Hurricane Helene has had catastrophic effects in the North Carolina mountains and several other areas in our state and beyond. Thousands of people are without power, clean water, food, shelter, and much more. Roads, bridges, businesses, and homes have been washed away and damaged beyond repair. The level of destruction in the area is unconfirmed, but it is without a doubt devastating to the communities there. As rescue crews, linemen, and other emergency workers are able to get into the areas, many people are in desperate need of our help. However, there is something we can do to support and help our neighbors during this time.
Resources for Those Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Those who have been directly impacted and are continuing to the feel the effects of Hurricane Helene can use the following resources:
- FEMA's Individual Assistance Program: Call 800-621-3362 or click HERE.
- Crisis Cleanup: Call (844) 965-1386 (available through 10/11/24).
- Open Shelters: Click HERE.
- Power Outage Information: Click HERE.
Relevant Numbers
- Emergencies: 911
- Food, Shelter, Roadways, Non-Emergency Information: 211
Thankfully, many in our community are already stepping up to do just that. Below are several options that people can choose from, but the important thing is that we all do something to support, help, and love our neighbors who are going through this incredibly difficult time.
Local Efforts
In Lincoln County alone, individuals, churches, businesses, and more have come together to begin helping those in need. Grassroots efforts have sprung up across the county, and these inspiring people have reached across the state to make connections with the affected areas to best help them. The Lincoln County Regional Airport is partnering with local airports and organizations across the Western mountain region to transport supplies into the communities for those in need.
To get current, direct information, please check out Lincoln County Airport Disaster Relief HERE.
We are asking our community to help these efforts. Please consider assisting any of the options below:
Donate Supplies
Many donations are needed right now in Western North Carolina, and Lincoln County citizens have the opportunity to donate a variety of items across the county.
United Way of Lincoln County is accepting donations for Western NC at two main locations: Sally's YMCA (1601 Forney Creek Pkwy, Denver, NC 28037) and Lincoln County Family YMCA (1402 Gaston St, Lincolnton, NC 28092). Items donated to these locations will be stored in Lincolnton until transportation can be arranged to take them directly to the impacted areas.
When considering how to help, donated items are integral to the relief efforts. The following items are accepted, and this list will be updated consistently as this crisis continues:
- First Aid Supplies
- Medicines (Chewable Benadryl)
- Clot Stop/Gauze
- Propane Saw
- Toiletries/Sanitation Items
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sanitizer Wipes
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Heavy Duty Work Gloves
- Socks - All Sizes
- Sports Drinks (Powder Packets)
- Hydration Packs (Powder Form)
- Baby Wipes
- Diapers (Children & Adults)
- Baby Formula & Food (Hypoallergenic)
- Bug Spray
- Blankets
- Sunscreen
- Batteries
- Propane bottles
- Lighters
- Coffee
- Baby items
- Shovels
- Rakes
- Manual Can Openers
- Trash Bags (13 gal. or Contractor Bags)
- Non-Perishable Foods
- Cleaning Supplies
- Plastic Sheeting/Tarps
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Pet Food (Cat and Dog)
- Bags of Charcoal & Matches
- Paper Products (Paper Towels, Cups, Napkins, & Plates)
- Plastic Utensils
- Distilled Water
- Oil
- Chainsaws
- Chainsaw Oil & Chains
- Saw Blades
- Gas Containers
- Toilet paper
- Solid Baby Food (No Glass Containers)
- Boost & Ensure Drinks
- Towels
- Flashlights
- Syringes
- Liquid IV
You can also help by buying items off this Amazon Wishlist. There are a ton of items that will help the relief efforts, so please consider donating from this list! All items bought from this list are shipped directly to the Avery County Airport where the Lincoln County Airport Disaster Relief group is now operating.
Volunteer
You can make a difference! During this event, many people have felt drawn to help our community and Western NC, and that has been amazing to see. Please consider any of the opportunities below to volunteer in the impacted areas. If you have any questions or want to share any other volunteer opportunities, please email info@unitedwayoflincolncounty.org or call 211.
Assist Monetarily
Monetary donations are also incredibly important in relief efforts, and United Way of North Carolina is sending 100% of the money donated to the affected areas. Even $1 can make a massive impact in aiding Western NC. These funds will be used for help now and for long term efforts to rebuild communities across Western NC.
Consider donating HERE.
Donating and volunteering are integral in these first steps in dealing with the disaster that Western North Carolina faces. United Way of Lincoln County is dedicated to keeping this page as accurate and up-to-date as possible. If there is any missing information, please email info@unitedwayoflincolncoutny.org so that we can share it with our community.
Together, we can help our western neighbors recover.
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