This Document has migrated to OneDrive. Please access it there. All future edits to this Google file will be lost.
Appalachian Resources Document
Here are ways to contribute to hurricane relief efforts for Asheville, Damascus, and other Appalachian communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Please add verified links to the list and
share widely or reach out via LinkedIn with the information and I will add it..
Appalachian Voices: A comprehensive list of resources. https://appvoices.org/helene-relief/
Cisco Match approved general Hurricane Helene Relief fund:
https://cisco.benevity.org/campaigns/3404
October 7, 2024 Update:
Tennessee:
The state of Tennessee has provided specific guidance on how to assist. Donations of goods can be made at the Bristol Motor Speedway, which is serving as a central donation site. They are currently in need of volunteers to assist in the warehouse and work in the disaster call center, as well as help with debris cleanup in multiple areas. United Way is partnering with Bristol Motor Speedway to coordinate these efforts. You can find more information and sign up to volunteer on the Volunteer Tennessee website. Importantly, while the generosity is appreciated, Tennessee is not currently accepting clothing or perishable items. They have provided a list of specific items needed for their relief efforts however in my conversation they stated monetary donations are preferred. The website also has a list of animal and livestock donation centers. Livestock feed is needed.
Virginia:
Virginia is emphasizing the importance of coordinated volunteering through trusted organizations to ensure safety and effectiveness. Those interested in volunteering can find opportunities through the Virginia VOAD website. Specific opportunities include:
While all donations are appreciated, Virginia is also emphasizing that cash is best. Unsolicited donations can create complications for the relief efforts. Our colleagues can find fully vetted organizations accepting cash donations through the Virginia VOAD website. https://www.virginiavoad.org/
North Carolina:
North Carolina is stressing that cash donations provide the most flexibility to address developing needs. The state has established the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, managed by United Way of North Carolina, to provide grants to nonprofits working directly in impacted communities. Donations can be made at www.nc.gov/donate. Volunteer interests: can register at nc.gov/volunteernc or by contacting one of the NC VOADS (www.ncvoad.org/members).
Per NYS State Voluntary Agency Liaison at DHSES:
NYS DHSES shared that there is currently no request for donations outside of cash. The National VOAD website has a list of organizations accepting cash donations.
American Red Cross:
For any employees interested in volunteering their time, the Red Cross has opportunities available. New York State's Disaster Leave Law allows state employees to take up to 3 weeks leave to volunteer with the Red Cross without using accruals. I can provide the contact information if this is of interest.
October 1, Update:
North Carolina:
1. Donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund Support co
mmunities in Western North Carolina directly through state-organized relief [oai_citation:6,Disaster Response Surges in Western North Carolina Following Hurricane Helene | NC Gov. Cooper](https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2024/09/29/disaster-response-surges-western-north-carolina-following-hurricane-helene).
2. Volunteer with Manna FoodBank in Asheville Assist with food distribution. Donations and volunteer opportunities are available on [Manna FoodBank’s website](https://donate.mannafoodbank.org) [oai_citation:5,Helene hits the Carolinas: How to help, donations, resources | WFAE 90.7 Charlotte's NPR News Source](https://www.wfae.org/energy-environment/2024-09-29/hurricane-helene-in-the-carolinas-how-to-help-donations-and-resources).
3. BeLoved Asheville Donate supplies (food, hygiene products, etc.) or funds via Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle. Volunteers with trucks are also needed. Visit [BeLoved Asheville](https://belovedasheville.com) for details [oai_citation:4,List: Ways to donate and help flood victims in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene](https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2024-09-28/list-ways-to-donate-and-help-flood-victims-in-western-north-carolina-after-hurricane-helene).
4. Donate to Foothills Food Hub Provide monetary donations to support food distribution in McDowell County. Visit [Foothills Food Hub](https://www.foothillsfoodhub.org)
[oai_citation:1,List: Ways to donate and help flood victims in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene](https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2024-09-28/list-ways-to-donate-and-help-flood-victims-in-western-north-carolina-after-hurricane-helene).
