As we close out this challenging week, I want to take a moment to reflect on the strength and solidarity of our APNC community. Even in the face of this disaster, our members and partners across the state have remained connected and committed to supporting one another. Whether you’re on the front lines in Western North Carolina or offering help from other regions, the sense of family within APNC has never been stronger. We’re all in this together, and the way we’ve pulled together this week is a testament to the power of our shared mission.

We are pleased to announce that cases of water are now available at Insight Recovery (2123 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704) and will remain available until supplies run out. Please feel free to stop by if you or someone you know needs access to clean water. Another shipment is arriving in Boone at 3:00PM at Watauga High School. 

We are now starting to receive information on member-led fundraisers to support recovery efforts, which we will be sharing in our daily updates and on our website. If you are organizing a fundraiser, please send the details to Sara Howe at showe@apnc.org, and we will include them in future communications. Dogwood Health Trust also released grant opportunities today. See the financial resources section for more information. 

New Resource for Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery

The Connections App, provided by DMHDDSUS, offers free and confidential support for mental health and substance use recovery, including peer support, virtual meetings, and an online community. See the State Updates section below for full details on how to enroll and access this important resource.

Finally, please remember that we are here for you. Whether you need assistance, resources, or just someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our Hurricane Helene Resource Hub is continually updated with the latest information and support materials. Let’s continue to take care of ourselves and one another as we navigate the path forward.

Thank you again for everything you’re doing to rebuild and strengthen our community. Together, as the APNC family, we will support one another as we navigate this unprecedented journey.

Sara M. Howe, APNC CEO

NEW! Hurricane Helene Relief for Insight Recovery Center

Insight Recovery Center in Asheville, North Carolina, offers compassionate, comprehensive, holistic and evidence based addiction treatment. Our founders are clinicians with over 19 years of experience who take an integrative and mindfulness-based approach to healing. Their dream to one day found and operate a small, intimate treatment center where people can come to find sanctuary and healing from addiction has come true. But sadly, the events of this past week have left such devastation in the wake of Hurricane Helene, and has greatly impacted Insight Recovery Center's ability to be fully operational. We desperately need your help to be able to focus on helping those that need our care and support despite the obstacles stacked against us. Donate here.

NEW! Message from Director Crosbie

Dear Community Partners,

Please see the following press releases with information about the best ways to donate to relief efforts, Medicaid flexibilities, and the disaster distress helpline.

• Press release from DPS about best ways to donate to relief efforts - Best Ways to Donate in the Wake of Hurricane Helene | NC DPS
• Our press release about Medicaid flexibilities - Temporary Flexibilities in Place for Medicaid Beneficiaries Due to Hurricane Helene Devastation | NCDHHS
• Disaster Distress Helpline - Disaster Distress Helpline: Get Immediate Crisis Counseling and Support | SAMHSA

Summary of On-Going Actions by NCDHHS:

• We are quickly getting food and water out impacted areas. 

  • So far, we have distributed over 2,000 gallons of water to Ashe County, nearly 3,000 gallons to Avery County, and over 31,000 gallons to Watauga. 

  • We have distributed 2,400 hot meals to Ashe County and 2,000 meals to Watauga. 

  • And we have distributed 84 meals ready to eat (MREs) to Avery County and 132 to Watauga. 

  • This is top priority and more of these critical resources are being deployed every day. 

• We want to make sure people can get life-saving medication. Find open pharmacies here

  • 187 pharmacies are open in the 25 counites and EBCI Tribal Area with federal disaster declaration.  

  • Each of the 25 counties, and the EBCI Tribal Area, have at least one pharmacy open and filling prescriptions. 

  • Walmart is getting a Mobile Pharmacy in Boone – soft opening today, full open tomorrow.  

  • Walgreens is planning mobile pharmacy locations in Hendersonville and Asheville. Those should be opening next week.  

  • CVS will be opening their store in Spruce Pine (Mitchell County) today. We are also working to share shelter information with them to connect courier services to ensure med access at shelters. 

