Hurricane Helene Response and Recovery

Hurricane Helene devastated much of western NC, other parts of NC and neighboring states of Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia. South Carolina and Florida. The mountains were hit hardest, with severe flooding and landslides, leaving many communities in ruin.

DOI is coordinating with law enforcement agencies, emergency management, fire departments, rescue squads, charities, churches and civic groups to do everything we can at the state and local level to assist the victims. DOI Consumer Assistance will be on the ground for the next three weeks to help with insurance claims and other needs.

This web page will be updated with the latest information on the DOI Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

Visit ncdoi.gov/disaster for information on what to do Before, During and After a Storm.

Tab/Accordion Items

Victim Assistance Centers

Date	County	Address
Wednesday, November 20, 9:00am-4:00pm	Macon	Macon County Public Health Center, 1830 Lakeside Drive, Franklin, NC
Thursday, December 5, 9:00am-4:00pm	Buncombe	Buncombe County, Asheville Mall (Old GAP store), 3 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC

Insurance Camps

Date	Location	Address
None scheduled at this time...

FEMA

Apply for Disaster Assistance

The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.

Get Immediate Help

Find help with needs that FEMA is not authorized to provide. Check with your local emergency management officials. The FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362) may be able to provide additional referrals. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.

The Disaster Distress Helpline

(DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

Crisis Cleanup

Get assistance with debris cleanup from Hurricane Helene: (844) 965-1386. All services are free, but not guaranteed. The hotline will remain open through Friday, October 11.

United Way NC

If you need assistance with resources, such as housing, transportation, food, and other basic needs, call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 or visit nc211.org

Red Cross

Open Shelters List

The Red Cross responds to emergencies in order to meet the urgent needs of those affected by disaster. Our focus is to ensure those impacted are provided safe shelter, food, emotional support, health services, and critical relief items. Once emergent needs are met the Red Cross works one-on-one with clients to help them plan their recovery.

Services such as evacuation coordination, search and rescue, advanced medical care, pet sheltering and medical sheltering are best performed by government agencies or organizations that have the resources, trained workers and expertise to carry out those functions. We work closely with the groups involved in those services to ensure that we can meet the needs of people who come to us for help. 1-800- 733-2767

How to apply for help with utility bills after a disaster

Your local Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may help pay your heating and cooling utility bills after a disaster.

Each LIHEAP office sets its own criteria and process for getting help after a disaster

North Carolina

Ms. Jasmyne Simmons
Energy Program Consultant
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Social Services, Economic & Family Services
820 S. Boylan Avenue - Hargrove Building
2420 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-2420
TEL: (919) 527-7253
FAX: (919) 334-1265
E-MAIL: jasmyne.simmons@dhhs.nc.gov
WEB SITE: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services

SBA disaster loan

If your business or home suffered damage and is in a presidentially declared disaster area, you may qualify for financial help. Find out how to apply for a small business disaster loan.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest loans after a disaster. The loans can help businesses of all sizes, nonprofit organizations, and individual households. The loans can pay for: Repair or replacement of physical damages; Expenses that your business’ or homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover; Personal expenses- SBA contact center at 1-800-659-2955

Unemployment benefits after a disaster

Disaster unemployment assistance provides short-term income to people who are out of work due to a disaster. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply. You may qualify for disaster unemployment assistance if you:

Lost your job as a direct result of a presidentially declared disaster
Do not already receive unemployment benefits
Cannot reach your job because of the disaster
Cannot work because of a disaster-related injury

1-888-737-0259 -NC Department of Commerce, Employment Security

Dial 211 to find emergency housing

In most areas of the U.S., you can dial 211 to connect with local social services and get referrals for emergency housing.

Volunteers needed with Samaritans Purse

(828) 588-5711 English

(833) 610-4243 Español

Currently scheduling volunteers beginning Monday, September 30, 2024 through Saturday, November 2, 2024.

Location: Boone, NC

Project Description: Volunteers will assist homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene and will help in Jesus' Name with tree work, debris cleanup, roof tarping, and mud outs. There will be opportunities for overnight and day volunteers. No skills are necessary prior to serving. Volunteers will be led and instructed by experienced team leads.

Length of Stay: Minimum stay of three days for overnight volunteers. Maximum stay of 2 weeks.

Schedule: Volunteers will work Monday through Saturday. At the beginning of a deployment, we work limited hours on Sundays.

Maximum Team Size: 15 (a team is made up of 2 or more individuals)

Minimum Age: Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age or older. Youth, ages 14-15, must be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian, and youth, ages 16-17, must be accompanied by an adult chaperone unless the team is registered as a youth group. Youth groups may serve with Samaritan’s Purse and are required to complete a Youth Leader Covenant. Please read more information about our Youth Policy in the FAQ section.

Local / Day Volunteers: If you are local to the area, we welcome you to serve for the day. Due to the nature of disaster relief, our schedule must remain fluid. Due to many road closures please visit drivenc.gov prior to traveling. Please arrive at our orientation location, Alliance Bible Fellowship, 1035 North Carolina HWY 105 Bypass, Boone, NC 28607. Volunteers will work Monday - Saturday, beginning Monday, September 30, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. Day volunteers will need to bring a bagged lunch, water, and hand sanitizer.

Additional Information: Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to the site. Meals and sleeping quarters are provided for overnight volunteers. Volunteers need to bring twin size air mattress or cot, linens/sleeping bag, pillow, towels and personal hygiene items. Tools will be provided, and volunteers are welcome to bring their own tool belts and small hand tools. Volunteers should dress in long pants and sturdy boots.

Hurricane Helene Response and Recovery