The Disaster Distress Helpline
(DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
Dial 211 to find emergency housing, food or water
In most areas of the U.S., you can dial 211 to connect with local social services and get referrals for emergency housing.
United Way of NC
If you need assistance with resources, such as housing, transportation, food, and other basic needs, call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 or visit nc211.org
FEMA
Apply for Disaster Assistance
The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.
Get Immediate Help
Find help with needs that FEMA is not authorized to provide. Check with your local emergency management officials. The FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362) may be able to provide additional referrals. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.
Drive NC
Check for road closures due to the storm. https://drivenc.gov/
Small Business Disaster Loan
If your business or home suffered damage and is in a presidentially declared disaster area, you may qualify for financial help. Find out how to apply for a small business disaster loan.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest loans after a disaster. The loans can help businesses of all sizes, nonprofit organizations, and individual households. The loans can pay for: Repair or replacement of physical damages; Expenses that your business’ or homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover; Personal expenses- SBA contact center at 1-800-659-2955
Unemployment Benefits after a disaster
Disaster unemployment assistance provides short-term income to people who are out of work due to a disaster. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply. You may qualify for disaster unemployment assistance if you:
- Lost your job as a direct result of a presidentially declared disaster
- Do not already receive unemployment benefits
- Cannot reach your job because of the disaster
- Cannot work because of a disaster-related injury
1-888-737-0259 -NC Department of Commerce, Employment Security
How you can help
A donation drop-off site has been set up at 118 McAbee Court in Flat Rock is accepting perishable food items, bottled water, toiletries and baby formula. Please note they are not accepting new or used clothing at this time. This location is for donation drop-offs only. For a complete list of accepted items and donation details, visit www.
A donation drop-off site has been set up at 118 McAbee Court in Flat Rock is accepting perishable food items, bottled water, toiletries and baby formula. Please note they are not accepting new or used clothing at this time. This location is for donation drop-offs only. For a complete list of accepted items and donation details, visit www.visithendersonvillenc.org/helene-relief.
You can also drop off donations at the following locations: Reuter Family YMCA at 3 Town Square Blvd, Asheville, N.C., in Biltmore Park Town Square and Universal Advanced Manufacturing Center at 634 College Drive, Marion, N.C.
- The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Dogwood Health Trust and WNC Bridge Foundation: All three organizations are coordinating a response to assist those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Anyone wishing to support aid to those affected can donate to the Emergency and Disaster Response Fund at www.cfwnc.org. Administrative fees are waived so that every dollar goes directly to assistance.
Spirit Cove - We're building a therapy ranch in Hendersonville, NC, which can help heal communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Survivors of floods and natural disasters are at risk of experiencing negative emotional impacts, including depression, anxiety, and isolation. Through the generosity of our supporters, our Newfie Therapy team
Spirit Cove - We're building a therapy ranch in Hendersonville, NC, which can help heal communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Survivors of floods and natural disasters are at risk of experiencing negative emotional impacts, including depression, anxiety, and isolation. Through the generosity of our supporters, our Newfie Therapy teams are able to visit with front-line heroes (first responders, healthcare workers, linemen, teachers, veterans) and other Asheville area residents who have been traumatized by Hurricane Helene, to help rebuild their spirits.