As relief efforts related to Hurricane Helene's impact in Western North Carolina continue to transition from rescue to recovery, people may be unsure where to turn for help.
While there are numerous avenues available to request help, the sheer scope of the options in front of you can make it hard to know where to start (or who to trust -- learn about disaster recovery frauds and scams). The path may seem precarious, but you needn't walk it alone.
We've organized some essential resources to help get you started on the road to recovery from Hurricane Helene. Whether you're a farmer dealing with crop and livestock losses, a homeowner facing repairs or rebuilding, or part of an organization supporting community recovery, this directory simplifies things so you can get to the right place.
Moving forward, stay informed by subscribing to our daily digest with the latest news, information and resources from our Extension experts (select “NC Disaster Information Center” from the list, enter your email address and click “Subscribe”).Farmer / Agribusiness Resources
- N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) – Emergency Programs
- This program offers a variety of resources, programs and tools to help farmers recover from damage to crops, livestock and equipment.
- NCDA&CS Disaster Recovery Assistance
- Contact: (866) 645-9403 (Agriculture Emergency Weather Hotline)
- USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) – Disaster Assistance Programs
- Offers programs like the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) to help farmers and ranchers recover from disasters.
- N.C. FSA Disaster Assistance Programs (FSA County Offices)
- Overview of USDA Disaster Assistance Programs (PDF)
- Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool Learn about USDA disaster assistance programs that might be right for you by completing five simple steps.
- Contact: Local FSA office
- N.C. Cooperative Extension – Local County Offices
- Provides local expertise and personal support and guidance on recovery efforts related to a range of areas, including agriculture, food and health, homes and families, natural resources, youth development and more.
- Find Your Local Extension Office
- Farmer Stress and Mental Health Support
- Provides farmers and others agricultural workers a variety of stress assistance resources and programs.
- Find Mental Health Resources for Farmers
- Contact: (844) 325-3276 (N.C. Farm Help Line)
Property Owner / Renter Resources
- *Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Disaster Assistance
- This is the primary resource for requesting financial assistance for home repairs and temporary housing related to a disaster.
- FEMA Disaster Assistance Resources
- The Disaster Aid Tool can help you quickly apply for FEMA disaster assistance and guide you to other resources.
- Contact: (800) 621-3362
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Disaster Loans
- Homeowners, renters and businesses in recognized disaster areas can apply for low-interest loans to repair or replace damaged property.
- SBA Disaster Loan Details (Hurricane Helene)
- Apply for Assistance
- Review SBA Disaster Loans Fact Sheet (PDF) Outlines available loans, terms and rates, and related details.
- Contact: (800) 659-2955
- N.C. Department of Public Safety – State Disaster Recovery Resources
- Provides assistance to North Carolina homeowners and renters whose primary residences were damaged or destroyed by a disaster.
- Disaster Recovery | Individual Assistance Program
- Application for Uninsured or Underinsured Families *To be eligible and apply, you must first apply for (and be denied) a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan -- see above.
- Contact: (919) 825-2500
Service Agency Resources
Includes guidance regarding agencies or organizations providing support to impacted WNC communities.- American Red Cross – Disaster Relief Services
- Offers emergency shelter, food and recovery assistance.
- American Red Cross
- Contact: (800) 733-2767
- N.C. Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NC VOAD)
- Coordinates efforts of volunteer organizations to provide relief and disaster recovery support.
- NC VOAD
- Disaster Recovery Volunteer Sign Up Find information on how to volunteer with each organization and types of volunteer activities each organization leads.
- Contact: Info@ncvoad.org
- N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) – Disaster Behavioral Health Services
- Provides mental health support for disaster survivors.
- NCDHHS Disaster and Behavioral Health Resources | Communications Toolkit Includes disaster-specific tips and resources for North Carolinians. You can use the toolkit to learn safety guidance and help others do the same.
Other / General Information and Updates
- N.C. Department of Public Safety – Hurricane Helene Updates
- Provides information and resources to North Carolina residents and visitors regarding Hurricane Helene's impacts.
- NCDPS Hurricane Helene Resources
- Contact: 211 or (888) 892-1162
- Hurricane Helene Rumor Response
- False reports and misinformation regarding response efforts have been rampant on social media; utilize trusted sources of information and discourage others from sharing unverified rumors.
- Fact vs. Fiction (Situational Overview)
- N.C. Department of Transportation – WNC Road Conditions and Closures
- Find real-time road closures and traffic info statewide, including estimated road repair times related to Hurricane Helene’s impact.
- Drive NC.gov
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