Disaster Recovery Resources

The devastation to Western North Carolina by Hurricane Helene has greatly impacted many businesses and families. If you or your business are impacted, view a list of resources below.

Steps to Business Recovery

DOWNLOAD GUIDE TO BUSINESS RECOVERY

1. Contact Your Insurance Carrier to File Your Claim.

If you are leasing business space, ensure that your lease owner has contacted their insurance carrier. Make a list of the damages and document the damage by taking pictures or providing before and after images.

2. Register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

If a federal disaster declaration has been made for your area, connect with FEMA and complete an online application, use the FEMA app which can be downloaded for free from your smart phone’s app store, call 1.800.621.FEMA (3362), or meet in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

Apply Now   Find a Disaster Recovery Center

3. Talk with a Free, Confidential Business Counselor.

Call 800.228.8443 or email sbadvisors@edpnc.com to get connected to a statewide network of support. You can expect no-cost support that is right-sized for your business needs. All inquiries will receive a response from a confidential business counselor within two (2) business days. Se Habla Español.

Experienced business counselors can help you:

  • Assess the financial impact on your business
  • Reconstruct financial statements
  • Develop forward-looking plans for rebuilding
  • Evaluate options with creditors, vendors and suppliers
  • Provide information on the types of disaster loans and grants available
  • Prepare disaster loan applications

This service is provided through a collaboration between the Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC), the Small Business Center Network (SBCN), and the Economic Development Partnership of NC (EDPNC).

CONTACT A Small Business Advisor

4. If Needed, Apply for Business Recovery Funding.

You may need a bridge loan, a long-term recovery loan, and grant funding. Talk with your business counselor to explore possibilities.

 Options include:

  • WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund from Mountain BizWorks – supports North Carolina small businesses and family farms as they recover. Bridge loans are available for up to $100,000. More information at: WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund – Mountain BizWorks.
  • S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan – provides low interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profits. There are two types of SBA disaster loans: 1) physical disaster loans of up to $2 million to cover businesses uninsured or underinsured losses and 2) economic injury disaster loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations. More information at: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. Please note: SBA is accepting and reviewing disaster loan applications; however, new loan offers will be delayed due to a lapse in Congressional funding. Submitting your application is still encouraged.
  • Grant Funding – several targeted grant programs provide support to small businesses with amounts typically between $5,000 and $25,000. To learn more about available grants, visit WNC Strong.

5. If Needed, File an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claim.

If you are not eligible for UI benefits, the business owner and/or employee may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). DUA is a federal program that provides temporary payments to people in a federally declared disaster area whose employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of the disaster. Business owners that are self-employed, a farmer, or a commercial fisherman, who is unemployed as a direct result of the disaster may be eligible.

Learn More

6. Explore Business Opportunities or Resources to Find a Vendor.

Options include:

7. Be Wary of Rumors and Misinformation.

This is common after natural disasters and often leads people to delay real recovery plans. Help keep yourself and your community safe by being aware of rumors and scams and sharing official information from trusted sources. A list of common rumors about NC’s response to Hurricane Helene is available at Hurricane Helene: Fact vs. Rumor | NC DPS, and a searchable rumor database is available at Hurricane Rumor Response | FEMA.gov.

Additional Business Support Resources

Steps To Business Recovery – NC SBTDC

https://www.ncsbc.net/DocumentMaster.aspx?doc=7547

https://edpnc.com/resources/publications/disaster-recovery-resources/

https://www.commerce.nc.gov/grants-incentives/disaster-recovery

https://www.mountainbizworks.org/helene/

If you are in a position to help, the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is accepting donation for nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of people needing food and water, cleaning supplies and other emergency supplies. To donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit gov/donate.

Available Resources

Small Business   Grants & Loans   Existing Industry   Power & Internet    State    Federal   Tourism & Hospitality   Artist & Arts Organizations   Farms & Agriculture   General Information & Donations

Small Businesses Resources

Carolina Small Business Development Fund

The Carolina Small Business Development fund stands by ready to support those small business owners and entrepreneurial support system partners who need help, and we urge our communities to band together to help our neighbors.

Just as the Fund has done during past natural disasters and catastrophic events, it will provide small businesses with financial and technical assistance as they begin recovering from this devastating storm. The Fund will also be ready to inform stakeholders of the policy implications of supporting small businesses and organizations that help small businesses at times like these.  Call the Carolina Small Business Development Fund at 919.803.1437.

