Hurricane Helene’s recent devastation across the Southeastern states is unfathomable and saddening. While news reports are showing rescue crews mobilizing efforts to save people and animals in the most affected areas, social media has been busy sharing and reposting hope-inspiring stories about several businesses and citizens doing everything they can to assist as well.
The Mayor of Asheville (Esther Manheimer) appeared on CNBC earlier today reporting that they are entering a “desperate situation”. She says, “The pictures don’t fully capture the catastrophic damage in Asheville. It’s unprecedented. It’s exceeded any historic storm on record.” The combination of “incredible flooding and damage due to winds and downed trees, no neighborhood is spared.” While there are so many towns throughout the Southeast (from North Carolina and Tennessee to Florida), I’ve compiled a list of relief resources that focus on North Carolina.
To provide guidance on Hurricane Helene resources for communities that need help, based on what information I’ve seen thus far, here are various ways that Hurricane Helene victims in different towns can find assistance right now. From accommodations and food to WiFi, numerous companies are offering free services to those who have been affected. Here’s what I’ve found:
Hurricane Helene Resources for North Carolina Communities
Peak Suites shared that they “are dedicated to offering a safe and comfortable refuge for you and your loved ones during your evacuation and recovery from Hurricane Helene. Together, we can weather any storm.” Their business operates corporate and temporary housing (including furnished apartments) throughout Raleigh/Durham, Charlotte, Greensboro, and other locations. If you or someone you know needs housing right now due to the devastation, contact them at requests@peaksuites.com or call 855-919-7325.
Zelda Dearest Hotel in Asheville, NC is offering free WiFi and a patio space to gather. While their hotel rooms are currently occupied by first responders, they are doing what they can to assist.
Statesville Regional Airport is utilizing private planes (owned by citizens) to take relief to NC mountain areas. If you have any supplies and live nearby, bring the resources to this location.
Mountain Mule Packer Ranch posted on Facebook saying “We are working to coordinate bringing supplies into areas affected by Hurricane Helene by pack mule strings.” They are available to assist in different areas and said that if you know of specific needs and areas that they can get their mule strings in to help, they can bring supplies or pack in whatever resources your group has acquired already. To contact them to coordinate, call 910-885-1402 or reach out to them on Facebook.
In a Facebook group (with 1M followers) dedicated to 2024 Hurricane & Tropical Storm Updates, one post stated that “in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, cell phone carriers have unlocked their towers for any that are still standing. No matter what phone service you have, you can use their towers. You just have to make sure and turn on the roaming feature. There are several Starlink stations set up. Heads up if you have an iPhone you can turn on satellite mode. Also, OnStar has activated crisis mode. You can search for other wireless networks that may be open that you can use Wi-Fi calling to call for help or family.”
Treasure Hill Stable (located in Pennsylvania) has posted in the East Tennessee Equine and Farm Services Facebook group that they are offering their farm to help any animals in need. They have 20 stalls in metal, a safe stable, and plenty of pastures. They are also offering transport and can bring a trailer full of water and supplies. To coordinate, contact them on Facebook, email treasurehillstable@gmail.com, or call 570-877-7712.
How To Help Hurricane Helene Victims and Communities In Need
If you don’t live in an affected area and can provide support, here is a list of legitimate organizations you can donate money or supplies to, to assist Hurricane Helene victims.
- American Red Cross
- The Salvation Army
- United Way
- World Central Kitchen
- Global Giving
- Save The Children
In addition to Asheville, nearby towns throughout North Carolina (and beyond) have been negatively impacted as well, which is why I believe all Americans must help in any way they can. Whether that be through physical assistance (if you live nearby), financial contributions (to organizations), resources, or just spreading helpful news and tips via social media, every effort counts.
