Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina on September 27, devastating (and, in some cases, obliterating) many of our favorite mountain towns.
Since then, many of us who love the region have been feeling distraught over the destruction, wondering what we can do to help NC.
While heading to the afflicted areas with a chainsaw (or donation items) in hand might be your first inclination, there are better, more impactful and organized ways to help those in need.
Many NC non-profits leapt into action with Helene Relief immediately, gathering aid, figuring out the water situation and imminent housing crisis, and beginning the arduous task of cleaning up.
Lots of followers on our BRMTG Facebook page asked for a guide to the best nonprofit organizations carrying out boots-on-the-ground Hurricane Helene relief work.
But many NGOs popped up seemingly overnight, some of whom proved to be scammers, while others use donations to pay executives rather than giving 100% to Helene victims.
With the holidays coming soon, we’ve compiled a list of 30 vetted, trustworthy non-profits (both locally and internationally based) that you can donate to and rest easy, knowing they’re legit.
Some need money, some need volunteers, while others are asking for food, clothing, and other essential survival supplies (blankets, generators, etc) for the coming Winter.
PLEASE be sure to check in with whichever organization you choose and find out what they can use at the moment, as the needs on the ground are constantly changing!
READ MORE: 10 Ways to Visit Western NC Responsibly After Hurricane Helene
Non-Profits Providing Helene Relief Guide
- Elk River Helping Hands
- Mountain Strong – Yancey & Mitchell County Relief Team
- Hospitality House
- Feeding Avery Families
- F.A.R.M Cafe
- Casting Bread
- Buladean Community Center
- MANNA Foodbank
- Foothills Food Hub
- Hunger and Health Coalition
- Anchor Ridge
- Reconciliation House
- Red Cross
- United Way of North Carolina
- World Central Kitchen
- Wine to Water
- Wild South
- BeLoved Asheville
- Operation Carolina Christmas
- Lake Logan
- PATH WNC
- Hearts with Hands
- W.A.M.Y Community Action
- Spark Point
- North Carolina Community Foundation
- Rural Organizing and Resilience
- Piedmont Animal Rescue
- Sister Kitten
- Misfit Mountain
- Asheville Humane Society
READ MORE: NC Mountain Towns Officially Open to Visitors
Hyperlocal NC Nonprofits & Organizations
1. Elk River Helping Hands
Elk River Helping Hands is based in the town of Banner Elk and serves people all over Avery County. They have already distributed grants of over $150,000 to several families and people in the area.
Monetary donations are welcome, and they have a list of specific needs, such as brooms, mop handles, cat litter, mold/mildew cleaner, dish soap, paper towels, toilet paper, Damp Rid, dehumidifiers, AAA batteries, and Ziploc bags (all sizes).
As with most of these organizations, the list changes regularly as needs change.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Banner Elk NC
2. Mountain Strong – Yancey & Mitchell County Relief Team
This Yancey/Mitchell County organization is dedicated to helping local families rebuild, restore, and inspire resilience after the storm.
Mountain Strong organizes donors to partner with families and individuals across Western North Carolina who need financial assistance.
Through sponsorships, donors can direct their funds to people desperately in need of food, clothing, and housing repairs.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Burnsville NC
3. Hospitality House
Based in Boone NC, this 40-year-old organization supports those in the NC High Country experiencing homelessness, hunger, and crisis.
They run the only shelter for 7 counties that had one of the highest percentages of homeless families in the country BEFORE Helene.
They accept monetary donations and have a wishlist of specific items they need, such as towels, personal hygiene items, and first aid.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Christmas Towns in North Carolina
4. Feeding Avery Families
As Helene has put increasing pressure on local food banks, Feeding Avery Families is in ever more need of our help.
They’re headquartered in Newland NC, which is an area known for its many Christmas tree farms.
You can support their mission by either donating your time at the distribution center, donating monetarily, or by making food donations. Be sure to ask what their latest needs are!
READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in NC
5. F.A.R.M Cafe
Focused on North Carolina’s High Country, F.A.R.M Cafe is a place where anyone can get a generous hot meal, regardless of their means.
With food insecurity extremely high, organizations like this are essential. Anyone can pay for a meal here if they can afford it. But even if you can’t, you can still eat, with no questions asked!
Those who can afford it are also given the option to buy a meal at this Boone NC restaurant for someone else. If you pop in, please buy a few meal tokens for those in need.
READ MORE: 20 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains
6. Casting Bread
Based in Blowing Rock NC, Casting Bread offers a client-choice free food market and free meals to those facing food insecurity.
This nonprofit organization has really gone into overdrive since the disaster, despite the fact that they suffered enormous damage to their own building!
They’re currently asking for monetary donations to pay for meals and other hurricane relief efforts. They also need volunteers to help cook, serve, and distribute food.
Check out their detailed wish list of specific needs, which you can access here.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock NC
7. Buladean Community Center
This Bakersville NC community center gathers clothes and other useful items that will be given out for free to those who have lost their belongings in the storm.
They’re currently asking for volunteers to help sort and distribute food and other items.
