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As the recovery efforts continue across Western North Carolina, we are working hard to provide you with the latest updates and resources. In today’s update, we’ll cover update's from the President's visit, other state agency updates, and new ways to assist impacted communities.
We are pleased to share that cases of water will be available TONIGHT at 6:30PM at Insight Recovery, located at 2123 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC. This resource is available to any of our members who need it, so please stop by if you or someone you know could benefit.
Our Hurricane Helene Resource Hub remains your go-to space for all archived messages, important links, and relief efforts. Please visit the hub regularly to stay informed about ongoing initiatives and resources available for you and the communities you serve.
Sara M. Howe, APNC CEO |
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Governor Cooper and President Biden Survey Damage from Hurricane Helene During Aerial Tour, Hold Briefing for Federal Officials at State Emergency Operations Center. President Biden Announces 100% FEMA Reimbursement for Six Months.
Efforts are underway to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, utilizing both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. FEMA has delivered 1.89 million meals and 2.5 million liters of water. More than 21,000 people have been registered for assistance.
Across the region, approximately 408,000 customers remain without power, down from a peak of more than one million. Power has been restored to more than 500,000 customers.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing in Western North Carolina. A total of 55 search and rescue teams from North Carolina and beyond, consisting of more than 1600 personnel have conducted search and rescue operations during this event. More than 500 people have been rescued by the NC National Guard. More than 150 pets have also been rescued.
Travel remains dangerous, with approximately 450 roads closed as of Wednesday afternoon. NCDOT is asking people to refrain from unnecessary travel to or in Western North Carolina. Road access is limited to local and hurricane response traffic as crews work to restore critical routes and access to communities isolated by damage. First responders also want to keep the roads as clear as possible to help ensure they may carry out all response missions. NCDOT has posted at ncdot.gov an interstate detour map for travelers to avoid western N.C. NCDOT has dispatched the following resources to assist with the recovery process:
- 1,600 employees, plus 68 contract crews
- 220+ employees in less-impacted areas have been sent to western N.C.
- 1,500+ trucks, graders & backhoes/loaders
- 1,000+ chainsaws
- 8,000+ barricades & signs
Cellphone providers are working to fix the damage and coverage issues caused by the storm and get stopgap solutions, such as temporary cell phone towers, in place and rapid progress is being made. Restoring communications is critical to saving lives, finding where people are and getting in supplies, and Governor Cooper been in constant contact with cellphone companies urging action and offering support. Please turn your cell phone off and restart it periodically to allow it to reconnect when a network is reestablished.
Fifty-six storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by Office of Chief Medical Examiner. We do expect that these numbers will continue to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911. To report that you have been unable to reach a person in Western North Carolina, please call 211.
Read the complete press release here.
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Commissioner Causey announces first Victim Assistance Centers to aid North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene NCDOI will initially open in Gastonia and North Wilkesboro
As North Carolina continues to respond to the devastating impacts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey has announced the opening of two Victim Assistance Centers (VAC) to open this week and next.
Read the full press release here.
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NC Medicaid Hurricane Helene Resource Newsletter
Our thoughts are with those impacted by Hurricane Helene during this difficult time. We have compiled a list of valuable resources; we encourage you to share with those affected by this devastating event. A printable version of the newsletter is attached, as we understand those in need of resources may not have access to the internet or power at this time.
Please rest assured we will continue to update and share our resources to ensure you have the most current information. We deeply appreciate your hard work and collaboration during this challenging time. |
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In Español |
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DHHS Emergency Resources:
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This bulletin describes the extension of the flexibilities originally scheduled to end Oct. 2, 2024, for NC Medicaid Direct and NC Medicaid Managed Care. Additional updates will be provided as they become available.
The flexibilities in this bulletin are effective from Sept. 26, 2024, through Oct. 15, 2024 (unless otherwise communicated by DHHS).
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President Biden North Carolina Disaster Declaration
Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the State of North Carolina by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding for emergency work undertaken in the State of North Carolina as a result of Tropical Storm Helene beginning on September 25, 2024, and continuing.
Under the President’s order today, the Federal funds for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance has been increased to 100 percent of the total eligible costs for 180 days from the start of the incident period.
Read the press release here. |
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SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
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.
Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 presiona “2.” |
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Biden-Harris Continues Life-Saving Response Efforts in Response to Hurricane Helene
Yesterday, President Biden announced that 1,000 active-duty troops will be immediately deployed to assist with response and recovery efforts. Read the press release here. |
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FEMA's efforts in North Carolina
Individuals residing in counties affected by the disaster can now apply for assistance with FEMA by visiting disasterassistance.gov<> or calling 1-800-621-3362. |
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BCBSNC Waiving Late Fees for those in Effected Areas
Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina (BCBSNC) has announced that they are deferring auth requirements for Emergent IP and RTC in all the impacted areas and will review IOP and PHP on a case by case basis with a medical necessity review, but no penalty for late submissions for those in impacted areas.
