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. Donation Drop Off at Coastal Credit Union Music Park’s 10/05 Post Malone Show
Curtis Media Group’s Raleigh radio stations are teaming up with Coastal Credit Union Music Park to collect donations for Western Carolina hurricane relief at the Post Malone show on Saturday, October 5th!
Donations can be dropped off at the gates as you’re walking into the venue! Parking lots open for early parking at 2:30 p.m., general parking opens at 4:30 p.m., and doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Here’s a list of items accepted:
- Non-Perishable Food
- Bottled Water
- Diapers (any size)
- Wipes
- Formula
- Hand Sanitizer
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- First Aid Supplies
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Personal Hygiene Products/Toiletries (Soap, Shampoo, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, etc.)
- Trash Bags (Contractor Size Preferred)
- Tarps
- Blankets
- Bleach
- Towels
- Shovels
- Brooms
- Coolers
- Gloves
- Generators
- Propane
- Gas
- Cook Stoves
- Candles
- Matches
- Lighters
- Charcoal
- Pet Food (Dried or Canned)
Items we CANNOT accept:
- Clothing (new or used)
- Perishable Food Items
2. 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.
- Find a Shelter: Visit redcross.org or use the Red Cross Emergency app to find a shelter near you.
3. Durham Rescue Mission Supply Drive
Durham Rescue Mission is holding a supply drive for victims of Hurricane Helene on Sunday, Sept. 29 and Monday, Sept. 30. Items can be dropped off at 1201 E. Main St., Durham.
Items Needed:
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products
- Bottled water
- Pop-top canned food
- Shelf-stable food
- Shampoo
- Baby wipes and diapers
For more information, contact the Durham Rescue Mission or visit their website.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Johnston County Emergency Services & Sheriff’s Office
Johnston County, along with the Sheriff’s Office and Johnston County Emergency Services, is hosting a week-long donation drive to support our Western North Carolina neighbors in need. Items they are collecting include, but are not limited to:
- bottled water
- non-perishable food
- paper products
- plastic utensils
- sanitary wipes
- cleaning supplies
- hygiene products (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
- diapers
- baby wipes
- sports drinks
- hydration powder packs
- bug spray
- manual can openers
- trash bags
- heavy duty work gloves
- pet food
Donations can be dropped off at the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday, October 1st, through Friday, October 4th, from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. A drive-thru donation line will be set up to make the process quick and easy for residents. The Sheriff’s Office is located at 2875 U.S. Hwy. 70 Business East, Smithfield, N.C. 27577 (beside John Deere). Signs will be visible to help direct motorists to the correct drop-off point.
In addition to physical donations, cash and checks are also welcome. Please make checks payable to:
County of Johnston
Relief Fund
P.O. Box 1049
Smithfield, N.C. 27577
Please put “Western NC/Helene” in the memo line. All funds will be collected and donated directly to emergency relief efforts in western North Carolina.
11. 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!
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.