC 27520 |
| Fri., 10/25/2024 | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. | The Streets at Southpoint – Durham, NC First Floor Center Area in Front of Nordstrom |
| Fri., 10/25/2024 | 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Angier Masonic Lodge #686 104 S. Raleigh St., Angier, NC 27501 |
| Wed., 10/30/2024 | 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Wayne County Association of Realtors 1108 Ash St., Goldsboro, NC 27530 |
2. “Concert for Carolina” Benefit Concert featuring Eric Church, Luke Combs, Billy Strings, & James Taylor
Luke Combs, Eric Church, Billy Strings, James Taylor and more come together for “Concert for Carolina” on Saturday, 10/26/2024, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Proceeds will support Hurricane Helene relief efforts in the Carolina Region. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, 10/10, at 10 a.m. For more information, visit ConcertForCarolina.com.
3. United Way Fund for Hurricane Helene
The United Way has established a dedicated fund to support relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene. You can find more information and donate via their website.
4. Baptists On Mission Relief Efforts
Baptists On Mission is organizing volunteer teams to assist with recovery efforts in the affected areas. They are also accepting donations to support their initiatives. Visit their website to find out how you can help.
5. Samaritan’s Purse Volunteer Opportunities
Based in Boone, Samaritan’s Purse is mobilizing volunteers to assist homeowners with recovery efforts. Learn more about how you can volunteer or donate on their website.
6. Chatham Cares Disaster Relief Efforts
Chatham Cares is collecting supplies for victims of Hurricane Helene. Residents can drop off donations at:
- Chatham County Sheriff’s Office (295 West St., Pittsboro)
- Piggly Wiggly of Siler City
- Walmart Shopping Center Parking Lot (Siler City)
For more information or to donate, visit ChathamCares.org.
7. NC Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund
The North Carolina Community Foundation has opened a Disaster Relief Fund to support long-term recovery efforts for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. You can donate to the fund by visiting nccommunityfoundation.org/helene or mailing a check to 3737 Glenwood Ave., Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612 (write “Disaster Relief” on the memo line).
All donations are tax-deductible and go directly to supporting mid- to long-term recovery efforts.
8. Operation Airdrop
Operation Airdrop is delivering relief supplies to Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. Flight operations began on Monday, September 30, 2024. Multiple flight destinations have been set, with Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) being their largest, and other locations (with and without airport access) that are in need. Miracle Movers is providing trucks to transport supplies. Operation Airdrop donations may be dropped off locally at: Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub (RUMAH), 415 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh. Below are Operation Airdrop’s most-needed items:
- Sports Drinks (Powered Packets)
- Hydration Packs (Powder Form)
- Baby Wipes
- Diapers (for Children & Adults)
- Baby Formula
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Plastic Utensils
- Manual Can Openers
- Trash Bags (13 Gallon or Contractor Bags)
- Non-Perishable Foods
- Cleaning Supplies
- Plastic Sheeting / Tarps
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Toiletries / Sanitation Items
- Pet Food (for Cats & Dogs)
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sanitizer Wipes
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Heavy Duty Work Gloves
- Socks – All Sizes (Unopened)
Operation Airlift cannot accept: used clothing, bottled water (due to weight), most household chemicals (including bleach), fuel, flammable items, and hazardous items.
9. One-Eighty Counseling
One-Eighty Counseling is partnering with The Gathering Church of Asheville for a collection drive for Asheville and surrounding areas. Drop off donations at any One-Eighty Counseling location: https://one-eightycounseling.com/locations/
Items requested include:
- Non-perishable Foods
- Bottled Water
- Hygiene Kits
- Trash Bags
- Paper Towels
- Shoes
- Diapers
- Formula
- Clothing
- Cleaning Supplies
- Generators
ALL donations accepted!
10. U.S. Veterans Corp
The U.S. Veterans Corp is coordinating multiple Hurricane Helene Relief donation drives across the Triangle. Please see their Facebook page for latest list of needs, as well as drop off locations.
11. Humane Society
The Humane Society is transporting animals affected by Hurricane Helene to safety and helping devastated shelters, as well as providing food, resources and veterinary care to hard hit communities. Please click here to make a donation to support the Humane Society’s Hurricane Helene efforts.
12. Carolina Moving and Storage
In light of the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, Carolina Moving and Storage is collecting much-needed donations to support those impacted. You can find a full list of needed items on their Facebook page. Donations can be dropped off between 8am-6:30pm at Blue Co. Warehousing, located at 510 Pylon Drive, Suite 1
Raleigh, NC 27606. All donations will be delivered to Grace Baptist Church in Asheville, NC at the end of this week.