Hurricane Helene
Relief Info Hub
On this page, you can find ways to help and get help as we recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. If you have resources to add, please email Archdeacon Brenda Gilbert at archdeacon@diocesewnc.org.
Clergy, as we navigate the impacts of this storm, please fill out the form below to keep us posted.
If you want to send help, please refer to the list below for collection/distribution sites, and contact someone prior to drop-off. Or donate.
Financial Donations
Give directly to the Diocese of Western North Carolina relief efforts:
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Click Here Select "Partners in Mission" from the drop-down menu, and add "Hurricane Helene" in the memo box.
Other Ways to give monetary donations:
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Episcopal Relief & Development: The disaster response team is in contact with the dioceses in all affected areas. Funds collected will be used for long-term relief efforts as well as emergency grants, which are for churches in affected areas that are in a position to respond to needs in their local community. “Your gift will provide our partners on the ground with critical supplies, such as food and water, pastoral care and other urgent needs. You’ll also help us assist with the long-term efforts needed to rebuild and heal.” Donate
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United Way of NC: The UW Helps NC Fund supports immediate response and long-term recovery efforts. This site also provides a search and rescue form, access to a list of donation sites, and a way to apply for relief funds.
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American Red Cross: Working with officials and community partners, almost 1,400 Red Cross disaster workers are focused on providing shelter, food and comfort to thousands with more help on the way. In addition, the Red Cross has deployed more than 45 emergency response vehicles to get help to where needed and about two dozen more are enroute. Where it is safe to do so, Red Cross disaster responders are driving these vehicles throughout affected communities, assessing the damage and distributing meals and relief supplies.” Read more | Read about the American Red Cross response in North Carolina | Donate
Recovery Efforts
Please see below for the status of our churches, and send updated information to sinclaire@diocesewnc.org.
Please note, before delivering donations or sending teams, contact Archdeacon Brenda Gilbert at 704-221-0248 or email archdeacon@diocesewnc.org.
Financial Help
Legal Aid of North Carolina can help residents start the process with FEMA benefits, apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and request Crisis Cleanup Assistance. For more information, visit https://legalaidnc.org/tropical-storm-helene-disaster-assistance
D-SNAP (Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Benefits are available for residents in 25 Western NC counties, but the application window is short. Pre-registration opens on Oct. 15, and the application period closes on Thursday, Oct. 24. Eligible households will receive a one-time benefit on a debit-like card (EBT card) to help buy food. The impacted counties are Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wikes and Yancy. Apply by phone 844-453-1117 or visit ncdhhs.gov/dsnap.
United Way of NC: For immediate, unmet needs, the United Way of North Carolina will provide grants to nonprofits or reimburse nonprofits working in impacted communities. Certain nonprofit organizations assisting individuals and communities recovering from Hurricane Helene are eligible for funding. Eligible groups include any 501(c)(3) agency with a valid charitable solicitation license that is assisting Hurricane Helene-impacted communities with immediate needs. Learn more.
The WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund helps small businesses close the gap between when the disaster strikes and when federal loans, insurance payouts, and other disaster relief funds are approved, or businesses have time to recover and get back to business." Learn more.
The NC Network of Grantmakers has this list of community foundations accepting and making grants for immediate relief: https://www.ncgrantmakers.org/Resources/Resources-for-Grantmakers-(1).html
Golden LEAF is making resources available to organizations to support immediate relief for individuals and families including home repair, addressing unmet needs, and helping transition out of FEMA supported housing programs. Governmental entities and 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofits are eligible to apply. Learn more.
FEMA Public Assistance provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies." Learn more: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public. North Carolina Emergency Management has grants managers that can support applications: https://www.ncdps.gov/PAContactMap/open.
