Hurricane Helene Information and Resources

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we recognize the tremendous impact this disaster has had on you, your work, and the communities you serve. As part of our commitment to supporting our network of addiction professionals, APNC is gathering information to assess the specific needs that have arisen as a result of the storm. Your input will help us determine how best we can support you directly or advocate on your behalf to policymakers and regulators. By sharing your experiences and challenges, you enable us to ensure that the right resources are made available to assist you and those in your care as we work together toward recovery.

Take the survey here. APNC is with you.

Here is a comprehensive list of resources for people in Western North Carolina. This continuously updated document includes links to all city and county government websites affected by the hurricane.

Archive of APNC Hurricane Communications

Recent Updates

Food Assistance

Automatic Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefit replacements for those impacted by Hurricane Helene were issued in early October, followed by a supplement in November. Applications for FNS are available year-round through county Departments of Social Services, with eligibility determined by household size, income, and allowable deductions.

Expedited Benefits are available to households with monthly incomes below $150 and $100 in liquid assets, including to migrant and seasonal workers. Qualified applicants receive benefits within seven days.

The WIC program supports pregnant individuals and families with children under five. Services include access to healthy foods, formula, and breastfeeding assistance provided through local WIC agencies.

Sunbucks is a summer food assistance initiative that offers a one-time benefit to school-aged children to help purchase meals during summer months when school is out. The application period for 2025 is open. To qualify, households must participate in the National School Lunch Program’s free or reduced-price meals. Families receiving FNS or TANF benefits are automatically eligible.

Individuals seeking food assistance can always call 211 or visit NC211.org to locate food pantries and additional resources at any time.

Resources for Food Support:

Utility Assistance

The Crisis Intervention Program helps households at risk of losing their heating source, including gas, electricity, or wood. It provides up to $600 annually, paid directly to energy providers.

In addition, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program offers a one-time winter heating payment of $300–$500, depending on income, fuel type, and household size. Priority is given to households with seniors or individuals with disabilities. Benefits are available to those earning 130% or less of the poverty level and are paid directly to the utility provider.

The Weatherization Assistance Program, funded federally and managed locally, improves home energy efficiency with materials like insulation and weather-stripping. The Duke Energy Partnership supports customers in six Western NC counties. Through it, Duke Energy customers may receive up to $2,500 in assistance through programs like “Light Funds” and NC Settlement Rate Funds while funding lasts.

Mental Health Services and Support

In a disaster, it’s essential that first responders and volunteers have the resources they need—when and where they need them. The Hope4NC Helpline offers free, confidential support 24/7, particularly for hurricane recovery workers and first responders. Call 1-855-587-3463 for immediate assistance.

For urgent mental health needs, call 988 for confidential assistance, including services in Spanish. In addition, the Hispanic Federation provides free mental health support for the Latino community via their hotline at 1-844-438-6827.

Resources for Mental Health Support:

Disability Services

Disability Rights North Carolina advocates for individuals with disabilities during disaster recovery, connects them to resources and ensures their rights are protected. For assistance, call 919-856-2195 or 877-235-4210.

The Disability and Disaster Hotline, managed by the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategy, helps with FEMA appeals, documentation, and other disaster-related issues. Call 800-626-4959 or visit hotline@disasterstrategies.org to learn more.

NC Centers for Independent Living are non-residential, community-based organizations that provide support across the state to help individuals with disabilities live independently. Disability Partners, located in Western North Carolina, serves 14 counties impacted by the hurricane.

Resources for Disabilities Support:

Long-term Recovery Efforts

Shelter and Housing Assistance

The NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) is currently awaiting federal HUD funding. Western North Carolinians are urged to register with FEMA for Individual Assistance (IA) as soon as possible to expedite approval as soon as funding becomes available. In the meantime, individuals should be sure to document any storm damage as well as make temporary safety repairs to their homes.

As of November 15, all Hurricane Helene evacuation shelters are closed. The Multi-Agency Shelter Transitional Team (MASTT) has transitioned individuals to hotels through Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA). Ongoing support, including housing assistance and unmet needs outreach is available. Shelters for other emergencies or inclement weather remain open and can be located through county websites or by calling 211.

FEMA Individual Assistance

Over $244 million has been distributed to 134,000 households for disaster recovery in North Carolina. While FEMA assistance can reach up to $85,000, most recipients receive between $10,000 and $12,000 for minor to moderate repairs. Aid is based on individual needs, insurance coverage, and avoids duplication of resources.

Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA) program recipients will be contacted by phone, email or in-person to facilitate long-term housing plans and address unmet needs. Immediate housing in hotels or motels is provided in 14-day increments, while long-term options include mobile homes, temporary housing, and converted commercial spaces. Placement decisions depend on property conditions, utilities, and permitting.

Disaster Recovery Centers (21 locations throughout Western North Carolina) and the FEMA Helpline assist with applications, determination letters, and appeals. For updates and eligibility review, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, and use the provided appeal forms if necessary. Applicants are encouraged to read letters thoroughly and reach out for clarification or support if needed.

