Hurricane Helene Relief

For Assistance and Help

The unbelievable devastation that has occurred in Western North Carolina (and beyond) has greatly affected our surrounding community. If you are looking for resources because you were impacted by Hurricane Helene or would like to help, please see below for an abbreviated list of resources and ways to help.

Note: Community Service Leave for eligible employees can be used during work hours to help. OSHR (Office of State Human Resources) will offer a temporary expansion of the Community Service Leave (CSL) policy. This expansion will allow state employees to volunteer for organized storm-related efforts coordinated by a local government entity (county or municipality) in addition to established nonprofits. Accordingly, each employee will have available an additional 16 hours (two days) of paid CSL leave specific to storm-related activities to expire on December 31, 2024. This increases the maximum amount of paid CSL leave from 24 hours to 40 hours for the remainder of 2024. Employees should obtain prior approval from their supervisor.

Monetary and Supply Donations

WCU Emergency Assistance Fund
    
    
Vecinos - Cash donations are the most needed to support food, restoration, and medical assistance for vulnerable WNC communities.
Manna Food Bank - Location in Asheville (99 Broadpointe Drive, Mills River, NC) looking for items and monetary donations. Water, clothing, and outerweat/camping supplies are not needed at this time. Most needed items: pop-top cans of fruit, vegtables, meat, beans, protein bars and healthy snacks, menstrual products, personal hygiene products, disposable paper products. To donate large (truck/semi-truck) donations please contact: donationsupplies@mannafoodbank.org.
American Red Cross - Monetary support for Hurricane Helene relief
Salvation Army of the Carolinas - Monetary support for Hurricane Helene relief
Baptists on Mission - Monetary support for Hurricane Helene relief
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue - Needs monetary donations to support animals in need.
Buncombe County Donations - Ways to donate supplies
Henderson County - To donate supplies or money
The following organizations need certain supplies in Jackson County. Drop-off at the locations on their website: Corn Bread & Roses (shelf stable items), Haywood Meals on Wheels (Pet Food), Haywood Pathways Center (Hygiene products, 13 or 30 gallon trash bags, paper products), Fusions Spa (Diapers, towels, sheets, Benadryl, winter clothes and accessories, blankets, sleeping bags)
West Yancey Fire Department - In need of supples to help with heating as we get into the colder months. Deliver to 6557 US 19 Burnsville, NC, 28714. 
Mercy Fund Animal Rescue - 100% volunteer foster-based rescue in McDowell County, NC looking for donations to help animals post- Helene
BeLoved Asheville - In need of monetary donations and supply donations.
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center - In need of monetary support to re-establish an art hub in near Swannanoa/Asheville.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Tips for volunteers for Flood Cleanup and Volunteer Safety    
    
   
American Red Cross - Volunteer opportunities for Hurricane Helene relief
Baptists on Mission - Volunteers are needed: feeding; shower and laundry; chain saw teams; tarping roofs; mudding and tearing out homes; and more. You don’t need to be trained to serve with some of these opportunities.
Samaritan's Purse - Volunteers assist homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene in Asheville NC.
Mercy Chefs - Provide hot meals to those in need and those who are volunteering.
Beloved Asheville - Seeking volunteers to distribute supplies. Updates of needs can be found on their Instagram.
Haywood Christian Ministry - Seeking volunteers in the Waynesville area.
Henderson County - To volunteer to help those in need
MAHEC Medical Shelter - Needs nurses or nursing students. Located in Asheville, NC. Contact Chelsea Rangel at crangel@wcu.edu.
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County - Multiple shifts, locations, and organizations to volunteer with.
Macon County (Franklin) Gr828 WNC/Intake Distribution Center - Needs assistance with handing out supplies
Haywood Pathways Center - In need of cook team assistants. You will need to create a profile, sign a waiver, give permission for a background check, then RSVP for a date. Volunteers help cook, serve and prepare to-go plates. 
Manna Food Bank - Looking for volunteers in their Asheville locations. You must register on their site to select a volunteer slot.
Innovation Station & Wilmington Response - Sign up for a timeslot to work at their distribution center at 653 Scotts Creek Road, Sylva, NC. When you turn on Scotts Creek Road go all the way to the back, throught he black gate, and to the end of the building. 
Hands-on Asheville/Buncombe - A volunteer option at a United Way's volunteer center.