  • For folks that need dialysis, we are ensuring those services are available.

  • The primary provider of Dialysis in the region has 13 of 14 facilities open. The facility that is not open (Hendersonville) was severally flooded and it will be a while before it is open. 

  • We’re working them to expand services in their open clinics until they’re able to reopen the final location. 

  • As of yesterday morning, they had reached all but 48 of their 1,000 patients. 

• We have been concerned about oxygen supplies. And have been working to source supplies from multiple vendors, federal agencies, and neighboring states. 

  • We have filled 15 requests for oxygen which includes over 1500 smaller cylinders used by EMS and over 50 larger cylinders for healthcare facilities. 

  • Additionally, over 200 oxygen concentrators have been provided to shelters. 

  • We still have outstanding requests from counties for oxygen and expect to have more by the end of today. We are also working to put refill stations in place for future use. 

There are so many North Carolinians hurting right now. There is physical loss, emotional toll, and mental toll. We are here, and we are not leaving you. If you need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

My best,

Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW

(she/her)

Director

Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

DHHS Resources:

• NEW! Support for First Responders and Volunteers DMHDDSUS has launched the Hope4NC Helpline (1-855-587-3463) to provide mental health support for first responders and volunteers working on our Hurricane Helene disaster response. It is help for the helpers. Hope4NC is available to any first responder or volunteer. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

• NEW! Support for Mental Health and Substance Use Services In response to the Hurricane Helene disaster, DMHDDSUS is using the Connections App to make evidence-based support for mental health and substance use recovery available to anyone in Western North Carolina. It is free and confidential. Enroll at this link. Whether you’re in treatment, have a provider, or are seeking support for the first time, the Connections App can help support you. This may be especially true for anyone whose mental health or substance use care is disrupted at this time due to Hurricane Helene. Watch a short video to learn more about the Connections App. Services include:

  • Peer support (available 24/7)
  • Virtual meetings
  • An online community of people in recovery from substance use

• NEW! Disaster Distress Helpline The Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) provides crisis support services to anyone impacted by a natural disaster like Hurricane Helene. It is available 24/7 in English or Spanish (Español presiona “2”). You can call or text. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL callers, please call or text using your preferred Relay provider. The Disaster Distress Helpline is open to anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. This includes survivors, loved ones of victims, first responders, rescue, recovery, and relief workers, clergy, parents, and caregivers. You may call for yourself or on behalf of someone else. Services include:

  • Crisis counseling
  • Information on how to recognize distress and its effects on individuals and families
  • Referrals to local crisis call centers for additional follow-up care and support
  • Healthy coping tips

• Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources: NCDHHS will continue updating this website with information and resources as they become available.

• For those seeking immediate shelter, ReadyNC.gov provides a resource of open shelters with availability.

• Resource requests should be directed to county emergency management agencies.

NEW! PHOTOS/VIDEO AVAILABLE: Resources Continue to Surge into Western North Carolina as Governor Cooper Travels to Ashe, Watauga and Avery Counties

Yesterday, Governor Roy Cooper visited Ashe, Watauga, and Avery counties, meeting with community and business leaders to discuss relief and recovery efforts. Today, the Governor will be in Jackson and Haywood counties meeting with those affected by the storm and thanking emergency personnel and volunteers for their continued hard work. Relief and recovery operations continue in Western North Carolina as coordinated efforts bring supplies and resources into the region.

“Today, I met with hundreds of people in Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties and heard about the help they are getting and still need,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “The resilience, compassion and determination of the people of Western North Carolina is inspiring and we will continue working around the clock to get them the help they need.”

Yesterday, President Biden approved 100% FEMA reimbursement for six months. To apply for Individual Assistance, visit disasterassistance.gov.

President Biden also approved Governor Cooper’s request for active-duty military personnel and equipment to support ongoing operations in Western North Carolina. Military helicopters, personnel and other equipment have already been deployed. More than 1,000 North Carolina National Guard are currently deployed, conducting search and rescue missions and distributing food, water and other supplies. In order to ensure that all resources are available for use in the response to Hurricane Helene, Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 316, which permits the use, sale, and distribution of dyed diesel fuel for highway use.