Learn More

North Carolina Small Business Technology Development Center

The North Carolina SBTDC can help businesses secure federal or state disaster loans and provided post-disaster counseling to aid businesses in their recovery,

LEARN MORE

 
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual and Household Program (IHP)

This program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners and renters who suffered damage or losses due to Hurricane Helene. It can cover temporary housing, home repairs, and replacement of essential items. To apply for FEMA assistance, click the button below or call 1.800.621.3362.

Apply for Assistance

Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program

This program offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses, homeowners, and renters affected by Hurricane Helene. Loans can be used to repair property damage, replace inventory, and cover operating expenses. To apply for an SBA disaster loan, click the button below or call 1.800.659.1755. 

Apply for Assistance

Mountain BizWorks

Specializes in financing to help Western NC small businesses launch and expand. The WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund is available to apply for a loan to help meet immediate needs and bridge to longer term relief resources. For more information, call 828.253.2834 ext. 12 

Learn More

SBA Disaster Recovery Funding

Find out how to get emergency financial aid from the government if you have been affected by a natural disaster.

LEARN MORE

Small Business Center Network

In the wake of this disaster, the SBCN stands ready to provide information and resources for small business recovery. They will work with a number of state agencies and organizations to keep the public informed and directed to critical updates.

Learn More

Small Business Recovery Centers

Asheville Business Recovery Center
Asheville Chamber of Commerce
36 Montford Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
Opening: Friday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed: Sunday

Boone Business Recovery Center
Appalachian Enterprise Center
130 Poplar Grove Connector
Boone, NC 28607
Opening: Friday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed: Sunday

Charlotte Disaster Loan Outreach Center
U.S. Small Business Administration District Office
6302 Fairview Road, Suite 300
Charlotte, NC 28210
Opening: Friday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed: Saturday and Sunday

Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an appointment in advance at https://appointment.sba.gov/.

Please see our press release for details on assistance offered.

Chamber of Commerce Update

  • US Chamber Foundation – National Disaster Help Desk – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation manages the National Disaster Help Desk. They activate to support disaster-impacted communities and their businesses, if needed in your recovery effort. They support (not supplant) existing systems and communications between chambers, businesses, non-profits, local/state/federal governments and fill gaps when needed. The Disaster Help Desk can be reached at 888.692.4943. The Help Desk will provide coordination of information among businesses, local chambers of commerce, nonprofits, government, and disaster recovery specialists. The purpose is to support and enhance existing systems, and facilitate information sharing where there are gaps. You should call if: 
    • You want information about what to do and/or recovery best practices. 
    • You are in the impact area and want help navigating FEMA, SBA, and other assistance programs. 
    • You are in the impact area and are not sure who to call for a particular need or assistance. 
    • You want to support the recovery process and connect with chambers or businesses in the impacted area.    
    •  They also have disaster quick guides that may be helpful. These guides provide local chambers and small businesses with practical tools and resources to help your chamber and businesses better understand what steps to take after an event occurs.

Local Updates

  • Asheville Area Chamber – If anyone is inclined to provide financial assistance for businesses in Asheville and Buncombe County, donations can be made through PayPal to payments@ashevillechamber.org. Please mark them Hurricane Relief. These donations are tax deductible. When we are able, we will follow up with donors with a 2024 charitable contribution letter for their donation.  
  • Black Mountain/Swannanoa Chamber – From Bryan Moore with the Caldwell Chamber: I spoke with Melinda Hester at the Black Mountain/Swannanoa Chamber…she is on the ground helping her community in amazing ways.  She brings her coastal experience to this area, and she is working with her community around the clock to support and take action.   
  • Boone Area Chamber – From David Jackson: The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is accepting donations to help with community and business relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s impact on the High Country. Gifts can be made at this link and the Chamber will distribute funds locally to businesses and community efforts as needs are further assessed throughout Watauga County over the days and weeks ahead. Boonechamber.com/foundation is where we are concentrating our business support resources, and we will look to this fund to help deploy dollars for business community stabilization until larger dollars can get here. Physical supplies can be delivered to The Summit Pickleball at 178 Industrial Park Drive in Boone. They can take any type of vehicle there, including tractor trailers.  
  • Greater Statesville Chamber – The Chamber has added a resource page to their website.
  • Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development – Henderson County continues to work diligently through recovery from Tropical Storm Helene. For community and government updates, including how you can help, click here. The Partnership continues to gather business resources for assistance in recovery, for the latest, click here.
  • McDowell Chamber – Our team is stationed at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), where we are gathering and disseminating relevant information as quickly as possible. Suppliers who are bringing in supplies or coordinating transportation into Marion should deliver them to the central drop-off location at the Universal Building, McDowell Technical Community College: 634 College Dr., Marion, NC 28752. Please note that there will be no private pick-ups or individual distributions at this location. For those interested in volunteering, please call 828.559.9731 to learn how you can assist. While our Chamber office is currently without power, we are making every effort to respond to emails and phone messages promptly. We are also working diligently to gather a list of resources from our partners that can specifically support our member businesses as they begin recovery efforts. More information will be shared as soon as it becomes available. For those of you who have asked to donate, please follow this link: DONATE HERE. 
    • From Kim Effler, President & CEO: “We are shifting to search and getting water and food to those who urgently need it.  Much of our communities have been cut off from the community and cannot access critical supplies. I am working the command center and expect to be here as long as I can. If you’ll watch and share my posts on the Chamber Facebook page, I’m sharing the most credible information possible.” Visit their Facebook page.
  • Randleman Chamber – The Randleman Chamber has confirmed a tractor & trailer from our local furniture manufacturer to be loaded with supplies and sent to our friends in the NC Mountains, working through Samaritans Purse. If there are specific needs, please let us know at 336.495.1100 or chamber43@northstate.net.