5. You can contact Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) for volunteer opportunities related to shelter operations and distribution efforts:
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM):
-Website:[https://www.abccm.org]
- Volunteer Information Page: [ABCCM Volunteer] (https://www.abccm.org/volunteer)
- Phone:(828) 259-5300
- Address: 20 20th St, Asheville, NC 28806
- Email: info@abccm.org
6. Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity:
-Website:[https://www.ashevillehabitat.org]
- Volunteer Information Page: [Volunteer with Asheville Habitat](https://www.ashevillehabitat.org/volunteer/)
- Phone: (828) 251-5702
- Address: 33 Meadow Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
- Email: volunteer@ashevillehabitat.org
7. Help pets through Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Assist with fostering pets that were displaced due to the hurricane.To learn more and sign up, you can visit their foster information page, https://www.bwar.org/foster/
If you have any questions, you can contact them directly at (828) 505-3440 or email foster@bwar.org. More details about their emergency shelter evacuation efforts can be found on their urgent evacuation page.https://www.bwar.org/urgent-emergency-shelter-evacuation/
8. You can contact the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC) to donate towards long-term recovery efforts in the affected Appalachian regions:
Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC):
Website: https://www.cfwnc.org
Donation Page: CFWNC Donate
Phone: (828) 254-4960
Address: 4 Vanderbilt Park Dr, Suite 300, Asheville, NC 28803
Email: info@cfwnc.org
9. To support the Appalachia Service Project's mission of repairing and rebuilding homes in rural Appalachian areas, you can make a financial contribution through their donation page at [asphome.org/give](https://asphome.org/give/)Your contribution will directly help families in areas like Damascus and Western North Carolina. For more information or to contact them, call (866) 607-4433.[https://asphome.org/give/](https://asphome.org/give/)
Appalachia Service Project
4523 Bristol Highway
Johnson City, TN 37601
10. Contact for Helicopter Assistance: Helicopter operations are active out of Western North Carolina for supplies or flight assistance. Contact 919-497-5511 Ext 1 or email solutions@totalflight.com for support.
11. Donate to United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County Financial contributions support food and shelter for impacted families.
12. Operation Airdrop - The group is focusing operations on North Carolina after it aided Helene victims in Florida. Pilots and volunteers will deliver essential supplies and food to disaster-stricken areas in the mountains. For more information, visit
https://www.operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene
13. T-Mobile is offering WiFI at
the Western North Carolina (WNC) Agricultural Center at 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher, NC 28732.
More information here: https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/hurricane-helene
14. There are some supermarkets open, including an Ingles in Leicester, the North Asheville Harris Teeter and some gas stations, but lines are long (as of 9/30/24).
For people who would like to contribute, Pinder said to email helenedonations@buncombecounty.org. Volunteers can reach out at volunteer@buncombecounty.org. There will be another Buncombe County briefing meeting on Monday at 10 a.m. – that briefing will be aired online via BPR stations.
15. Buncombe Search and Rescue
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCZbJHoOE5KREOtf22XQAIfevMzEYtpZVOsSlJNnzUP4Lvzw/viewform?
16. North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund (via Governor Roy Cooper):https://bit.ly/3N43RKm
17. Request a Rescue or Wellness Check: Text “PERSON” to 40403 to receive a link to a form for either a rescue request or a wellness check at a specific address. This service is provided by NC211 to help residents and families in need.
18. Samaritan's Purse provides oxygen if you’ve lost power or your equipment. Phone: (828) 262-1980
Mailing Address: Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607
https://www.samaritanspurse.org
19. Hunger & Health Coalition (Boone,NC) https://secure.qgiv.com/for/thehungerandhealthcoalition.
20. How to help UNC System impacted institutions:
21. Asheville Regional Airport updates
https://www.facebook.com/share/eVNzZrc6ujPamoV4/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
22. Emergency Resources Arts/AVL
23. NC Emergency Management: https://bit.ly/3UdeHBZ
24. North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund (via Governor Roy Cooper): https://bit.ly/3N43RKm
25. Meals in Boone, NC:
https://www.hosphouse.org/about
26. Livestock Support
Western NC Regional Livestock Center
27. Emergency Prescription Refills (NC)
28. Shelters
A list by WLOS
29. Trader Joe's on Merrimon is open, fully stocked AND taking all forms of payment, including EBT
#ashevillestrong
30. Community Housing Coalition of Madison Co, Cisco match approved: https://cisco.benevity.org/cause/840-113660564
31. Madison County Disaster Relief (not cisco matching): https://payments.municipay.com/nc_madisonfinance/search/26f829c2?fbclid=IwY2xjawFqlk5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYGazB7cQPbc0VAtwFOvDcTdg8LrTVCT0khbWdLQaxh6pzCRRqWdtzXXlg_aem_LJ38hHWvnsyFfEVjFam5Kg
Virginia:
1. Support the American Red Cross Donate at [RedCross.org](https://www.redcross.org) or call 1-800-RED CROSS to assist their widespread relief efforts across affected areas including Damascus [oai_citation:3,Red Cross Mobilizes Massive Relief Effort in Wake of Helene’s Devastation Across the Southeast](https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2024/red-cross-responds-to-hurricane-helene.html).