Photos of yesterday's visit can be found here. Video of yesterday's visit can be found here

NEW! In the aftermath of Helene, Commissioner Causey cautions public to be on the lookout for scammers and storm-related fraud

As the Department of Insurance continues to respond to Hurricane Helene with other local, state and federal agencies, Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is urging North Carolinians to protect themselves and their property from scammers and home repairs that could be fraudulent activity. Read the full press release here.

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.

Updated Links NC Medicaid Hurricane Helene Resource Newsletter

NC Medicaid compiled a list of valuable resources. Click the links below for printable versions. 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available in 25 Counties Following Hurricane Helene

https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2024/10/01/disaster-unemployment-assistance-available-25-counties-following-hurricane-helene

NOTE: People in the 25 counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina have 60 days from Oct. 1, 2024 to file an application for DUA at des.nc.gov. The deadline to apply is Dec. 2, 2024.

FAQs from the North Carolina Department Of Public Safety

https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/disaster-recovery/hurricane-helene-faqs

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).

NEW! City of Asheville

The city website is providing up to the minute updates on everything impacting the area. Check out the resources here.

NEW! Town of Black Mountain 

The town website is providing up to the minute updates on everything impacting the area. Check out the resources here.

NEW! Town of Boone

The town website is providing up to the minute updates on everything impacting the area. Check out the resources here.

NEW! Town of Hendersonville 

The town website is providing up to the minute updates on everything impacting the area. Check out the resources here.

NEW! Town of Waynesville

The town website is providing up to the minute updates on everything impacting the area. Check out the resources here.

NEW! Buncombe County 

The county website is providing up to the minute updates on everything impacting the area. Check out the resources here.

NEW! Henderson County 

The county website is providing up to the minute updates on everything impacting the area. Check out the resources here.

NEW! Lincoln County

The county website is providing up to the minute updates on everything impacting the area. Check out the resources here.

NEW! Macon County 

The county website is providing up to the minute updates on everything impacting the area. Check out the resources here.

NEW! Madison County

The county website is providing up to the minute updates on everything impacting the area. Check out the resources here.

NEW! Mitchell County

The county website is providing up to the minute updates on everything impacting the area. Check out the resources here.

NEW! Transylvania County

The county website is providing up to the minute updates on everything impacting the area. Check out the resources here.

NEW! Watauga County

The county website is providing up to the minute updates on everything impacting the area. Check out the resources here.

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.”

Essential Federal Information:

• The President’s Disaster Declaration for NC from September 26

• Secretary Becerra’s Public Health Emergency for NC from September 29

• Current waivers granted by CMS due to the emergency 

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.

NEW! Aetna Coverage Updates

Aetna has informed APNC that they following liberalizations are  in place statewide through 11/29, including:

• No penalty for late notifications
• No penalty for lack of prior auth, but services remain subject to medical necessity review

NEW! In response to Hurricane Helene's devastation, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that affected providers and suppliers in FEMA disaster zones can request accelerated and advance Medicare payments. 

This initiative allows enrolled Part A providers and Part B suppliers who billed the program in the 90 days prior to the disaster to receive payments based on those claims, with funds recouped over the following three months. Additionally, providers under Extended Repayment Schedules can restructure their payment plans, and those affected by disrupted mail services can request the rescission of debt letters. CMS aims to mitigate cash flow challenges for health care facilities impacted by the storm. (Article here, courtesy of our friends at Third Horizon)

BCBSNC Waiving Late Fees for those in Affected 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.

