Regional: Hurricane Helene Relief & Recovery Resources: Home

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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 - Hurricane Helene Relief & Recovery Resource
Many resources curated by Buncombe County Government
City of Asheville - Helene Response & Recovery Resources
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 Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Carolinas Restoration - Duke Energy
Updates on the recovery from Helene
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.

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.

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)

Food and Essentials

Disaster Food Assistance Program Buncombe County
Receive Money for Purchasing Food with D-SNAP
HUBS - General Distribution of Multiple Essentials

Shelter

Transportation

On Sunday, October 27, ART will resume normal service hours and reintroduce two modified routes. Sunday service hours will continue as normal, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

ART services will continue to be free of charge until further notice. For more information on the routes in operation, visit ashevillenc.gov/service/transit-service-alerts. (11/7/24)

Drive NC

Buncombe

Cherokee/Clay

Weekend Wellness Bags: Due to disruptions from Hurricane Helene, the Cherokee Clay Food Alliance is providing Weekend Wellness Bags for participants

Graham

Graham County travel updates

Haywood

Ready Haywood - Haywood County disaster preparedness and recovery information
Haywood County Helene Assistance Hotline: 828-356-2020. Line open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. (10/21/24)

Henderson

Henderson County Emergency Information - Helene updates, including Resource Hub and FEMA Disaster Recovery Center information
www.hvlnc.gov/wateralerts - Map to check if address is still under a System Pressure Advisory for water.
Request well water collection by the Henderson County Public Health Department.
City of Hendersonville - Helene updates
Town of Mills River - Hurricane Helene updates

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
Hurricane Helene Volunteer Line: 828-649-1815

McDowell

McDowell County Relief Resources
McDowell County Damage Assessment Reporting Form
Those in need of assistance with chainsaw work, mud-out services or other storm recovery
efforts can call the McDowell County Helene Hotline: 828-652-3241.
For non-emergency assistance related to Hurricane Helene, residents can call 828-652-3241

Mitchell

Mitchell County Helene Response Resources
Volunteer Reception Center: Open daily, matching volunteers with those in need. Call 828-660- 0818 or email VolunteerMitchell @ gmail.com to help or get assistance (10/22/24)

Polk

Polk County Hurricane Helene Updates
Town of Columbus 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

Rutherford County Emergency Management
Town of Lake Lure Public Notices
- Lake Lure Updates 10/21/24
To support disaster recovery efforts, please email volunteer @ rutherfordcountync.gov

Swain

Town of Bryson City

Transylvania

Transylvania County Disaster Recovery Resources
Transylvania Public Health will be offering free tetanus vaccines to disaster survivors and emergency response workers with puncture wounds, cuts, lacerations or other skin injuries that can be contaminated with flood waters. Call 828-884-3135.

Yancey

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).
City of Asheville & Buncombe County Daily Briefing & Resource Guide Updates
Last updated Nov. 27, 2024
Buncombe County Government
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.
City of Asheville - Helene Response & Recovery Resources
Local updates and information about the recovery effort in Asheville.
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.
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.
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.
Drive NC
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.

Western North Carolina

City of Asheville - Helene Response and Recovery
Tropical Storm Helene Open for Business Guidelines
Published by City of Asheville, Development Services Department. Last updated 10/10/24
Henderson County Emergency Mangement Information
Details current situation
Madison County emergency resource guide
from the Asheville Citizen Times, Oct 3, 2024
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 - Helene Information
Red Cross -Hurricane Helene & Milton Relief Information
NC Disaster Unemployment Assistance
United Way of North Carolina
Disaster Assistance
Western Carolina Rescue Ministries
BeLoved Asheville
Press Releases from the NC Dept of Health & Human Resources
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.

United Way - Hands on Asheville-Buncombe
United Way's volunteer center specific to responding to Hurricane Helene disaster
Volunteering & Helping
from Buncombe County Government. Oct. 2024.

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 Carolinians. 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.
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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.

From Buncombe County Helene Recovery email news 3/26/2025
Mental Health Months After the Storm
All Souls Counseling, which has been deploying therapists throughout the community since the storm, highlights the importance of mental health support and taking care of yourself. Even through distress after a natural disaster is normal, it is important to recognize that these feelings can transition into something more serious.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety may arise, including persistent flashbacks or intrusive memories, severe mood swings, changes in sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating or withdrawal from social interactions. It is normal to experience hypervigilance following a natural disaster, and it can be a sign of anxiety and can be worse with severe weather. If you are feeling any of these symptoms, reach out to trained specialists, build a support network, and practice self care. Resources include:

All Souls Counseling Center: 828-259-3369
Mobile Crisis: 888-573-1006
Comprehensive Care Center: 828-254-2700, rhahealthservices.org
MAHEC: 828-398-3601, mahec.net
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
NC Peer Warmline: 1-855-733-7762
VAYA Health Behavioral Health Crisis Line 1-800-849-6127 | vayahealth.com
988: Call, text or chat 24/7

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.

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.

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).

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)
Huracán Helene: Hechos vs. Rumores
From the NC Department of Public Safety
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.

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.