Regional: Hurricane Helene Relief & Recovery Resources: Home

About

This resource guide has been curated by MAHEC librarians to support relief and recovery for those impacted by Hurricane Helene in WNC. There are two main pages: Home - General and Consumer Information and Healthcare Provider Resources. Services are rapidly changing; please consult with hubs and official agencies for the latest details. The guide is not a comprehensive list.

Helene Aftermath

Top Resources for Helene Relief and Recovery

2-1-1 North Carolina
United Way’s NC 211 is an information and referral service that connects North Carolinians to verified resources for basic needs, such as housing and utility assistance, food, healthcare, transportation, and more. Anyone in North Carolina can make a free and confidential call to 2-1-1 (or 888-892-1162).
Buncombe County Hurricane Helene Recovery Site
As Buncombe County recovers from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, this site will provide timely updates on the work done to support our community in a number of key areas and offer a place for residents to ask questions, provide input, and have a voice in the rebuilding process. Sign up to receive email updates.
Buncombe County Government
Asheville Recovers
Local updates and information about the recovery effort in Asheville.
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program
Helps people in disaster area who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment that they need. From the Administration Strategic Preparedness & Response at the Department of Health & Human Services
FEMA Disaster Assistance
Resources can be searched by location. Includes list of Red Cross open shelters, other shelters, links to Small business Administration, and other local agencies

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(1/28) Due to building-related issues, FEMA will close the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Asheville Mall in Buncombe County at 6 p.m. Jan. 29. Two DRCs will open elsewhere in Buncombe County 8 a.m. Jan. 29:
- Fairview Public Library 1 Taylor Road Fairview, NC 28730
- Weaverville Town Hall 30 South Main Street Weaverville, NC 28787
You can visit any open center; to find one near you, visit the DRC locator at www.fema.gov/drc. No appointment is needed. Hours at all locations are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays
NCDHHS - Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources
Recovery resources and information from the NC Department of Health and Human Services, including FNS and WIC information, mental health, and disability resources.
Operating Pharmacies in Counties Affected by Hurricane Helene
from the NC Board of Pharmacy. Updated regularly.

Recovery Resources

NC Unemployment Assistance
Outage Map - French Broad Electric Membership Corporation
NCDHHS Guidelines for Safe Water Use
NC Disaster Case Management | NC DPS
In the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, the North Carolina Disaster Case Management Program (NC-DCM) is available to guide survivors through the recovery process.

Emotional Recovery : American Red Cross
1-800-985-5990: Disaster Distress Hotline
Disaster Distress Hotline - To reach out for free 24/7 counseling or support, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Available in English & Spanish.
1-855-587-3463: Help for Helpers Hope4NC first responders hotline
Hope4NC Helpline from NCDHHS provides mental health support for first responders and volunteers working on our Hurricane Helene disaster response

Mental Health Resources for MAHEC Employees (01/2025)

Buncombe

Cherokee/Clay

Cherokee Clay Food Alliance

Graham

Graham County travel updates

Haywood

Ready Haywood - Haywood County disaster preparedness and recovery information

Henderson

Henderson County Emergency Information - Helene updates, including Resource Hub and FEMA Disaster Recovery Center information
Town of Mills River

Jackson

Jackson County - Hurricane Helene resources

Macon

Residents can submit unmet needs and information requests via email to heleneneeds @ maconnc.org and the request or information will be routed to the most appropriate agency, department or individual.

Madison

Madison County - Helene Updates

McDowell

McDowell County Relief Resources
McDowell County Damage Assessment Reporting Form
For non-emergency assistance related to Hurricane Helene, residents can call 828-652-3241

Mitchell

Mitchell County Helene Response Resources

Polk

Polk County Hurricane Helene Updates
Public Hurricane Helene Hotline: 828-722-5086
For non-emergency assistance or welfare checks related to
Hurricane Helene, residents can call 828-722-5025 or 828-722-5026

Rutherford

Swain

Town of Bryson City

Transylvania

Transylvania County Disaster Recovery Resources

Yancey

The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program
For help enrolling in the program, call 1-855-793-7470 (TDD 1-800-876-1089). ASPR has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program for certain zip codes in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee to help uninsured residents replace prescription medicines or certain medical equipment lost or damaged in Hurricane Helene that impacted communities in the area.
Operating Pharmacies in Counties Affected by Hurricane Helene
from the NC Board of Pharmacy. Updated regularly.