NEW! State Legislators Likely to Take Up Hurricane Helene Relief and Recovery Legislation Soon

Hurricane Helene relief and recovery will be a priority for state legislators in the coming weeks and beyond. The NC General Assembly is scheduled to return to Raleigh for a one-day session next Wednesday. It is possible that legislators could approve initial hurricane relief and recovery legislation during that one-day session or could extend the session or add another mini-session later this month to take up initial hurricane legislation. As the needs for immediate relief and longer-term recovery become clearer in the coming days, weeks, and months (and years), legislators will likely consider additional Hurricane Helene relief and recovery legislation during their November 19-22 mini-session, in December, and during the 2024 legislative session. North Carolina has more than $4.75 billion in reserve funds that can be used during emergencies, so the state has the financial capacity to provide a great deal of assistance to the communities that have been ravaged by Hurricane Helene.

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.

NEW! NC Nonprofit Center Relief Resources

The North Carolina Center for Nonprofits website includes resources on ways that you or your nonprofit can help with relief and recovery.

NEW! Hurricane Helene Response Webinar with FEMA

The NC Nonprofit Center and the Florida Nonprofit Alliance are co-hosting a free webinar with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Monday, October 7, from 3-4 p.m. to provide nonprofits with the latest information on resources related to Hurricane Helene relief and recovery.  In this webinar, FEMA will share how nonprofit organizations can apply for disaster assistance and how to help individuals access disaster assistance after Hurricane Helene. 

Register today. Please note that when you register, log in as a guest and use the “Outside of Florida” option in the county line.

NEW! Supporting Children Through Trauma: NCTSN Resources

Important resources from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) are available to help parents, caregivers, and communities support children  in managing stress and trauma during disasters. These tools provide guidance on building resilience and addressing emotional challenges that children may face. Read the list of resources here.

NEW! SAMHSA Resource List

SAMHSA has released a list of resources about behavioral health and responses to disasters. Read the compiled list here.

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. 

Financial Resources

NEW! -  Dogwood Health Trust has announced their initial relief funding plan. In addition to $20 million in specific funding efforts, a lead grant of $10 million will go to the Emergency and Disaster Response Fund at the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, where organizations can apply to receive smaller grants. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

A community-based nonprofit designated by the IRS as 501(c) (3), a faith-based organization or a public agency serving individuals and families that were affected by the storm in the WNC area specified below.  

Serving the following counties and area in WNC: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey counties, including the Qualla Boundary. 

An organization with a demonstrated track record of providing frontline human services responding to demand, or the storm has directly affected the organization’s ability to provide basic human services.

Priority will be given to agencies in WNC serving those most significantly affected. As North Carolina’s Emergency Response teams complete their assessments, EDRF grant guidelines may be adjusted to align with the region’s needs.

The application and more information are available on the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina's website.

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

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

Open Shelters

To find the most up to date version of this list, click here.

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

NC Department of Health and Human Services

For clinical personnel who wish to volunteer their support in Western, NC, please complete this survey to indicate your information and availability https://nc.readyop.com/fs/4ehj/db927b6b A member of the North Carolina State Emergency Response team will reach out as staffing needs are identified.

NC National Gaurd @NCNationalGaurd: 

1-252nd Armor Regiment reporting to various locations in North Carolina. "Most reacted in less than 8 hours to roll out of the motorpools and into the worst effected areas. These Soldiers left their jobs and families on a moments notice, volunteering to help.” #Helene #HeleneNC

Senator Ted Budd @SenTedBuddNC:

"Several Western NC counties have informed my office about distribution centers that have been established for anyone interested in sending donations…" Click here to see thread.

APNC @YourAPNC:

Last night, APNC delivered several hundred cases of water to the Insight Recovery parking lot, where Michael Roberts , our Director of Outreach, was waiting with a team of people ready to help. We cannot thank Mike and everybody who came to help unload. If any of our members or partners need water or know anybody who does, please stop by Insight Recovery. #YourAPNC

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:

1. Understand theories and techniques of crisis counseling assessment and treatment.

2. Describe specific techniques of crisis counseling assessment and treatment.

3. Apply approaches and techniques to one’s own SUD work setting.

This training is free to all- Please register here: https://cvent.me/vxgqDL

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.

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:

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

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: