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Hurricane Helene made landfall late last week and devastated many communities across North and South Carolina. Heavy rain brought catastrophic flooding and has left millions of residents across multiple states without power, internet, cellular service and access to fresh water.
To help with relief efforts, we’ve rounded up resources to help those in need, organizations you can donate to and ways to support those across the Carolinas who are dealing with the devastation caused by Helene.
Editors’ note: We created this list from evaluations on Charity Navigator, which rates charities based on their financial health, accountability and transparency. Charity Navigator has assigned a “Give With Confidence” designation to the organizations listed below. Before you donate, you should make sure that a given charity aligns with your values and that the donation is being used in ways you’d like. Charity Navigator has also compiled a list of highly-rated charities that are providing relief and recovery to those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
For more information, see our guide on how to vet a charity.
Airbnb.org
Airbnb.org, a nonprofit that connects people with free, temporary housing in times of crisis, is activating in Florida and North Carolina to help those 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 connects them to Airbnb.org stays. These stays are completely free for the 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 to host.
Amazon
Amazon has created a cash donation page for users to directly contribute to established and vetted humanitarian organizations providing essential services on the ground in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Every dollar raised is donated to deliver critical supplies, temporary shelter, medical care and other emergency assistance to those in the hardest-hit regions. Visit Amazon.com to make a tax-deductible cash donation today.
Amazon is also mobilizing its resources to support impacted communities. The giant corporation delivered 19,500 ounces of baby formula to the 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 12 truckloads of essential items from its Disaster Relief Hub to relief partners working in the affected areas and plans to continue dispatching Amazon-donated relief supplies throughout the coming weeks. Learn more about Amazon’s disaster relief and response efforts here.
American Red Cross
On Sunday, supermarket chain Harris Teeter began a campaign to raise money for the American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts. To help, just round up to the nearest dollar on your next Harris Teeter purchase for the next 30 days.
You can also donate directly to the American Red Cross.
Durham Rescue Mission
Durham Rescue Mission is hosting a supply drive today at 1201 E. Main St. in Durham, North Carolina. Priority supplies include first aid essentials, nonperishable foods and personal hygiene supplies.
Feeding Avery Families
Donate to support communities in Newland, Avery County, North Carolina.
Homeward Bound of Western North Carolina
Homeward Bound provides housing to the homeless community in Asheville and is helping distribute essentials and clothing. For more information on year-round work and to donate, visit Homeward Bound’s website.
Manna FoodBank
Manna FoodBank in Asheville is accepting donations to help communities and families who have been left without food and water. You can donate here.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is responding to this disaster event by providing emergency aid, food, drinks, emotional and spiritual care, and critical supplies to survivors and rescue workers in five states across the southeastern US. Visit this link to donate directly to Helene relief efforts.
Save the Children
Save the Children is working with partners across Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee to meet the needs of children and families impacted by Hurricane Helene. Save the Children is helping to ensure essential, child-focused supplies are getting 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 at this link.
South Carolina Emergency Management Division
If you need help with damage cleanup following Hurricane Helene, call Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386.
Support North Carolina businesses making monetary donations
Manolo’s Bakery, Higher Grounds Cafe, Artisen Vegelato and Tika’s Cake House are businesses in the Charlotte region that have made a commitment to donate 10% of all sales to Western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee storm relief efforts. Link & Pin is hosting a fundraiser at all locations on Wednesday, Oct. 9, donating 5% of all sales to Hearts with Hands.
Now through Oct. 30, a local Food Lion (store #2203) is matching all donations made through the registers up to $1 million. The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation will distribute the funds to partner feeding organizations.
Support North Carolina businesses raising supplies
Several businesses around the Charlotte area are accepting emergency goods and supplies to donate to communities impacted 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 a few currently taking donations.
Priority supplies needed include cases of water, toiletries and hygiene items, baby formula, diapers, wipes, blankets, clothes, batteries and flashlights.
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
Consider making a financial donation to help 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 relief stations set up. Showers, portable potties, washers and dryers are on the premises for those who need to utilize these services.
Other ways to help and stay safe
Here are some other ways to assist with relief efforts that aren’t donating money or supplies:
- Avoid traveling to Western North Carolina and South Carolina, even if you’re trying to help. Rescue and utility crews need clear roads to restore power and infrastructure, according to NCDOT.
- Foster or adopt animals from shelters to create space for pets coming in from hurricane-impacted areas. Learn more about how to support the Asheville Humane Society, Humane Society of Charlotte and Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.
- Research local churches that may be accepting donations or supplies.
- Text rather than call. Emergency management is urging you to only call when necessary. Texting will leave the lines open for emergency communications.
- Stay out of floodwaters. Officials across the states warn that those experiencing flooding should not wade through flood waters, which could contain debris, chemicals, waste 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’s impossible to tell how deep the water is.
