How you can help those affected by Hurricane Helene: donations, relief efforts and more
Hurricane Helene made landfall late last week, devastating many communities in North and South Carolina. Heavy rains have caused catastrophic flooding and left millions of residents in multiple states without power, internet, cell service and access to fresh water.
To help with the relief effort, we’ve gathered resources to help those in need, organizations you can donate to, and ways to support people in the Carolinas dealing with the devastation caused by Helene.
Editor’s note: We have compiled this list based on evaluations Charity Navigatorthat assesses charities based on their financial health, responsibility and transparency. Charity Navigator has awarded the “Give With Confidence” designation to the organizations listed below. Before donating, make sure that a particular charity aligns with your values and that the donation will be used in the way you want. Charity Navigator has that too compiled a list of highly regarded charities providing relief and recovery to those affected by Hurricane Helene.
For more information, see our guide on how to research a charity.
American Red Cross
Supermarket chain Harris Teeter launched a campaign on Sunday to raise money for the American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts. To help, round your next Harris Teeter purchase to the nearest dollar within the next 30 days.
That’s also possible donate immediately to the American Red Cross.
Rescue Mission in Durham
Durham Rescue Mission is hosting a supply run today at 1201 E. Main St. in Durham, North Carolina. Priority supplies include first aid supplies, non-perishable foods and personal hygiene supplies.
Feeding Avery families
Donate to support communities in Newland, Avery County, North Carolina.
Homebound border of Western North Carolina
Homeward Bound provides housing to Asheville’s homeless community and helps distribute basic necessities and clothing. For more information about year-round work and to donate, visit Homeward Bound website.
Manna Food Bank
The Manna Food Bank in Asheville is accepting donations to help communities and families left without food and water. That’s possible donate here.
South Carolina Department of Emergency Management
If you need help cleaning up the damage after Hurricane Helene, call Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386.
Support North Carolina businesses by making monetary donations
Manolo’s Bakery, Higher Grounds Cafe, Artisen Vegelato and Tika’s Cake House are Charlotte-area businesses that have committed to donating 10% of all sales to storm relief efforts in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee.
Support North Carolina businesses collecting supplies
Several businesses in the Charlotte area are accepting emergency goods and supplies to donate to communities affected by the storm. Wooden Robot, the Chamber in NoDa, Thrift Pony in Plaza Midwood, Compleat Kidz Belmont Clinic and Alchemy Co-Working in Gastonia are some examples currently accepting donations.
Priority supplies include cases of water, toiletries and hygiene items, baby food, diapers, wipes, blankets, clothing, batteries and flashlights.
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
Considering making a financial donation to assist with immediate and long-term relief for communities in Western North Carolina.
Walmart in Greenville, South Carolina
Walmart #640, located at 1451 Woodruff Road in Greenville, South Carolina, has set up aid stations. Showers, porta potties, washing machines and dryers are provided for those who wish to use these services.
Other ways to help and stay safe
Here are some other ways to help with relief efforts that don’t involve donating money or supplies:
- Avoid traveling to Western North Carolina and South Carolina even as you try to help. Rescue and utility companies need clear paths to restore power and infrastructure, the organization said NCDOT.
- Breed or adopt animals of shelters to create space for pets arriving from hurricane-affected areas. Learn more about how you can support Asheville Humane Society, Humane Society of Charlotte And Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.
- Buy tickets to the Carolina Hurricanes ice hockey game on Wednesday evening. All ticket revenue from the exhibition game will benefit Helene’s outreach efforts in Western North Carolina. Tickets cost $10.
- Research local churches that may accept donations or supplies.
- Texting instead of calling. Emergency management urges you to call only when necessary. Texting keeps the lines open for emergency communications.
- Stay out of flood waters. Officials in the states are warning that those experiencing flooding should not wade through floodwaters, which can contain debris, chemicals, trash and wildlife, as well as downed power lines that can electrically charge the water. Also, do not drive through standing or moving water, as it is impossible to determine how deep the water is.
