Many of you have reached out with heartfelt concern for EPN – North America, knowing that many of our current and former staff, Steering Committee members, and partner organizations live in western North Carolina. We deeply appreciate your compassion and support during this challenging time. Our hearts are with all those impacted by Hurricane Helene, not just in North Carolina, but across the southern U.S., where communities are in urgent need of help.
This is an unprecedented disaster for our region, and recovery will be a marathon, not a sprint. Many of our communities will need sustained relief support in the coming months. It may take years to fully rebuild roads, bridges, and infrastructure. Even now, search and rescue missions remain active—including in my own town of Swannanoa. Communities like Black Mountain, where I’ve been volunteering, are transitioning from the rescue phase to long-term recovery. Over 70,000 residents still remain without power, while water and internet access are nearly non-existent.
Yet, in the face of these hardships, the resilience and kindness of our communities shine through. I’ve had the privilege of volunteering alongside hundreds of others—children, seniors, and everyone in between—working tirelessly to distribute food and supplies. The spirit of care and cooperation I’ve witnessed is nothing short of remarkable.
We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our first responders, the National Guard, FEMA, government officials, volunteers, and all the task forces aiding in rescue and recovery. This includes both locals and those who have traveled from out of state to lend a hand.
As we continue to face difficult decisions about balancing work, volunteer efforts, and personal wellness, we are reminded to prioritize self-care even in the midst of this crisis. Many of us are juggling remote work from the homes of friends or family while also helping with relief efforts. Returning home is a challenge, as power, water, and phone services are still unreliable, making it hard to resume normal life.
Thank you for your compassion, your understanding, and your continued support as our communities navigate this difficult journey. Your messages, check-ins, and contributions remind us that we are not alone in this recovery effort. And your commitment to fighting the climate emergency that fuels these catastrophic events is more important than ever.
3 Ways You Can Help with Disaster Recovery:
1) Volunteer Locally
If you are able, consider volunteering. Our region is fortunate to have many local nonprofits, businesses, restaurants, churches, and community centers that have stepped up to serve food and distribute provisions. There’s a role for everyone—whether you’re loading and unloading heavy supplies, preparing meals, coordinating wellness checks and volunteers, or making care packages. Every contribution counts.
If you’re traveling from outside the region, consider bringing a vehicle that can transport recyclable materials. In some of the hardest-hit areas like Buncombe County, trash services have resumed, but recycling services remain limited or unavailable. Rural areas are especially in need of help with recycling.
2) Donate Supplies or Funds
With damaged buildings and limited storage capacity, many organizations are struggling to accommodate the outpouring of donated supplies. If you’re organizing a supply drive, consider waiting a few weeks or months before bringing donations to the area, as recovery will be ongoing for some time. Be sure to coordinate with local organizations to understand their needs before delivering supplies.
If you prefer to make a monetary donation, many organizations are collecting funds specifically for Hurricane Helene relief. Ensure your donation is directed toward those efforts. Below is a partial list of recommended organizations accepting contributions.
3) Share Accurate Information
In times of crisis, it’s critical to rely on and share trusted news sources. We’ve included links to reliable resources below to help ensure that the information you’re receiving and spreading is accurate.
Resources for Disaster Recovery:
- Buncombe County: https://www.buncombecounty.org/
- Blue Ridge Public Radio: https://www.bpr.org/
- NC Dept of Public Safety: https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/hurricane-helene
Donation Resources:
If you are able to help others in need, here are some good resources regarding what’s needed:
Here are some of the many organizations that we know of providing assistance to our communities and accepting monetary donations.
- BeLoved Asheville: Providing essential aid to those affected
- The Equal Plates Project: Prepares and delivers locally sourced meals to public housing and underserved populations
- Mercy Chefs: Offering meals to victims, volunteers, and first responders
- World Central Kitchen: Providing fresh meals in response to crises
- Hearts with Hands: Supplying food to Buncombe County shelters
- Manna Food Bank: Providing food to 16 counties of Western North Carolina
- Asheville Humane Society: Open-intake animal shelter in Buncombe County
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we will continue to move forward, rebuild, and rise stronger from this disaster.
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