2. Give blood through Red Cross Blood drives have been canceled in several states, including North Carolina and Tennessee, due to the hurricane. Schedule an appointment at [RedCrossBlood.org](https://www.redcrossblood.org) [oai_citation:2,Red Cross Mobilizes Massive Relief Effort in Wake of Helene’s Devastation Across the Southeast] (https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2024/red-cross-responds-to-hurricane-helene.html).
3. Habitat for Humanity of Washington County, VA (serving Damascus area):
- Website: [https://www.habitatwcva.org](https://www.habitatwcva.org)
- Phone: (276) 525-1535
- Address: 601 East Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210
- Email: habitatwcva@gmail.com
4. Support Washington County (Virginia) Relief Fund This fund is specifically directed toward helping the town of Damascus and surrounding areas recover. official website provides contact information, including phone support at (276) 475-3831. Or https://www.damascus.org/
5. The Washington County Government Center in Abingdon and the Damascus Rescue Squad are the two locations collecting items for Damascus. You can contact them directly for further information:
Washington County Government Center:
- Address: 1 Government Center Place, Abingdon, VA 24210
- Phone: (276) 525-1300
Damascus Rescue Squad:
- Address: 32094 Government Road, Damascus, VA 24236
- Phone: (276) 475-3651
These locations should be able to provide specific details about drop-off times and accepted donations.
6. Support First Baptist Church (FBC) Damascus: The First Baptist Church in Damascus is providing significant community support. Friends have shared that monetary donations can be mailed to:
Lebanon Baptist Association
29491 Lee Highway, Glade Spring, VA 24340
Make checks payable to Lebanon Baptist Association with "FBC Damascus" in the memo.
Note: The town of Damascus has requested that no one from outside town limits enter due to unsafe road conditions that can change rapidly.
7. RISE Erwin, VA https://gofund.me/bad8e5ab
8.Unicoi County, VA Animal Shelter https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QRXK7CAJK2GCE
9. . If you are in need of meals in the Asheville area, you can contact Mercy Chefs using the following details:
Phone:(757) 292-4264
Email: info@mercychefs.com
Mailing Address: 711 Washington St., Portsmouth, VA 23704
Mercy Chefs is currently providing hot meals to those affected by severe flooding in Asheville, NC. You can find more information or request assistance by visiting their website at [https://mercychefs.com/contact-us/](https://mercychefs.com/contact-us/).
10. Report trees entangled in power lines and any other hazards to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623). VDOT crews cannot conduct work on downed trees that are entangled in power lines until the local power company has ensured the power line is not energized.
11. Christ In Action for assistance with debris cleanup or teardown following a disaster by calling their Residential Assistance line at 571-358-9242. For general inquiries, you can reach their office at 703-368-6286 or email info@christinaction.com.
Their headquarters is located at:
Christ In Action
21465 Business Court
Elkwood, VA 22718
More information is available at https://www.christinaction.com/content/Home.aspx
12. Disaster Assistance for Veterans
Health Care
Housing
VA can ask home loan lenders to put a 90-day freeze on foreclosure or encourage waiving late charges for VA home loans. Visit the VA home loans webpage to learn more.
1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) is always the right number
Veterans Crisis Line: 988 and press 1, Chat, or Text 838255
Vet Centers: 1-877-927-8387
Homeless Veteran Resources: 1-877-424-3838 or Chat
Ask VA
Schedule a 1-on-1 Appointment with a VA Benefits Expert
13. Virginia Department of Emergency Management: https://bit.ly/3N647Zn
14. Virginia Department of Emergency Management: https://bit.ly/3N647Zn
Tennessee
1. Knoxville communities nearby are reporting a need for water after water treatment plants were damaged by the storm. Monday at 11am, volunteers will be posted up at Birdhouse Knoxville to receive water donations on the porch. They may also still need volunteer drivers to transport to Greenville, TN.