Shelter

Selected Hurricane Helene Relief & Recovery Resources (use tabs)

2-1-1 North Carolina
See News section for specifics to Hurricane Relief & Recovery. United Way’s NC 211 is an information and referral service that connects North Carolinians to verified resources for basic needs, such as housing and utility assistance, food, healthcare, transportation, and more. Anyone in North Carolina can make a free and confidential call to 2-1-1 (or 888-892-1162).
AppalachiaRelief
Open. crowdsourced, vetted info by people on the ground for people on the ground. Includes information relevant to Asheville and surrounding counties impacted the hurricane. Categories include financial support, communication, disaster assistance, food, fuel & power, distribution hubs, shelters, transportation & roads, trash, water, showers & laundry, animals & animal transport, child care & supplies, demolition & construction, healthcare, mental health, translators, donation & volunteer opportunities, mutual aid and more. Accepts and vets email submissions to the guide.
Asheville Recovers
Local updates and information about the recovery effort in Asheville.
Buncombe County- Helene Recovery Resource Guide
Buncombe County has compiled a number of resources to assist those who were impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. This guide includes information on grant programs and food, housing, and health services.
Please note: Due to the nature of disaster recovery, area resources change frequently. This guide is current as of March 19, 2025.
Buncombe County Government
Drive NC
Helene Response & Rebuild - WNC General Resources
As of November 1, 2024, no longer being updated. Please verify information that may be out-of-date before relying on it.
NCDHHS - Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources
Recovery resources and information from the NC Department of Health and Human Services, including FNS and WIC information, mental health, and disability resources.
NC DPS Emergency Management Local Information
Last Updated: Oct. 19, 2024. Links to local information and resources for North Carolina residents and visitors who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
North Carolina Disaster Response & Recovery
Compiled by UNC Chapel Hill's Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility and Center for Public Engagement with Science, this site includes concise documents that include consumer-friendly information about Mold & Moisture, Safe Drinking Water & Food, Insects & Wildlife, Air Quality Hazards, Child Care Needs, and Flooding & Landslides.
Small Business Recovery Guide 2024
Published by the City of Asheville this guide has been developed to support you in reopening and recovering, providing guidance on critical procedures and offering multiple avenues for financial assistance, including grants and loans. This guide is a comprehensive resource designed to help you navigate everything from securing emergency permits to accessing available funding, allowing you to focus on reopening safely and successfully. As available information changes, this guide will be updated and re-released.

Western North Carolina

Asheville Recovers
WNC County Health Departments
Buncombe Ready
NCDHHS - Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources
FEMA Recovery Guide
From City of Asheville, November 2024
FEMA - North Carolina Tropical Storm Helene
Pisgah Legal Services
Providing pro bono services in landlord-tenant conflict and foreclosure, intimate partner and domestic violence, immigration, health insurance, unemployment benefits and stimulus checks, public benefits (food stamps, disability, Medicaid, etc.), debt or creditor issues. Call 1-800-489-6144 (M-F 8:30AM-5PM) or complete the online application to request assistance.
Red Cross -Hurricane Helene & Milton Relief Information
NC Unemployment Assistance
United Way of North Carolina
Disaster Assistance
Western Carolina Rescue Ministries
Anyone who was displaced from their homes by Helene in need of a warm place can contact Western Carolina Rescue Ministries at 828-254-0471.
BeLoved Asheville
MAHEC
Mountain Area Health Education Center provides clinical care and healthcare education.

National

Red Cross
NOAA - National Hurricane Center
CDC -Natural Disasters & Severe Weather
Protect yourself and your loved ones by knowing how to prepare for natural disasters and how to stay safe during and after them.
CDC - National Center for Environmental Health
Plans, directs, and coordinates a program to protect the American people from environmental hazards. We promote a healthy environment and prevent premature death, avoidable illness and disability caused by non-infectious, non-occupational environmental and related factors.
Ready.gov for Kids, Teens, and Families
Ready.gov

United Way - Hands on Asheville-Buncombe
United Way's volunteer center specific to responding to Hurricane Helene disaster

Emergency Prescription Assistance Program
Helps people in disaster area who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment that they need. From the Administration Strategic Preparedness & Response at the Department of Health & Human Services
Operating Pharmacies in Counties Affected by Hurricane Helene
from the NC Board of Pharmacy. Last Update December 13, 2024.

Essential Evidence Plus
Freely available to North Carolinian Healthcare Providers.

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Essential Evidence Plus is a powerful, comprehensive clinical decision support system that integrates information on 9,000 diagnoses into healthcare professionals' clinical workflows. This clinical tool, created by an international team of renowned medical experts, was developed for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals on the front line of patient care.
Mental Health Provider List
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the need for mental health services will be critical. As the immediate physical needs of those affected are being addressed, the next phase of relief will involve ongoing emotional and psychological support for those impacted. To help meet this need, the National Association of Social Workers North Carolina in conjunction with the NC Psychological Association, North Carolina Psychiatric Association, the National Register of Health Service Psychologists, the NC Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and the Licensed Clinical Counselors of North Carolina, have compiled a list of mental health providers willing to offer free or sliding-scale fees for individuals affected by the hurricane.