They also need monetary donations, as well as household items and food donations. Check their Facebook page for updated info on current needs.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Christmas Parades in North Carolina
8. MANNA FoodBank
Manna FoodBank works to address food insecurity in all 16 counties of Western NC, as well as the Qualla Boundry.
They’re currently asking for donations of food (please check their updated needs list).
They also need volunteers for two locations at their warehouses, and ask that you sign up online before showing up.
READ MORE: The 7 Best Train Rides for Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains
9. Foothills Food Hub
Foothills Food Hub is working to provide food and water to those affected by Hurricane Helene in McDowell County (Marion, Old Fort, etc) and beyond.
They are currently asking for monetary donations only.
Your donation will allow the Food Hub to aid the local community for as long as they are needed.
READ MORE: The 30 Best NC Christmas Events
10. Hunger and Health Coalition
Based in Boone, the Hunger and Health Coalition served those who need help accessing food, medication, and other supplies in the aftermath of Helene.
In addition to working from their main site, they also travel out to get items directly to those in need.
They’re currently asking for monetary gifts as well as donations of food, household items, and medical supplies. Please check their updates list of needs.
READ MORE: The 12 Best Boone NC Christmas Tree Farms
Religious Organizations
11. Anchor Ridge
Based in North Wilkesboro NC, Anchor Ridge disaster response teams were dispatched to heavy-hit areas of the Appalachian Mountains to take food, clothing, and other supplies to families in need.
They’re asking for volunteers to join the response teams, but monetary donations are also welcome to help buy much-needed supplies.
As winter in North Carolina approaches, they’ve also started a winter coat drive to ensure that folks can stay warm as temperatures begin to drop.
READ MORE: The Appalachian Culture & History of the Blue Ridge Mountains
12. Reconciliation House
Based in Burnsville NC, Reconciliation House is asking for monetary donations to help them buy supplies as they’re needed.
They recognize that needs on the ground are constantly changing, and that money allows them the flexibility to provide food, shelter, or whatever else is needed at any given moment.
RH also needs volunteers to help process and stock items for their Thrift Store, help in the food pantry, unload food deliveries, and help with special community events.
READ MORE: 20 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in the Smoky Mountains (NC & TN)
National & Global Organizations
13. Red Cross
Red Cross disaster workers have been all over Western NC, focusing on helping those in need of shelter, food, and comfort.
They’re asking for monetary donations, as well as calling for folks to give blood to help those who were injured in the disaster.
There’s also an opportunity for volunteers to work in Red Cross shelters, on a Disaster Action Team, or as a healthcare provider.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in North Carolina
14. United Way of North Carolina
The United Way of North Carolina has been partnering with 47 hyper-local United Ways to co-create solutions to people’s most pressing challenges for nearly 50 years now.
United Way NC is asking for monetary funds as they respond to urgent requests from various smaller NGOs working to help those in need in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
This statewide organization also offers grants and reimbursements to NGOs that have supported victims of the disaster.
READ MORE: The 28 Best NC Christmas Tree Farms to Visit
15. World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen’s mission is to serve food and assess the dietary needs of those affected by Hurricane Helene.
They’re currently working on the ground in 4 states affected by the storm, making sure that isolated communities reeling from Helene are reached by helicopter and airboats as needed.
They are currently asking for monetary donations, and there may also be a chance to volunteer.
READ MORE: Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains? A State-by-State Guide
16. Wine to Water
Wine To Water is a global non-profit working to ensure that everyone has access to clean water. In the wake of Helene, WTW’s presence is greatly needed in many of the affected areas.
They’ve worked hard to reach the most isolated communities in Western NC, sending in loaded ATVs to towns such as Black Mountain.
They’re currently asking for monetary donations, and are offering an “every dollar matched” program until they reach $500,000!
READ MORE: 10 Wonderful Yadkin Valley Wineries Worth Visiting
NC Community Initiatives
17. Wild South
Based in hard-hit Spruce Pine NC, Wild South is working tirelessly on back-breaking cleanup after the storm. They work in several NC counties, and are calling for volunteers to help in the cleanup effort.
Volunteers will help muck out homes, pull out walls and floors, and rescue furniture before it molds or rots. This nonprofit also accepts monetary donations.
Wild South encourages locals to give a shoutout to places where a bunch of helping ands could make a huge difference. This especially applies to those whose primary residence needs attention.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Small Towns Near Asheville NC
18. BeLoved Asheville
BeLoved Asheville serves those most impacted by Hurricane Helene throughout Western North Carolina.
They have supplied communities throughout the mountains with basic survival necessities, temporary water infrastructure and filtration, temporary housing and shelter for winter, and clean up support.
Recently, this Asheville-based nonprofit has focused on bringing a glimmer of hope and happiness to local children with a toy drive for the holidays.
Beloved Asheville is now working on long-term recovery including home repair and rehoming those who lost everything.
They’re currently asking for monetary donations, land for building homes, as well as tools and materials for repair and rebuilding.
READ MORE: Inside the Biltmore House Christmas in Asheville NC
19. Operation Carolina Christmas
With the holidays just around the corner, Operation Carolina Christmas is extending its reach to help the kids affected by Helene.
They want every child to experience just a little bit of ‘normal’ this coming holiday season!
