Howdy!
My heart is breaking from the photos, videos, and stories I am seeing of the devastation from Hurricane Helene across many states, including our beloved western NC region. With the death toll continuing to rise, as of yesterday morning 180 people have died. By now you have probably received resources of ways you can help. I have been collecting links the past few days in order to share.
Two of the best resource links I’ve seen are from the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association and Appalachian Voices, that includes places to make donations, drops offs, shelters, volunteer opportunities, and more.
Down Home North Carolina and others are sharing this mutual aid link here.
As a local food advocate, grateful to hear Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI)-USA, located in Pittsboro, has created a relief fund to help Western NC farmers. 100% goes to the farmers. Link here.
WNC Resource Guide that includes county specific resources here.
You can also follow their Facebook page here.
Ways to donate and help flood victims in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene here.
Donate to World Central Kitchen to provide fresh meals to communities in need here. I saw a post from a friend that they are in the Grandfather Mountain, Avery County area. And this from Rep Marcia Morey in Durham: “We are working with World Central Kitchen and Durham’s Motorco owner, Josh Wittman, to get food prepared and out to western NC. All hands on deck. Today 400 sandwiches ready to be delivered.”
Have read that 570 AM, iHeart Asheville radio, is a blessing to many in the area.
Weaver Street Co-Op in the Triangle area is working with Triangle Mutual Aid and has drop off locations at their stores.
Deborah Kushner’s latest newsletter, Helene & the MVP: A Double Disaster.
The awesome journalist Lisa Sorg posted this message this morning:
“If you or someone you know in #WNC relies on a private well for drinking water, I’m working on a story about well contamination and the funding issues associated with getting wells tested and the water cleaned up. [email protected]”
Yesterday from NCDOT: I-40 at TN/NC line estimated to reopen September, 2025.
Last night a friend posted her daughter’s request to help get the word out. “Organizations that are putting together supplies to head to Asheville, please please please send PPE equipment. The mud and water is so contaminated and people are getting sick trying to clear it out of buildings. They don’t have water so sanitation is a huge issue. Toxic mud is eating through folks boots that are trying to do work. People are handling very polluted, very toxic, and very hazardous material.”
***ALL areas impacted need:
tyvet suits
antibacterial soaps/extreme soaps that get off hazardous material
respirators
gloves
boots
any and all PPE
Helene Should Trigger a National Rethink of Home Insurance by Kate Aronoff here.
Last month Congress passed a stopgap funding bill that cut funding for FEMA and disaster response, as FEMA’s disaster relief fund was already at a nearly $2 billion deficit. Tell Congress to come back in session to pass emergency funding for disaster relief here.
Appalachian Voices calls on Congress to approve disaster relief funding for Helene damage here.
Just heard from Jess this morning about a great opportunity beginning tomorrow!
October 4-14, Call In Days, Tell Congress: Fund FEMA!
Weekdays from noon to 1 pm on Zoom
Hosted by Appalachian Voices, join together to contact members of Congress to return NOW and pass disaster funding for Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts! Register here.
Please take care of yourselves!
Peace and love for our beautiful Earth, Karen