A provider notification is expected to be released today. |
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From our Friends at NC Health News:
I’m sure that many of our readers want to do something to help in Western North Carolina. The devastation wrought by Helene is devastating and I know I’ve felt compelled to respond in some way. Our friends at Blue Ridge Public Radio compiled a list of local organizations doing important work to respond and I’m publishing a condensed version of that list here:
Hearts With Hands (Swannanoa/Asheville) - A local-based organization that has been supplying food and essentials to Buncombe County shelters. The request is for financial donations online. https://www.heartswithhands.org/
Manna FoodBank in Asheville - The organization is distributing food, water, and more at the Asheville Farmers Market. Go here to give money to the Manna FoodBank online.
BeLoved Asheville - On-the-ground volunteers are collecting and distributing a wide array of supplies. Cash donations can be sent via:
Venmo: BeLoved-Asheville
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/belovedasheville
Haywood Christian Ministry - Western North Carolina's largest food pantry, based in the Waynesville area, distributing food on the ground and requesting donations to help with the emergency disaster response. For info and to donate, go here.
Diaper Bank: Babies Need Bottoms - The organization is on the ground already in Asheville and distributes to local families plus partner charities that serve families and babies. You can donate online or use the nonprofit's Amazon Wish List here.
Foothills Food Hub - Working to source water and shelf-stable goods to distribute in McDowell County. Requesting monetary donations, which can be made online here.
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue - The organization itself saw its facility destroyed in the disaster. All animals are with foster families. The group is fundraising to help provide animals in foster care with essential supplies and more. To learn more and donate, go here.
Partnership for Appalachian Girls' Education (PAGE) - The group is on the ground in Marshall. PAGE is collecting monetary donations to support the educational and social-emotional needs of girls following this disaster. For more info and to donate, go here.
Community Housing Coalition of Madison County - The group will be helping fund emergency home repairs for Helene victims in Madison County. The request is for online donations. Go here for more information or to donate.
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County - The local United Way plans to help with immediate natural disaster response and long-term support for flood victims. Donations can be made online here.
Wine to Water - The water resources nonprofit is currently servicing Watauga and Avery counties. To learn more and donate, go here.
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry - The ministry helped run and provide shelter in Asheville and is partnered with the Red Cross. Donations help pay for motel and food vouchers for local residents and long-term support for those displaced. To donate: abccm.org/donations/ministry-fund/.
Homeward Bound in Asheville - The organization provides supportive housing to the homeless community in Asheville. For more information on how to donate, visit Homeward Bound’s website.
Mountain Projects - Historically the group has helped with emergency housing, including storm victims. For more, visit the organization’s website.
WNC Regional Livestock Center - Based in Canton, the livestock center is working to help farmers and animals who were affected by flooding. You can donate toward helping local farmers who need to buy feed for animals. More information is available here. |
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If you are trying to get in touch with a loved one, text PERSON to 40403 to add a loved one to United Way of North Carolina's (UWNC) search and rescue efforts. The form is also available online. United Way is also accepting donations for their UW Helps NC Fund; donations can be made online and designated to a specific United Way or designated for UWNC to allocate funds to areas of the greatest need. UWNC also operates NC 2-1-1, a multilingual health services help line.
For Southwest North Carolina:
Blue Ridge Radio and WFAE have also created lists of organizations that are giving out supplies and resources. Many of these organizations are also accepting donations, volunteers, and other means of support.
For Northwest North Carolina:
Feeding Avery Families is coordinating food distribution in Newland, North Carolina. W.A.M.Y. Community Action has efforts operating in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties. Hospitality House of Northwest NC is also providing updates on their operations on Facebook.
NC Tripping is also maintaining a list of resources and organizations spanning the Western region.
If you are based in Raleigh, Durham, or Cary:
Bond Brothers Beer and Crabtree Family Moving & Storage are coordinating a drop off drive with other Triangle-area businesses. All materials donated through this drive will go to Operation Air Drop, which is a group of independent pilots who are delivering essential supplies to areas cut off from resources. Find a drop off location and learn more about needed items here. |
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Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources
NCDHHS is constantly updating their page of emergency resources, they can be found here. |
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Resource Requests
Resource requests should be directed to county emergency management agencies. |
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Financial Resources |
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The Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loan program is now available for nonprofits in declared disaster areas. Most members should qualify, though larger hospitals may not. Organizations can apply for relief from physical damage or operating losses. If this applies to you, we encourage you to explore the application process. Check out the North Carolina SBA Fact Sheet here.
Note: There are two separate deadlines: November for physical damage loans and June for economic injury (operating losses) loans.