2. Join Knoxville Flood Mutual Aid Collective for more ways you can help in the coming days and weeks.
3. United Way of East TN Highlands https://unitedwayetnh.org/help/
4. Tennessee Emergency Management Agency: https://bit.ly/3zFEefM
5. Town of Greenville, TN:
They are continuing with their $25 flood relief t-shirt fundraiser, make sure to stop by VisitGreeneville.com
to support the cause & get yours. Find help and up-to-date resources on
Town of Greeneville Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/ayrpUwN116chJHVt/?mibextid=LQQJ4d &
Greeneville TN Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/share/abRg7a1be2PBAKmL/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
6. Tennessee Emergency Management Agency: https://bit.ly/3zFEefM
7. East TN Appalachia Service Project:
Help with repairs and emergency services
Georgia
1. Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security:https://bit.ly/3XTtC5kNC
2. Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency: https://www.facebook.com/share/mtrHCZS2FupNgd3M/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
3. Georgia Hurricane Helene: https://gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-helene?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3v8j34oG3jXC_hJYI8MkRklHwZZiiU7embdQ8QBn6WWefr9XuyvIb4eco_aem_yURg-3yawbSfqIYXvOq1Bw
South Carolina
Emergency Management: https://bit.ly/3UdeHBZSouth Carolina Emergency Management Division: https://bit.ly/4efxlAZ
South Carolina Emergency Management: https://www.facebook.com/share/BvNG9Jw1WHxxaTpP/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Kentucky
Appalachian Helene Response Fund (via Appalachia Funders Network and Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky): https://bit.ly/3NcYRmB
Bluegrass Community Foundation
https://www.facebook.com/share/iRCo6pRYtr6Ut86j/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Appalachian Helene Response Fund (viaAppalachia Funders Network and Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky): https://bit.ly/3NcYRmB
National Resources
1.To provide shelter through Airbnb.org for displaced individuals in areas like Damascus and Asheville, you can reach out to their support team or learn more about their program via the following contact details:
Airbnb.org:
- Website: [https://www.airbnb.org](https://www.airbnb.org)Kimjui bj k CC VC please
- Get Involved Page: [Airbnb.org Get Involved](https://www.airbnb.org/get-involved)
- Support Contact Form: [Airbnb Help Center](https://www.airbnb.org/help)
Airbnb.org connects people offering free or reduced-cost housing to those in need. You can visit their website to sign up as a host or get more information on how to assist displaced individuals.
2. You can contact the Salvation Army to donate and support their efforts in maintaining emergency shelters and providing food to affected Appalachian communities:
The Salvation Army USA:
- Website: [https://www.salvationarmyusa.org](https://www.salvationarmyusa.org)
- Donation Page: [Salvation Army Donate](https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ways-to-give/)
- Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
- Local Contact for Western North Carolina:
- Asheville Corps:
- Website: [https://www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/asheville/]
- Phone: (828) 253-4723
- Address: 204 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801
3. To volunteer with Team Rubicon and support disaster relief operations in Appalachian communities, you can reach out using the following contact information:
Team Rubicon:
- Website: [https://www.teamrubiconusa.org](https://www.teamrubiconusa.org)
- Volunteer Registration Page: [Join Team Rubicon]
(https://www.teamrubiconusa.org/volunteer/)
- Phone: (310) 640-8787
- Email: info@teamrubiconusa.org
- Address:6171 W. Century Blvd., Suite 310, Los Angeles, CA 90045
4. Give to GlobalGiving’s Hurricane Relief Fund Donations are directed to vetted local organizations working in impacted Appalachian communities
5. Donate to the Appalachian Helene Response Fund: This fund, launched by the Appalachia Funders Network, channels resources directly to areas of greatest need. Visit Appalachian Helene Response Fund to donate. https://appalachianky.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4036
6. American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/donate/dr/hurricane-helene.html
7. Report Missing Persons 1-800-824-3463
8. The Humane Society
https://www.facebook.com/share/AZ6GiBdrXcipWzeS/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
9. Blueridge Radio Resource List: https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2024-09-28/list-ways-to-donate-and-help-flood-victims-in-western-north-carolina-after-hurricane-helene
10. Travel advisory information
11. American Airlines and Red Cross Partnership
https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/americanairlines-pub.html/
Water Sources (as of Sunday 9/29):