Hurricane Helene left death and destruction in its wake, in an unprecedented event, especially in the mountains of North Carolina. Since September 26, thousands of people are trapped in the middle of obstructed, isolated roads or without basic services such as water, electricity, telephone or internet. Faced with this, the authorities established an aid fund to help those affected by this natural disaster.
Governor Roy Cooper made an urgent call for citizens to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fundin order to support communities struggling to recover from the devastating effects of the hurricane.
“There is a massive effort underway to bring help to the people of the mountains of North Carolina, including state and federal assistance, but we know there will be additional needs,” said Governor Cooper. “If you are able to donate, please consider contributing to help the affected residents recover from Helene.”
How to donate?
To contribute to the Disaster Relief Fund, you can make your donation through the official site: nc.gov/donate. All donations will be channeled to nonprofit organizations that are immediately responding to the most urgent needs of affected communities, such as providing food, water and cleaning products.
If you prefer to send your donation by mail, you can do so to the following addresses:
- NC Disaster Relief Fund, 20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0312.
- NC Disaster Relief Fund, c/o United Way of NC, 1130 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 100, Cary, NC 27511.
Where do the donations go?
All donations will be managed by the United Way of North Carolina, which will act as the Fund’s fiscal agent. This organization will be responsible for providing grants and reimbursements to the nonprofit organizations working directly in affected communities and the victims.
According to United Way of North Carolina President and CEO Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, the priority is to ensure that resources arrive quickly to the most impacted areas.
“This unprecedented situation requires collective action to provide both immediate relief and long-term support,” Fletcher noted.
Additionally, eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for grants and reimbursements of up to $10,000 to cover immediate needs related to disaster recovery. Applications can be made on the United Way of North Carolina website: www.unitedwaync.org/nc-disaster-relief-fund-helene
Help for long-term recovery
If enough funds are raised, North Carolina Community Foundation affiliates will distribute excess donations to organizations that can fill unmet needs in affected communities. All donations are tax deductible under current law.
This is the time to come together as a state and as a community to support the families and victims who need it most. Your donation, no matter its size, will make a difference in the lives of those who have lost so much.