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance |
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The North Carolina Community Foundation is currently raising funds for Disaster Relief. While it’s unclear how these funds will be deployed, we encourage your nonprofit members to stay informed about local community foundations and philanthropic partners for any special grant programs they may offer. The North Carolina Network of Grantmakers provides guidance for donors and can direct you to foundations accepting donations that will be turned into grants. I’ll keep you updated if more options become available.
https://ncgrantmakers.org/Resources/Resources-for-Grantmakers-%281%29.html |
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Open Shelters
To find the most up to date version of this list, click here. |
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First Baptist Church Swannanoa
503 Park Street, Swannanoa
WNC Ag Center
1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher
Oak Hill Methodist Church
2239 NC 181, Morganton
West Caldwell High School
300 West Caldwell Drive, Lenoir
Haywood County Government Armory
285 Armory Drive, Clyde
Athletics and Activity Center
708 S. Grove Street, Hendersonville
Edneyville Elementary School
2875 Pace Road , Hendersonville
Glenwood Baptist Church
1550 Old US 221 South, Marion
YMCA
348 Grace Corpening Drive, Marion
Polk County High School
1681 NC 108 Highway East , Columbus
West Wilkes Middle School
1677 North NC Highway 16, Wilkesboro
South Toe Elementary School
139 South Toe School Road, Burnsville
WEST YANCEY VFD
6557 US HWY 19, BURNSVILLE |
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Governor Roy Cooper @NC_Governor:
We are grateful to President Biden, FEMA and all of our partners for their commitment to helping our state respond, recover and rebuild from this disaster. Today, @POTUS announced 100% @fema reimbursement for 6 months. |
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Joe Bruno @JoeBrunoWSOC9:
New North Carolina recovery data from FEMA:
- Cellular restoration continues to improve, with less than 50% of cellular sites down as of today. Ten counties, down from 17, have 50% or more cell sites down. Two FCC surveillance teams are conducting inspection operations on equipment in targeted counties.
- FEMA has helped provide 67 total Starlink to the state, including 3 Starlinks for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation and 4 Starlinks for critical lifeline locations as determined by the state
- Search and rescue teams have conducted nearly 1,500 structural evaluations and over 1,660 human and animal interactions including rescues, evacuations and other assistance. Additional federal search and rescue teams are enroute to support the mission
- The North Carolina National Guard has delivered 12 aircraft pallets, totaling more than 100,000lbs of food and over 38,000lbs of water to Asheville |
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Rep. Alma S. Adams Ph.D. @RepAdams:
For the next 2 weeks, @PlanetFitness is offering free access to shower facilities, locker rooms, and electrical outlets to those displaced by the effects of #HurricaneHelene at this Charlotte location: 2924 Mt Holly-Huntersville Rd. Charlotte, NC 28214 |
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Crisis Intervention Strategies for SUD Professionals
October 15th, 12:00 - 1:00PM
Presented by: Geri Miller, Ph.D.
Description: SUD professionals need to learn and practice a calm and encouraging approach during a crisis. The theoretical approach and specific techniques of crisis counseling assessment and treatment can readily be integrated into the professional’s overall framework. Suggestions on beneficial approaches and techniques are provided.
Objectives:
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Understand theories and techniques of crisis counseling assessment and treatment.
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Describe specific techniques of crisis counseling assessment and treatment.
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Apply approaches and techniques to one’s own SUD work setting.
This training is free to all- Please register here: https://cvent.me/vxgqDL |
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| Disaster Recovery Survey |
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Taking this survey will help APNC understand the state of the members of our community, and will allow us to better understand the needs of our communities. |
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For those unaffected by the storm, but still looking for ways to help, you can donate to the official North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund here: |
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If you’re looking for ways to give, here are four funds you can support. These funds are getting urgently needed resources to people directly affected and hardest hit by the storm, including communities with less access to philanthropic dollars:
- Appalachian Helene Response Fund: Donate directly to mutual aid efforts or a recovery fund facilitated by Appalachia Funders Network. Recovery fund donations go through Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky; donors can designate support for NC in notes.
- Emergency and Disaster Response Fund: Support relief efforts by frontline nonprofits in 18 WNC counties and the Qualla Boundary, administered by the Community Foundation of Western NC.
- Organizing Resilience: Provide direct relief through mutual aid and community groups, support economic recovery and small businesses, and promote systemic change to prevent future disasters.
- NC Counts: Donate to grassroots organizations doing recovery work in vulnerable communities. NC Counts Coalition is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to building a healthy, just, and equitable North Carolina through cross-sector partnerships that advance systemic solutions for communities facing systemic barriers, including BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+, low wealth, immigrant, and other communities
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| NC Disaster Relief Fund |
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APNC has created a Hurricane Helene Resource Hub on our website. This hub serves as a centralized location where you can find all of our messages, updates, and important resources related to disaster recovery efforts. We will be archiving our daily communications and adding key links to help support individuals and communities impacted by the storm.
You can visit the Resource Hub here: |
| Hurricane Helene Resource Hub |
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