SBA disaster loans may be available to homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes in areas covered by a disaster declaration." https://lending.sba.gov/search-disaster/?disaster=NC-20007
Mental Health Support
Feeling overwhelmed, distressed, anxious? You are not alone—help is a text or call away. The National Disaster Distress Helpline is a valuable resource for our VOAD network and accessible 24/7 for responders, support teams, volunteers—for you, however and wherever you may support in the disaster/humanitarian sector.
Simply text or call 1-800-985-5990
Para ayuda en español, opríma el numero “2”.
For more information, visit samhsa.gov/ddh
Jada Bryson has offered free spiritual direction during this time. Contact her at Northernstar.direction@gmail.com
Church Insurance:
1-800-223-5705 (Please call even if you cannot clearly assess the damage.)
Find information here: https://www.cpg.org/redirects/property-casualty-insurance/overview/
We ask that you copy our WNC representative Linda Knolton on your claims - lknowlton@cpg.org
Recovery Efforts:
Asheville
- Buncombe County is in an ongoing state of emergency. 24/7 Call Center for Hurricane Helene: (828) 250-6100.
- Food and Water Distribution Sites: Click Here
Food and water distribution sites are open until 7 p.m. or supplies run out. Please bring containers to refill water.
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William W. Estes Elementary School - 275 Overlook Road, Asheville
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Sand Hill Elementary - 154 Sand Hill School Road, Asheville (Please enter via Acton Circle)
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North Windy Ridge Intermediate School - 20 Doan Road, Weaverville
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Fairview Elementary School - 1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview
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Black Mountain Ingles – 550 NC-9, Black Mountain
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Cane Middle Creek Middle – 570 Lower Brush Creek Road, Fletcher
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Leicester Elementary School – 31 Gilbert Road, Leicester
The City of Asheville also has sites:
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Asheville Middle School: 211 S. French Broad Avenue, Asheville – Until 7 p.m.
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Lindwood Crump Shiloh Community Center: 121 Shiloh Road, Asheville – Until 7 p.m.
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Pack Square Park: 70 Court Plaza beginning at 1 p.m. until dark.
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Lucy Herring Elementary School, 98 Sulphur Springs Road. Open 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 1201 Riverside Dr. - Distributing supplies.
- Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. - Distributing supplies.
- St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 337 Charlotte St. - Distributing supplies Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from1- 6 p.m. Volunteers are needed to organize, clean, and receive donations from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 219 Chunns Cove Rd. - Distributing supplies.
Boone
- F.A.R.M. Cafe, 617 W King St. - Hot meals available by donation or free.
- High Country COG is compiling pertinent information on Hurricane Helene Recovery and Relief Resources for our local governments. Learn More.
Canton
- Bethel Elementary School, 4700 Old River Rd. - Distributing supplies.
- Pinnacle Church, 101 Fiberville St. - Distributing supplies and coordinating volunteers.
Cashiers
- Church of the Good Shepherd, 1448 Highway 107 S. - Distributing supplies.
Clyde
- Fines Creek Community Center, 190 Fines Creek Rd. - Distributing supplies.
- Emergency Shelter available at 235 Armory Dr.
Denver
- St. Peter by the Lake Episcopal Church, 8433 Fairfield Forest Rd STE 1 - Collection site.
Flat Rock
- St. John's in the Wilderness, 1895 Greenville Hwy. - Open Monday to Thursday, 8:30-4:30, for people who need electricity to charge things, water, or a washer and dryer.
Fletcher
- Calvary Episcopal Church, 2840 Hendersonville Rd. - Distributing supplies. Can handle pallets of donations and frozen foods. Food pantry open.
Franklin
- All Saints Episcopal Church, 66 Church St. - Distributing supplies. Donating financially to relief efforts.
Gastonia
- All Saints Episcopal Church, 1201 S New Hope Rd. - Collection site.
- St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 258 W Franklin Blvd. - Collection site.
Hendersonville
- St. James Episcopal Church, 766 N Main St. - Holding site. Monday–Thursday 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. No pallets, bedding, or clothes. No more water is being accepted at this time. To coordinate supply drops, please contact the Rev. Corey Smith, corey@stjamesepiscopal.com.