Employment Security
Asistencia de desempleo por desastre En Español 919-276-5698 from NC Department of Commerce
Asistencia de desempleo por desastre
from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Huracán Helene
from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Cruz Roja Americana
American Red Cross
Línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis
To reach a Spanish-speaking crisis counselors, call or text 988 and press option 2, text "AYUDA" to 988, or chat online at Linea988.org.
828-254-0516 - Helpmate Hotline
¿Usted sufre de algún tipo de abuso? ¿Su pareja tiene una conducta violenta, amenazadora, crítica o controladora? Llámenos al 828-254-0516.

Crisis Solutions North Carolina
Find crisis response services by County. Behavioral health crises can be serious but most do not require a visit to a hospital emergency department. Using other specialized crisis services may connect you more quickly to ongoing resources to support your recovery.
2-1-1 North Carolina
United Way’s NC 211 currently is highlighting resources specific to hurricane relief & recovery: recovery centers, shelters and more. It is an information and referral service that connects North Carolinians to verified resources for basic needs, such as housing and utility assistance, food, healthcare, transportation, and more. Anyone in North Carolina can make a free and confidential call to 2-1-1 (or 888-892-1162).
988: Emotional Support Hotline
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis call or text 988 or chat at www.988lifeline.org for a trained crisis counselor 24/7. To reach a Spanish-speaking crisis counselors, call or text 988 and press option 2, text "AYUDA" to 988, or chat online at Linea988.org.
1-855-587-3463: Help for Helpers Hope4NC first responders hotline
Hope4NC Helpline from NCDHHS provides mental health support for first responders and volunteers working on our Hurricane Helene disaster response
1-800-626-4959: The Disability Disaster Hotline
The Disability Disaster Hotline provides information, referrals and guidance to people with disabilities and their families during disasters.
1-800-985-5990: Disaster Distress Hotline
Disaster Distress Hotline - To reach out for free 24/7 counseling or support, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Available in English & Spanish.
828-254-0516 (domestic abuse) - Helpmate Hotline
Works with community to eliminate abuse and fear by providing safety, shelter, and support for victims/survivors of intimate partner domestic violence.
NAMI Helpline 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Chat or Text "helpline" to 62640
A free service that provides information, referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., ET. The number is 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

American Institute for Conservation
Emergency response resources to support individuals and institutions to preserve and protect their collections. Emergency hotline by the National Heritage Responders: 202.661.8068 .If not, urgent? Email emergencies@culturalheritage.org.
Disaster Preparedness & Response Training Tools
From the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences this site includes training and tools that support disaster response & recovery. They are also available in app form.
Disaster Response & Recovery Guides
From the National Heritage Responders, this site includes tip sheets, videos, and more to help collecting institutions and individuals respond when their collections are affected by a disaster. Topics include smoke and soot, mold, drying wet collections and buildings, health and safety, and more.
Emergency Response and Salvage Mobile App
A free mobile app via Blackberry that provides expert guidance accessible to anyone who is in need of practical advice for saving collections in the first 48 hours after disaster strikes. Created by The American Institute for the Conservation of Historic ad Artistic Works and the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training.
Land Recovery Series (Aug - Nov, 2025. Online and in-person. Registration required)
NC - Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN)
Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN) provides real-time water levels and flood inundation products across North Carolina. This information is intended for flood preparedness and response.

Small Business Recovery Guide 2024
Published by the City of Asheville this guide has been developed to support you in reopening and recovering, providing guidance on critical procedures and offering multiple avenues for financial assistance, including grants and loans. This guide is a comprehensive resource designed to help you navigate everything from securing emergency permits to accessing available funding, allowing you to focus on reopening safely and successfully. As available information changes, this guide will be updated and re-released.
Transitional Sheltering Assistance - FEMA
FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance has been activated for survivors allowing for short-term, emergency sheltering options in participating hotels. Look up a hotel. Requires FEMA registration ID. In order to receive sheltering assistance, start by applying for assistance. You must have a FEMA registration ID and approval from FEMA to participate. If FEMA has reached out to you about sheltering assistance, you can look up participating hotels.
Western Carolina Rescue Ministries
Anyone who was displaced from their homes by Helene in need of a warm place can contact Western Carolina Rescue Ministries at 828-254-0471.