Hurricane Helene disaster relief: How to help
October 1, 2024
We are heartbroken and shattered over the devastation experienced in our beloved state in the wake of flooding after Helene. There are many reasons we choose to live in North Carolina, and our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains — and their vibrant towns and communities and the foothills around them — is a huge one.
It will be a long road to recovery, but we know North Carolinians are resilient and we will build back better than ever. In the meantime, countless residents in the mountains need our help. Here are a few ways to support relief efforts from Charlotte:
Where to donate funds
American Red Cross: The national disaster relief agency is on the ground helping people who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Make a donation online.
North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund: Donations made to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund will go to nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of storm victims such as food and water, cleaning supplies and other emergency supplies. All of the donations made will go to disaster relief. Make a donation online.
GoFundMe: Many individuals and business owners have shared requests for financial help. The GoFundMe website has compiled a list of verified fundraisers on its platform. Make an online donation.
Bissell Pet Foundation, a national pet welfare organization, and Asheville Humane Society are partnering to transport and save animals. The Watauga Humane Society is also taking financial donations and donations of pet supplies through an Amazon wish list.
The Craft Emergency Relief Fund provides emergency relief for artists. The NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund also helps artists recover from Hurricane Helene.
The NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund is managed through the NCRLA Foundation (North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association) to provide direct relief to restaurant and hotel employees in western North Carolina.
Where to drop off supplies
OpenTap in south Charlotte is taking donated supplies in an ongoing effort to help hurricane victims.
Y2 Yoga is accepting supplies at its Cotswold location now through Sunday, Oct. 13. The supply list includes tarps, protein drinks and blankets.
Through Oct. 30, Promenade Teen Cotillion of Charlotte is collecting gently used fall and winter clothing of all sizes to send to mountain communities. New underwear and socks are also needed. Drop-off bins are located at 2224 Crescent Avenue, 2921 Hampton Avenue, 2217 Westminster Place, 254 N. Canterbury Road, 241 Wendover Hill Court, 2300 Thetford Court and 2516 Cloister Drive.
Other ways to help
Purchase goods from local businesses, including Manolo’s Bakery, Higher Grounds, Artisen Gelato and Piedmont Pennies, which are donating proceeds to relief efforts. Local jewelry and accessory brands Erin McDermott and Taylor Reese are also donating proceeds from sales of select items to relief efforts.
Round up to the nearest dollar when grocery shopping Harris Teeter through October 28 to support the American Red Cross
We will continue updating this list as we learn about new ways to help.