NC REALTORS® Rally to Support Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene
The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina has left many families and businesses facing unimaginable challenges. The destruction, loss, and disruption to daily life have deeply affected the region, and our thoughts are with all those impacted by this catastrophic event.
For those who have lost homes, businesses, or loved ones, please know that you are not alone. Communities across the state and beyond are ready to offer support as the rebuilding begins.
Moving People, Resources, or Equipment
Until further notice, roads in Western NC (generally anywhere west of Hickory, NC) are closed to all traffic other than emergency services and pre-approved shipments coordinated through the N.C. Emergency Management Business Emergency Operations Center (NCEM-BEOC).
Therefore, if you plan to move people, resources, or equipment into western North Carolina, you MUST coordinate plans and movements through the NCEM-BEOC. You can email your supply logistics or movement requests to: BEOC@ncdps.gov, make sure to begin your Subject Line with: Logistics Support.
- What are you moving? Why you need special access.
- When do you plan to move and from where?
- Where are you going?
- When will they arrive at the “border to Western NC” and where?
Volunteering
Do NOT self-deploy! Do not travel to impacted areas without coordinating with local and state officials. Half of all roads are blocked or broken. You will likely run out of gas, and gas stations are empty in western NC.
- Also, check with your local associations to see if any recovery efforts and donation drives are being coordinated in your local area.
- Sign up as a shelter volunteer. “VolunteerNC is looking for volunteers to help serve our state with disaster services.” https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DBF2JM9
- Sign up to answer calls to Crisis Cleanup hotline. “English and Spanish volunteers ARE DESPERATELY needed for our hotline. Info is located here: https://tinyurl.com/ms3nmw53.”
- For organizations with large numbers of volunteers or supplies, such as feeding 1,000+ people daily, contact NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster at sert@ncvoad.org or make an offer on https://volunteernc.app.needslist.co/.
How to donate?
Do NOT collect donations of clothes or furniture. There’s nowhere to process or manage those donations and sending them now could interrupt critical response efforts. Learn more from FEMA and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.
- To donate to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation:
- Text HeleneRelief24 to 71777
- Visit their website at RRF.realtor
- Mail a check payable to REALTORS® Relief Foundation, 430 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 (Include “RRF Contribution” in the memo)
- To contribute to the North Carolina REALTORS® Housing Foundation: Visit ncrealtorshf.org and select “disaster relief” on the donation form.
- Cash donations can also be made to the State Disaster Relief Fund, managed by United Way of NC, at this link. To coordinate messaging around major donations, please click here.
- Don’t forget, your REALTOR® Partner, Office Depot, offers essential supplies like water, paper products, disinfectants, and cleaning materials for donations. They can also ship directly to the address of your choice.
Homeowners and Renters
NC REALTORS® has filed a request for housing-related assistance from the REALTORS® Relief Foundation. If you are able, you can contribute by texting HeleneRelief24 to 71777, visiting RRF.realtor, or sending a check. 100% of contributions received through Friday, October 11 that are earmarked for support of Hurricane Helene will go to support victims through our grant program. As soon as we have more information, we will post on this website.
FEMA has begun taking applications for the Individual Assistance Program, which includes money for emergency housing at hotels, immediate recovery needs and more. Call 800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov for more information or to get started on an application.
Important Resources & Key Information
- Hurricanes, Flooding, and NFIP Resources
- NC REALTORS® Hurricane Resources
- Official state response and recovery information can be found at https://www.ncdps.gov/helene.
- The Official FEMA site for Hurricane Helene’s impacts in North Carolina can be found at https://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/3617
- American Red Cross of North Carolina– Provides emergency shelter, food, and disaster relief: Red Cross Disaster Assistance.
- NC Emergency Management– A comprehensive hub for real-time updates and recovery resources: NC Emergency Management
- For news coverage in Espanol use the following links:
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance– Support for those whose employment has been impacted by the hurricane: NC DUA Program
- Mental Health Support – If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can access the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 for 24/7 emotional support.