Hickory
- Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 726 1st Ave NW - Distributing supplies.
- St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 130 39th Ave Pl NW - Distributing supplies.
Lenoir
- St. James Episcopal Church, 806 College Ave SW - Quilt collection site by Holy Comforters.
Marion
- St. John's Episcopal Church, 289 S Main St. - Distributing supplies, offering internet access. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and most of the day on Saturday for distribution. Volunteers are available to pick up donations.
Mars Hill
- Little Creek Cafe, 11660 US-23 - Distributing supplies, hot meals available.
- Nanostead, 798 Walnut Creek Road - Collection site
Morganton
- St. Mary's & St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 140 St Mary's Church Rd. - Distributing supplies including produce from Good News garden.
Newland
- First Baptist Church, 160 Cranberry St. - Collection and distribution.
Rutherfordton
- St. Francis Episcopal Church, 408 N Main St. - Open. Small-scale collections. Please call ahead.
- St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, 330 N Ridgecrest Ave, - Soup kitchen Wednesdays 10 a.m.–Noon. Collection site.
Shelby
- Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 502 W Sumter St. - Collection site.
Sylva
- St. John's Episcopal Church, 18 Jackson St. - Distributing supplies.
Waynesville
- First United Methodist, 565 S Haywood St. - Distributing supplies, showers available.
- Jonathan Valley Elementary School, 410 Hall Dr. - Distributing supplies
- Pigeon Center, 450 Pigeon St. - Distributing supplies, charging stations available.
- Woodland Baptist Church, 545 Crabtree Rd. - Distributing supplies.
Valle Crucis
- Valle Crucis Conference Center - Distributing supplies, showers available.
Status of Our Churches and Conference Centers:
Update the status listed on this page by emailing sinclaire@diocesewnc.org
Asheville
- All Souls Cathedral - Property damaged. Worshiping at Trinity.
- Christ School - Extended Fall Break. Open.
- Church of the Advocate -
- Deerfield - Open.
- Diocesan Offices - Limited staff at office. Checks can still be sent by mail to the office.
- Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 1201 Riverside Dr. - Open.
- Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. - Open.
- St. John's Episcopal Church, 290 Old Haw Creek Rd. - Open. Sunday service at 11 a.m. The safest route to the church is to turn off of Tunnel Road (at Groce United Methodist Church) onto Beverly Road.
- St. Giles Episcopal Church - Open.
- St. Luke's Episcopal Church - Property damaged. Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. in the field of Midway Family Church, next door to St. Luke's. Bring a lawn chair if possible.
- St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 337 Charlotte St. - Open. Regular schedule for services.
- St. Matthias Episcopal Church - Open.
- Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church St. - Open, hosting All Souls congregation.
Bat Cave
- Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration - Property damaged. Worshiping together remotely.
Bessemer City
- St. Andrew's Episcopal Church - Recovering.
Black Mountain
- St. James Episcopal Church - Open. Holding weekday prayer services M-F 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Blowing Rock
-St. Mary of the Hills, 140 Chestnut Dr. - Open.
Brevard
- St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 256 E Main St. - Open. Regular Sunday services at 8 and 10:30 a.m.
Boone
- St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 170 Councill St. - Open.
Burnsville
- St. Thomas Episcopal Church - Recovering. No water at the church.
Canton
- Lake Logan - Survived the storm. Temporarily closed.
- St. Andrew's on the Hill Episcopal Church, 251 Academy St. - Open. Sunday service at 10:30 a.m.
Cashiers
- Church of the Good Shepherd, 1448 Highway 107 S. - Distributing supplies. Regular Sunday services at 8, 9:30, and 11 a.m.
- Whiteside Summer Chapel - Recovering.
Cullowhee
- St. David's Episcopal Church, 385 Forest Hill Dr. - Open.