Based in Franklin NC, the organization is accepting monetary gifts are well as physical items bought from their wish list. Check their Facebook page for donation drop-off locations.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Franklin NC & Macon County
20. Lake Logan
Located in Canton NC near the Shining Rock Wilderness (part of Pisgah National Forest), Lake Logan is calling for volunteers to help with the enormous clean-up of the retreat and school.
There is a lot of riverbank restoration to be done, as well as general clean-up of debris in and around the picturesque lake.
They are also accepting monetary donations for their restoration fund.
READ MORE: Help Western NC Stores by Shopping Online (Haywood Co Edition)
21. PATH WNC
PATH WNC (Partners Aligned Toward Health) is working to serve Mitchell and Yancey Counties in the aftermath of Helene.
They coordinated volunteers for county-related distribution efforts for about a month immediately after Helene.
Now they are focusing on serving as an information hub with a Yancey Helene Relief resource guide, as well as a Spanish version. People are encouraged to send information about relief resources that apply to the residents of Yancey or Mitchell counties to [email protected].
They are primarily seeking monetary donations to address relief needs as they arise.
READ MORE: The 20 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit
22. Hearts With Hands
Based in Asheville and active in Swannanoa, Hearts With Hands distributes “Boxes of Hope”– food, water, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, baby supplies, pet food, etc– to those facing a natural disaster.
They have a very specific list of needed items, so be sure to check it twice before donating.
Hearts With Hands is currently looking for volunteers to help with distribution, but they also accept monetary donations.
READ MORE: The Top 30 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC
23. WAMY Community Action
With offices in hard-hit towns such as Boone, Newland, and Spruce Pine NC, this organization works to help locals experiencing poverty and hardship.
Their mission is “Helping People & Changing Lives” through housing projects (including repair and rehab) and food/nutrition initiatives.
They’ve really opened their arms and resources to those affected by Helene, and are currently offering opportunities to volunteer and accepting monetary donations.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Places for Snow Tubing in North Carolina
24. Spark Point
Based in Brevard NC, Spark Point is dedicated to addressing the overall well-being of the local community after Helene.
While rebuilding of structures and homes is a major focus, this nonprofit organization also wants to support folks going through emotional stress and mental trauma from the disaster.
SparkPoint is currently asking for monetary donations to help them continue their vital work.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Brevard NC & Transylvania County
25. North Carolina Community Foundation
The NC Community Foundation is a statewide nonprofit that collects funds and distributes them to other community organizations working on the ground to help rebuild after Helene.
They have awarded more than $300 million in grants and scholarships since 1988, giving to 1,295 total charitable funds, and working with 53 affiliates serving 60 counties all across the state.
In addition to their general NCCF Disaster Relief Fund, they also have the Community Foundation for Western North Carolina Emergency & Disaster Response Fund. Both accept monetary donations.
Their website also has an excellent list of hyperlocal Disaster Relief & Recovery Resources.
READ MORE: 20 Best Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina
26. Rural Organizing and Resilience
Based in Madison County NC (Hot Springs, Marshall & Mars Hill), Rural Organizing and Resilience (ROAR) has opened a mutual aid hub that’s currently open six days a week.
It collects and distributes items such as generators, firewood, camp stoves, and other basic survival supplies that Helene survivors need.
They also send out crews to do wellness checks, clear trees, and deliver food/medicine to those who were isolated by the storm.
They’re asking for monetary donations so that they can buy the most necessary items.
READ MORE: 30 Fun Facts About Appalachian Scots-Irish History & Culture
Animal Rescue Organizations
27. Piedmont Animal Rescue
Based in NC’s Piedmont region, this animal charity is gathering supplies that can be flown into affected areas to serve lost and in-need pets.
Piedmont Animal Rescue is also working to find stray animals and fly them out to safety.
They currently have a wishlist of items that they need, and take monetary donations as well. Check out their Facebook page for updated volunteer opportunities.
READ MORE: Christmas Town USA: 10 Ways to Celebrate in McAdenville NC
28. Sister Kitten
This organization is collecting and distributing free pet supplies in the Asheville area.
Sister Kitten has also been feeding stray and lost animals in the wake of the storm.
They have a wishlist of needs that changes often, so it’s best to check their Facebook page to find info on their current needs.
READ MORE: 15 Fun Things to Do in Asheville NC in Winter
29. Misfit Mountain
Based in Clyde NC, Misfit Mountain is an animal rescue that is working to help folks take care of their animals after the storm.
They have a distribution center where they have been handing out free supplies for domestic pets and farm animals alike.
Check out their Facebook page for an updated list of volunteer opportunities.
READ MORE: 10 Amazing Animals in the Smoky Mountains (& Where to See Them)
30. Asheville Humane Society
The Asheville Humane Society is working harder than ever to ensure that pets and animals are getting what they need in the wake of Helene.
They have a “missing pet” page, and help to support those who have found someone else’s pet.
They’re currently accepting monetary donations to help them deal with the huge influx of lost animals that are coming in.
They recommend donating pet supplies to local churches and fire departments, so that those supplies stay in the areas where they’re needed most. -by Emma Gallagher
