Help survivors and affected communities of 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 across 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.

Airbnb.org

Airbnb.orgA nonprofit organization that provides people with free, temporary housing in times of crisis is taking action in Florida and North Carolina to help people displaced from their homes after Hurricane Helene. Airbnb.org works with local organizations and 211 contact centers to identify residents in need of temporary housing and then matches them with places to stay on Airbnb.org. These stays are completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the Airbnb hosts.

Those interested in offering free or discounted stays can visit Airbnb.org for more information on how to sign up as a host.

Amazon

Amazon has created a cash donations page where users can contribute directly to established and vetted humanitarian organizations providing essential services on the ground in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Every dollar raised will be donated to provide critical supplies, temporary shelter, medical care and other emergency assistance to people in the hardest-hit regions. Visit Amazon.com to make a tax-deductible cash donation today.

Amazon is also mobilizing its resources to support affected communities. The giant company delivered 19,500 ounces of baby formula to Joint Force headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the state’s National Guard expedited the shipment to Asheville, North Carolina.

Amazon also delivered more than a dozen truckloads of essential items Disaster Assistance Center to relief partners working in the affected areas and plans to continue sending Amazon-donated relief supplies in the coming weeks. Learn more about Amazon’s disaster response and response efforts here.

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.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is responding to this disaster by providing emergency assistance, food, drink, emotional and spiritual care and essential supplies to survivors and rescuers in five states in the southeastern US. Visit this link to donate directly to Helene’s relief efforts.

Save the children

Save the Children is working with partners in Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee to meet the needs of children and families affected by Hurricane Helene. Save the Children is helping ensure vital child-targeted supplies get to families hardest hit by the storm. These essential items include hygiene kits, diapers, baby wipes and classroom cleaning kits for schools and childcare centers. You can learn more about this work and donate to the Emergency Fund on this link.

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. Link & Pin is organizing a fundraiser at all locations on Wednesday, October 9, with 5% of all sales donated to Hearts with hands.

Now through October 30, a local Food Lion (store #2203) is matching all donations made through its registers, up to $1 million. The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation will distribute the funds to partner food organizations.

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

Consider 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, washers and dryers are provided for those who need 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. Read more about how to use the Asheville Humane Society, Humane Society of Charlotte And Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.

• 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.