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Resources and Support for Hurricane Helene Victims

WCU Employee Aid FormWCU Student Aid Form

     
Jackson County - Resources for Jackson County residents 
Buncombe County - Resources for Buncombe County residents
Haywood County - Resources for Haywood County residents
Henderson County - Resources for Henderson County residents
Madison County - Resources for Madison County residents
Transylvania County - Resources for Transylvania County residents
FEMA Application - For assistance and support if you were impacted by Hurricane Helene
Pisgah Legal Service - Providing assistance to apply for FEMA aid that may provide upfront funds for emergency supplies (food/water/etc.) or funds to repair storm-related damage, and help finding a temporary place to stay. Survivors get assistance in three ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or on the FEMA App.
Unemployment Assistance - If you cannot work because of Hurricane Helene you may be eligible for unemployment benefits and temporary payments.
Legal Aid of North Carolina - For help check out the resources on their website or call 866-219-5262. 
NCFLEX MetLife Legal Resources - Free attorney document review and consultation to all NCFLEX employees impacted by the storm available through December 31, 2024. Contact MetLife's Client Service Center at 800-821-6400 identify yourself as an NCFLEX employee and indicate you would like assistance in document review and consultation services as part of the Emergency Response Legal Assistance Plan. They can review documents and provide assistance for: federal aid and insurance, identity theft due to lost documents, answering questions about damaged property, and advice on dealing with creditors and bill collectors. WCU Employees can access the MetLife Legal Plans self-help document library to complete wills, living wills, and power of attorney documents at https://www.legalplans.com/why-enroll.

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Resources and Support for Small Businesses

Resources for Businesses - Resources for Businesses and Chambers affected by Hurricane Helene.
Haywood County Small Business - Haywood County small business recovery resources.
Grow Your Good- Consulting Firm that helps non-profits and organizations. They firm is planning to offer a "pay as you can" sliding scale for disaster response assistance to those organizations directly impacted.
Small Business Assistance Center - Providing low interest loans for businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters impacted by the storm. Visit their website or visit SBA representatives in person at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce (36 Montford Ave). Hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Henderson County Small Business - Hendersonville small business recovery resources.
WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund - Loans up to $100.000 to help meet immediate needs and bridge longer term relief. 
The Economic Development Partnership of NC - Resources for Small Businesses
Community Foundation of WNC - Frontline Human Service Needs funding
IRS - Deadlines postponed to support Hurricane Helene victims
Restaurants & Hotels - https://recovery.ncrla.org/ and also https://southernsmoke.org/
Artists & Crafters - https://cerfplus.org/
The NC Arts Council has many specific resources and grants for artists: NC Arts Disaster Relief Resources – Arts North Carolina (artsnc.org)

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Healthcare Related Resources