Healthy Opportunities Pilots (HOP)

Financial assistance is available for Medicaid-eligible individuals through Healthy Opportunities Pilots services and covers expenses like security deposits and first month’s rent for new housing. Coordination with programs like Back@Home ensures seamless support and avoids resource duplication.

Back@Home

Case management and rental assistance are provided for disaster-affected households through Back@Home, prioritizing those leaving shelters and ineligible for other programs. Efforts include processing enrollments from shelter referrals and creating housing plans. Future expansion may include referrals from homeless systems and disaster case managers, contingent on budget and potential HUD funding.

Additional Resources for Housing and Shelter Support:

Ongoing Community Partner Support

United Way of North Carolina

United Way of North Carolina operates 2-1-1, a 24/7 helpline across all 100 counties and offers timely resources and empathetic support. A dedicated disaster hotline ensures quick assistance during emergencies, with minimal wait times of less than 30 seconds. Following Hurricane Helene, the helpline handled over 16,000 calls and now focuses on long-term resource updates.

American Red Cross

Here for the duration to support Western North Carolina as it rebuilds, the American Red Cross is currently shifting from immediate disaster relief to long-term recovery. In addition to providing shelter, food and generators, approximately 17,000 homes in North Carolina were assessed over the past two months since the hurricane. 2,900 homes have been classified as destroyed or severely damaged. Financial aid will be provided to the impacted households from December 2 to 23. A structured recovery program, including financial aid, grants, and a locally hired team, will operate for two to three years.

Additional Resources

Ongoing Recovery Coordination Meetings

NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Long-Term Recovery Groups
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m.
Join on Zoom
Meeting ID: 160 098 4167
Passcode: 604572

Helene Response Coordination Call
Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.
Join on Zoom
Meeting ID: 969 5477 4349
Passcode: 744752

Disaster Case Management
Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:00 a.m.
Join on Zoom

Emotional and Spiritual Care/Child Wellbeing
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:30 p.m.
Join on Zoom
Meeting ID: 160 139 5145
Passcode: 054460
Dial in number: 415-449-4000

Volunteer Management
Fridays at 2:00 p.m.
Join on Zoom
Meeting ID: 945 9619 1471
Passcode: 461008

Together WNC: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Join on Zoom
Meeting ID: 963 214 6210

The NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network (NCIDR)
Monthly on 4th Tuesdays 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Sign up for invites

The next Hurricane Helene Recovery Webinar and Tele-town Hall will take place on December 11th at noon. Further details will be shared soon. We hope you can join us. Until then, for general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdhhs.gov/helene.

State Updates:

NC Health News has established a tag for Hurricane Helene related stories and updates. See the tag here.

NCDHHS Provides Free Well Disinfection, Well Water Collection Kits to Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene

From NCDHHS: Free Mental Health Support for Teens Across North Carolina in Wake of Hurricane Helene

NCDHHS Infographic

Residents in Western North Carolina Can Apply for Help Buying Food Following Hurricane Helene. Read the full press release here.

Due to massive flooding, communications outages, and court closures throughout western North Carolina, it maybe difficult to gather information about a loved one who is currently being held in a jail or prison in that part of the state. Please contact SCSJ’s crisis hotline if you have a question about an incarcerated loved one or a pending criminal court date. 919-391-0367, scsjcrisisresponse@gmail.com

The City of Asheville is providing important information about Tropical Storm Helene response efforts through AVL Alert. Sign up at ashevillenc.gov/avlalert.

Governor Cooper Issues Executive Order to Increase Capacity of Healthcare to Respond to Helene

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

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available in 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

Payor Updates

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

Federal Updates:

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. On Thursday, October 3rd President Biden approved 100% FEMA reimbursement for six months. To apply for Individual Assistance, visit disasterassistance.gov.

FROM FEMA: How to Replace Lost Documents in North Carolina

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.”

Healthcare Resources

Resources from our friends at the NC Community Heath Center Association

Visit the NC Medicaid Virtual Bulletin Board for Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources to view frequent updates.

NEW! Asheville Recovery Center is Open and Seeing Patients

NC State Board of Elections Hurricane Helene Information https://www.ncsbe.gov/helene

NCDHHS urges safe water usage following the storm. Go to the NCDHHS website to find ways to ensure your water is safe and to prevent waterborne disease or illness.

Ways to Donate or Volunteer

Below is a list of links to verified state entities with links to reputable organizations taking donations and/or volunteers.

NC Department of Public Safety

Member Fundraisers

Insight Recovery

Substance Use and Mental Health Resources

The following mental health resources from DHHS are available;

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.

Supporting Children Through Trauma: NCTSN ResourcesImportant 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 guide building resilience and addressing emotional challenges that children may face.

SAMHSA Resource List SAMHSA has released a list of resources on behavioral health and disaster responses.

Applications are now open for the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, made possible through $7.5 million in initial funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation. Apply at: mountainbizworks.org/helene/fund

Financial Resources:

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.

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.