Hurricane Helene Relief Resources
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Center for Health and Wellness has compiled a short list of regional, long-term resources that support mental and emotional health, provide general aid, and protect against scams/fraud.
Please also check out the Helene Recovery Support: Trauma-Informed Guide to Older Adult Wellness Calls and Checks guide.
This mini-guide of best practices for providing trauma-informed support through wellness checks in person or by phone. It includes sample questions, assessment guides, and rapid reset practices that could be useful - for any and all of us when we feel activated or triggered.
General Aid & Resources
Survivors of Hurricane Helene can find assistance with healthcare, financial aid, or cleanup support from a variety of providers. Below are websites and numbers for resource lines provided by United Way, NC state government and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
PHONE NUMBERS
Dial 211 for non-emergency needs
Dial (844) 965-1386 for Crisis Clean-up
Call FEMA to apply for aid at 1-800-621-3362
WEBSITES
NC Division of Health and Human Services Hurricane Relief Resources page.
NC Department of Public Safety: Hurricane Helene: Provides information on what’s fact vs. scam, assistance for individuals and businesses, how to donate, voting impacts, and more.
NC Department of Public Safety / NC Emergency Management: Trusted Resources List by County.
Open and Operating Pharmacies by County from the NC Board of Pharmacy.
For more aid resources online, visit: NC Rural Center.
In a disaster, there is no right or wrong way to feel. It is essential that you have the resources you need—when and where you need them.
If you are experiencing stress, emotional fatigue, a mental health crisis, or just need someone to talk to, you can call the Hope4NC Helpline at 1-855-587-3463.
Hope4NC assists individuals in communities as they recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. Hope4NC is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Our trained crisis outreach workers are available to link survivors with resources that assist in recovery and rebuilding, help with disaster preparedness, and to offer emotional and educational support. We meet you where it’s most convenient, whether that is your home, the library, church, or any other location.
How We Can Help
Individual Crisis Outreach and Support
Group Crisis Outreach
Public Education
Community Networking and Support
Assessment, Referral, and Resource Connections
Mental/Emotional Health and Social Support Services
The scale of the storm has left many with profound grief and loss, has increased isolation and loneliness, and has exacerbated behavioral health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
PHONE NUMBERS & WEBSITES
Call 911 for emergency assistance.
Text or call 988 to speak with a trained mental health professional.
Call 211 for local resources (non-emergency).
Call 1-855-PEERS NC to access NC’s Peer Warmline — here, you can talk to a peer living in recovery from mental health or substance use issues.
Call the VAYA Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800-849-6127 for crisis assistance.
First responders and volunteers can call Hope4NC at 1-855-587-3463 for support.
The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
Mental Health America’s Crisis Resource Center | Mental Health America’s Disaster Resources page
VAYA Health’s Helene Recovery page
Visit the Social Bridging NC Mental Health Resources webpage for more resources.
Preventing Scams & Fraud
Reports have been made about numerous scams that have developed in the wake of the disaster.
Social Bridging NC’s website has a comprehensive resource guide with detailed information about the types of scams and fraud that frequently target older adults.
Call the Attorney General's Office at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM for guidance on whether a company is legitimate or if you have other questions about suspicious Helene-related services.
Displacement & Rental Assistance
Hurricane Helene has both displaced WNC residents from their homes and compromised the means that residents use to pay for housing expenses. The following organizations have begun processes to assist with immediate housing needs and rental costs.
FEMA Displacement Assistance: Provides homeowners and renters who can’t return to their home because it was damaged by Hurricane Helene. For more information, visit the FEMA website or call FEMA at 800-621-3362.
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church: Visit their website or call (828) 254-3274 for more information.
Eblen Charities: Visit their website or call (828) 255-3066 for more information.