Hurricane Helene Relief for Southern and Central Appalachia

More than six months after Hurricane Helene hit the Southeast, recovery continues. Many families and businesses are still repairing damage, and, in many places, infrastructure is still being rebuilt. Existing damage from Helene, like mudslides and changed drainage patterns, is worsening the impacts of new storms and heighting wildfire risk. On top of these economic hardships, even businesses that weren’t directly harmed by the storm have suffered from the largely lost fall tourism season that many depend on. 

Our communities and supporters across the country have rallied together to support one another in truly incredible ways. Volunteers and monetary donations to groups on the ground are still needed, and there are still resources available for folks who have been affected by the storm and its impacts. We welcome updated or new information on resources, volunteer opportunities and more. Please email your suggestions to floodresources@appvoices.org.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers will be needed for months across the region. Many crews are organizing locally. Here are operations that are signing up volunteers for future work. We will add more as they become available.

North Carolina

Tennessee

Virginia

  • Trails to Recovery (Damascus) - Please DO NOT show up in Damascus or the surrounding area expecting a walk-up volunteer project without being in contact with a project lead or property owner beforehand. Follow along on the Trails to Recovery Facebook page. More information here. 

WAYS TO GIVE

REGIONAL / NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

STATE & LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

North Carolina (general)

Asheville, North Carolina

The High Country of North Carolina

More WNC Communities

Kentucky

Tennessee

South Carolina

Virginia

FOOD AND RESOURCE CENTERS

Contact local food and resource centers for updated hours and items available.

North Carolina

  • Asheville and surrounding area
    • Crossroads Food Pantry - FBC, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801, 828-252-4781 (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
      • Note: The clothing closet and food pantry are open Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m..
      • They accept in-date food donations but do not accept clothes or essentials at this time.
      • A meal is served on Thursdays at 12 p.m.
      • Volunteers are always welcome to help serve meals.Available items will be accessible from the Charlotte Street entrance on Thursdays. All are welcome to come and get what they need. As we prepare to welcome our neighbors, we also welcome new volunteers of all ages to serve at the Free Market both in assisting guests, unpacking food items, and picking up food items on Saturday from Trader Joes. Upcoming dates: every Thursday 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    • ABCCM - Crisis Ministry, 1543 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, 828-398-6805
      • Notes: Our Downtown lunch site has transitioned to Our Daily Bread at Sonrise, 1543 Patton Ave. To-Go meals are served from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday – Friday. Food pantry open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
      • They are taking volunteers to help with reception/front desk, food pantry/soup kitchen, clothing room, and counselor.
      • Priority Needs
        • Heaters - electric and propane
        • Generators
        • Non-perishable food
        • Canned Goods (Canned Proteins, Fruit, Other Canned Goods)
          Shelf-stable milk
        • Bread
        • Gloves
        • Hot Hands
        • Chainsaws, extra chains, bar and chain oil
      • Note: They do NOT need clothing at this time.
    • The Salvation Army - Asheville, 750 Haywood road, Asheville, NC 28806, 828-253-4723 (Tuesday-Thursday from 9am to 2:30pm.)
      • Note: We currently have Water, sanitary napkins, hygiene bags, diapers, dog/cat food, non-perishable food items, (no frozen products at this time.) toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning products. (will be distributed with the food pantry/social services encounter as clients have the need.) We also have clothing & shoes (which will be located outside to front door)  coats (adult and children's), fleece blankets, sheets, pillow cases, sleeping bags, and miscellaneous cleaning products (which are located inside and will be distributed with the food pantry/social services encounter as clients have the need.)
    • Jewish Family Services Food Pantry, 53 South French Broad Avenue, Suite 100, Asheville, NC 28801, 828-253-2900 (Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
      • Note: Call 828-253-2900 to set up an appointment to shop our food pantry, or discuss Keren Ami or JFS emergency financial assistance.
    • Loving Food Resources, 123 Kenilworth Road, Asheville, NC 28813, 828-255-9282 (Saturday from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Tuesday -Friday by appointment)
    • Family To Family - Beverly Hills Baptist, 777 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805, 828-298-1093 (Thursday, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, 2nd, 4th Week of the Month)
    • Note: We provide food boxes and other important non-perishable items to an average of 40 East Asheville families each month.
  • High Country
    • Foscoe Home Team, 10543 HWY 105 S Banner Elk, N.C., open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m - 4 p.m in their new location.
      • Note: No-Cost Store with food, clothing, bedding and other supplies. Firewood, propane, animal feed and other essentials are available some days; follow or reach out on Facebook for details. 
    • Lansing Recovery, 9710 NC-194, Lansing, NC 28643 at the Lost Province Center for Cultural Arts, Open Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. for supply distribution
  • Western region
    • The Lord's Closet - Ochre Hill Baptist Church, 14 Norman Drive, Sylva, NC 28779, 828-507-2842 (4rd Wed of the Month, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM; Upcoming: 4/23
      • Note: Clients may come into the back of the church at the Fellowship Hall, pack a food box, receive a hot meal, and shop for clothing in our Clothes Closet (All free of charge). We only require a name and number of family members. We are also offering an Emergency Food Box option. You can contact the church anytime through our Facebook page if in need of a food box.
    • The Community Table, 23 Central Street, Sylva, NC 28779, 828-586-6782
      • Note: Meals are served on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome and there is never a fee. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, so come enjoy a nutritious home-cooked meal. Our food pantry provides groceries for home use anybody in the state of NC every 2 weeks) on the same days between 11:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
    • Cornbread & Roses, 1294 Savannah Drive, Sylva, NC 28789, 828-283-0235
      • Note: Food pantry hours are: Sunday, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM; Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
    • Cullowhee Valley Baptist Church, 36 Tilley Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC 28723, 828-399-9244
      • Note: Open 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. on the 1st, 3rd Mon of the Month.
    • Maggie Valley UMC, 4192 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, 828-926-8036 (Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to noon Food Pantry open)

Tennessee

  • Eastern region
    • Second Harvest Food Bank Food Pantry Map
      • Note: Explore the map below to locate a pantry near you. To see a full list of pantries by county, please click on the links below. If you are unable to find help near you, or find yourself in need of immediate assistance, contact us via phone at (865) 521-0000 or email at info@secondharvestetn.org.

WELL WATER RESOURCES

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia residents who rely on well water should take immediate steps to ensure the safety of their water supply. Flooding can lead to private wells being contaminated by bacteria, chemicals and other pollutants. Drinking contaminated water poses serious health risks; therefore, it is critical to ensure your well water is safe.

To ensure well water safety, it is important to have your well tested as soon as possible, especially if it was submerged during the flooding or if your water smells, looks, or tastes unusual. Testing will determine if your well has been compromised by pollutants and will guide you in any necessary disinfection or treatment steps. 

By acting now and ensuring your water is safe, you can help protect your household and community from the potential hazards of post-storm contamination.

General information:

Below are some resources available in your area to assist with well-water testing.  If your municipality isn’t listed, reach out to your local government to see if assistance is available.

North Carolina

South Carolina 

Tennessee 

Virginia

 

RESOURCES

Regional/National

Area-specific resources