How To (Continue To) Help After Hurricane Helene
Update November 5th, 2024: While many towns hit hardest by Helene were not previously ready to welcome volunteers, they are now able to accept help and additional manpower! One example is in Chimney Rock, where Spokes of Hope, a Christian-based disaster recovery non-profit, have been helping to rebuild. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Spokes of Hope via email: connie@spokentogether.org for arrangements.
Ways To Help WNC
Many of you have been asking for ways to continue to help Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Here at camp we are grateful everyone was safe and fortunate to have been spared from major damage.
However, we know many of our neighbors were not as lucky. Below are a few ways you can give your time, money, supplies, and support to the ongoing recovery efforts of Western North Carolina.
On Friday, several members of our year-round team spent the day organizing supplies and distributing resources at The Resource Hub, a Hurricane Helene relief center in Henderson County. It was incredible to see the amount of supplies that had been donated, and to see folks volunteering who had come from Texas, Chicago, and other far away states to help.
Give Time
If you’re also able to give your time, The Resource Hub (at 118 McAbee Court in Flat Rock) is accepting volunteers. You can sign up at this link.
From the same link, you’ll be able to sign up for other volunteer opportunities available, managed by the United Way of Henderson County.
Some areas of Western North Carolina are reopening and ready to accept volunteer help, while many other areas are only open for essential travel. You can check drivenc.gov/ to see road closures and travel limitations before planning to volunteer.
Give Money
Money is one of the most powerful things that can be given after a natural disaster, since organizations are able to use monetary gifts in the most effective way possible to help the community.
There are several great local non-profit organizations providing help here in our communities. If you would like to donate, one that we recommend is The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. CFWNC is a local foundation that partners with donors, nonprofits, and communities here in Western NC. They have created a Hurricane Helene Emergency and Disaster Response fund “to accept and disburse funds supporting a regional response and relief efforts in 18 counties of Western North Carolina including the Qualla Boundary.”
They have waived administration fees to ensure every dollar goes to assistance, and donors may choose among funds specifically for Henderson County and surrounding area, WNC recovery, and Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. To donate, please go to: www.cfhcforever.org/for-donors/helene-relief
More organizations contributing to the recovery of this area can be found at Blue Ridge Public Radio.
Give Supplies
Henderson County’s status on supply needs is updated on the county government website here. As of today (October 11) Henderson County states that they “are grateful for the outpouring of support in the form of physical donations, (water, food, supplies). However, due to the current needs of our relief efforts, we are no longer in need of physical donations.”
If you would like to donate supplies, many other counties surrounding Henderson are still in need. Sharing House is in Transylvania County, and is a local organization providing emergency financial assistance, supplies, and more. Beloved Asheville is providing support on the ground for Buncombe County and the greater regional area.
You can see many more needs listed at ashevillerelief.com or on this frequently updated Google Doc.
Support in Other Ways
You can also support local businesses by shopping locally, eating out, or buying online from businesses in this area. You can purchase gift cards for local restaurants, and donate them to people in need, helping both!
A visual map full of resources can be found here.
You can continue praying for Western North Carolina and staying up-to-date on the changing needs of this region. Stay in touch with Henderson County on the county website or on Hendersonville’s website.
We’ve been seeing so much good in our neighborhood and hearing admirable stories of resilience, generosity, and support from the surrounding area. We are feeling so fortunate and are grateful for the outpouring of love from alumni, campers, staff, neighbors, and our fellow camp industry professionals. We are praying for all who are dealing with the challenges from the storm, and our hearts go out to the community here.