Medical Care

• Free Teledoc Services: Aetna, the State Health Plans Third Party Administrator as of January 1, 2025, has offered State Health Plan members located in the areas impacted by Hurricane Helene use of Teledoc services for free during this time. Impacted members do not need an Aetna identification number or card to use this free service. (Teledoc Flyer: https://www.shpnc.org/documents/shp-documents/aetna-teledoc-hurrica-helene-flyer/downlaod?attachment)
• UNC Health has offered that any adult residents (ages 18+) of Western North Carolina can see a UNC Health primary care provider for mild symptoms without an appointment through UNC Health Virtual Care Now free of charge for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. You can get in line for Virtual Care Now through My UNC Chart.  If you do not have a My UNC Chart account, you can easily get one when you get in line. Virtual services are available 6 a.m. - 10 p.m., 7 days per week. Learn more here: https://wllmsg.co/3l74u9
• Mission Health Physician Services: Mission Health has sent out the following message that may be helpful to you and your family – Due to Hurricane Helene, many of our clinics are without utilities and are closed until further notice. If you have an upcoming appointment or need care, please call 855-815-3783 to check clinic status before driving in.
• Oxygen Tank Refills - Contact Donna at Mountaineer Oxygen at 828-586-5353 for questions related to home oxygen tanks and needed refills. 
• State Health Plan ID Cards: We realize that some members have been displaced and/or currently do not have access to receive mail. 2024 Virtual State Health Plan ID cards are available and can be accessed by logging into Blue Connect via eBenefits. 2025 ID cards will be mailed at the end of November – early December. Members will also have access to a virtual ID card through Aetna. This virtual card can be accessed via the Aetna member portal or through Aetna’s app. For assistance, members can also call Aetna at 833-690-1037.

NCFLEX - EyeMed Resources

• EyeMed Enrolled Employees:
  • EyeMed Cares – will have Customer Care Center representatives ready to provide the following services for affected hurricane members via a dedicated emergency toll-free line 1-866-652-0018.
    • Temporary adjustable glasses: The glasses enable individuals to adjust for different distances for reading, computer and distance. The glasses will be shipped free of charge. If an employee is displaced, EyeMed will work with the employee to determine a location where they can be picked up.
    • Free Shipping for Glasses and Contacts: EyeMed agents can provide discount codes that can be used online at Glasses.com and ContactDirect.com to receive free, expedited shipping for replacement lenses and contact lenses.
• Non- EyeMed Employees: 
  • EyeMed also understands the need for immediate assistance may extend beyond just members. So, EyeMed has partnered with OneSight, a non-profit organization that provides eye care and eyewear solutions for those in need around the globe, to provide assistance to non-EyeMed members in need. Non-EyeMed members can reach out to OneSight for assistance at 1-888-935-4589 or their website.

Pharmacies

• The NC Board of Pharmacy is maintaining a list of operating pharmacies in counties affected by Hurricane Helene. You can find the closest operating pharmacy through their website. 
• CVS Caremark, the State Health Plan’s Pharmacy Benefits Manager is available to assist members with their medications. Those needing assistance can call CVS Caremark at 888-321-3124.

Mental Health Resources

• Compsych Employee Assistance Program: GuidanceResources is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide assistance during times of crisis. Expert, caring clinicians will answer your call directly and put you and your family members in touch with the tools, information and local professionals you need. The help is immediate, confidential and available to you at no cost. To get help:
  • Call: 855 259-0382
  • Web ID: WCUEAP
• In addition, GuidanceResources Online offers a crisis portal at guidanceresources.com/crisis , to provide immediate, direct access to online tools and information. Access the site’s most relevant and popular articles on disaster, grief, trauma and other relevant topics.
• Living Directory for Pro Bono Mental Health Services: This list is comprised of providers willing to offer pro bono individual sessions or groups for individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. If you are an individual looking for pro bono services, please indicate that when calling or emailing.
• The national Disaster Distress Helpline(call or text 1-800-985-5990; for Spanish, press “2”)  is dedicated to providing crisis counseling and support 24/7/365 for anyone in the U.S./territories experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Callers can connect with DDH hotline counselors in 100+ additional languages via third-party interpretation services. People who are Deaf or hard of hearing can use the text option, or for TTY, use their preferred Relay service or dial 7-1-1 and then 1-800-985-5990.
• WCU Counseling and Psychological Services - For WCU students to schedule an appointment call 828-227-7469. If experiencing a crisis after hours (outside of 8:00am - 5:00pm) call 828.227.7469 and select "0" when prompted to be connected to a crisis counselor.