Denver
- St. Peter by the Lake Episcopal Church, 8433 Fairfield Forest Rd STE 1 - Collection site.
Edneyville
- St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Recovering.
Flat Rock
- St. John's in the Wilderness, 1895 Greenville Hwy. - Open Monday to Thursday, 8:30-4:30, for people who need electricity to charge things, water, or a washer and dryer. The church is also open for people who need a quiet place to spend time.
Fletcher
- Calvary Episcopal Church, 2840 Hendersonville Rd. - Open. Sunday service at 10:30 a.m.
Franklin
- All Saints Episcopal Church, 66 Church St. - Open. Regular Sunday services at 8 and 10:15 a.m.
- St. John's Episcopal Church, Cartoogechaye - Open. Regular Sunday service at 9:30 a.m.
Gastonia
- All Saints Episcopal Church, 1201 S New Hope Rd. - Collection site. Sunday services at 8 and 10:30 a.m.
- St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 258 W Franklin Blvd. - Collection site. Sunday services at 8 and 10:30 a.m.
Glendale Springs
-Parish of the Holy Communion - Open.
Hayesville
- Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 495 Herbert Hills Dr. - Open.
Hendersonville
- La Capilla de Santa Maria, 186 St Marys Dr. - Open. Sunday service at 11 a.m.
- St. James Episcopal Church, 766 N Main St. - Distributing supplies (no clothing).
Hickory
- Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 726 1st Ave NW - Distributing supplies. Regular Sunday service.
- St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 130 39th Ave Pl NW - Distributing supplies.
Highlands
- Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, 520 Main St. - Open.
Lenoir
- St. James Episcopal Church, 806 College Ave SW - Open.
Lincolnton
- Church of Our Savior, Woodside - Property damaged. Services at St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
- St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 315 N Cedar St. - Joint service at 10 a.m. Sundays.
Linville
- All Saints Episcopal Chapel - Recovering.
Little Switzerland
- Episcopal Church of the Resurrection - Recovering.
Marion
- St. John's Episcopal Church, 289 S Main St. - Open.
Mars Hill
- Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, 433 Bone Camp Rd. - Open. Sunday service at 10:30 a.m.
Mills River
- Holy Family Episcopal Church, 419 Turnpike Rd. - Open.
Morganton
- Grace Episcopal Church, 303 S King St. - Open.
- St. Mary's & St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 140 St Mary's Church Rd. - Distributing supplies including produce from Good News garden.
- St. Paul's Lake James, 1865 N Powerhouse Rd. - Recovering. No power. Sunday service at 9 a.m.
Murphy
- Episcopal Church of the Messiah - Recovering.
Newland
- Church of Our Savior - Recovering.
Newton
- Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 750 W 13th St. - Cell service, internet, power available.
Robbinsville
- Grace Mountainside - Open.
Rutherfordton
- St. Francis Episcopal Church, 408 N Main St. - Open.
- St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, 330 N Ridgecrest Ave, - Soup kitchen Wednesdays 10 a.m.–Noon. Collection site.
Saluda
- Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration - Open. No power. Sunday service at 10:30 a.m.
Shelby
- Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 502 W Sumter St. - Collection site. Sunday service at 9:30 a.m.
Sparta
- Christ Episcopal Church - Recovering.
Spruce Pine
- Trinity Episcopal Church - Recovering.
Sylva
- St. John's Episcopal Church, 18 Jackson St. - Distributing supplies. Sunday service at 11 a.m.
Tryon
- Church of the Good Shepherd - Recovering.
- Holy Cross Episcopal Church - Open.
Waynesville
- Grace Church in the Mountains, 394 N Haywood St. - Daily prayer services, coordinating relief with local organizations.
Wilkesboro
- St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 W Cowles St. - Open.
Valle Crucis
- Holy Cross - Open. Services restored.
- Valle Crucis Conference Center - Distributing supplies, showers available.