Grants & Loans

Note for funding resources: Often when requesting money as a grantee or as a borrower, a business plan is required. Resources listed at the bottom of the list for your convenience.

Grants (Grants are limited) 

  • NC IDEA is a Durham based nonprofit interested in helping start-ups with funding. Two different categories of grants open for application every August and February of each year. 
    • NC IDEA MICRO awards small, project-based grants in the amount of $10K to young companies looking to validate and advance their idea. 
    • NC IDEA SEED offers early-stage companies the critical funding they need to scale faster. The $50K grants for innovative startups with a proven concept, even if they are not yet profitable. 
  • North Carolina Railroad Company – The Back-on-Track Disaster Recovery Program is a disaster and recovery relief grant program for North Carolina communities. NCRR will provide $10 million to the new impact fund and plans to distribute financial assistance based on a needs assessment.
  • North Carolina Department of Commerce – Federal Employment and Training Grant for the Dislocated Worker Grant Program – Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina has received approval from the United States Department of Labor for an initial grant of $10 million to provide jobs and training services in areas that were severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. To apply for the Hurricane Helene dislocated worker grant program, residents should contact their local NCWorks Career Center. Contact information is available at ncworks.gov.
  • NC Craft Brewers Foundation – The NC Craft Brewers Foundation has established Hardship Grants which provides financial assistance to NC craft beer businesses and employees facing unexpected hardships, natural disasters, or personal emergencies.

Grant Funds Available in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties after Hurricane Helene 

United Way of Catawba County
 Burke United Way
 Caldwell County Emergency Management
 Alexander County Emergency Management
  
Note: The availability and specific details of these grant programs may change. It’s recommended to contact the relevant agencies directly for the most up-to-date information and to determine your eligibility.

Loans

Federal Loans

Small Business Administration

SBA provides money to lenders who then loan money to small businesses. Often local institutions like Community Financial Institutions (CDFIs) receive money from them

Learn More

Local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI)  Loans

Much like banks, there are nonprofit lending institutions (CDFIs) which focus on small business funding. You will want to have a business plan ready with your fixed costs along with how much money you would like to borrow. 

  • Carolina Small Business Development Fund – CSBDF (formerly The Support Center) – Helping communities by investing in entrepreneurs.
  • ICAP – Institute Capital (The Institute) – Provides debt and investment capital to affordable housing developers, community-based development organizations (CBDOs) and small businesses for community transformation. The goal is to revitalize and transform diverse communities through affordable housing, entrepreneurship, HBCU collaborations and community development.
  • Self-Help Credit Union – This is both a credit union and lender, Special programs available for Veterans and childcare.
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program – This program offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses, homeowners, and renters affected by Hurricane Helene. Loans can be used to repair property damage, replace inventory, and cover operating expenses.
  • Carolina Community Impact, Inc. – NEW CDFI which is backed by a consumer credit educational nonprofit, Community Loan Center of NC Triangle. Each loan will include credit counseling services.
  • Business Expansion Funding Corporation – Economic Development lender providing SBA 504 Loan.
  • Greater Kinston Credit Union – This is both a credit union and a lender in Kinston, NC.
  • Latino Community Credit Union – This is both a credit union and lender servicing the Latino Community.
  • Phone: 919-595-1800
  • Website: https://latinoccu.org/

NOTE: If you are attempting to borrow money, you will need a business plan. It is important to know how much money is needed and for what purpose.

  • EDPNC – Business Plan Resources
  • Small Business Administration – Business Plan
  • SCORE is another great resource that offers classes for the Small Business Owners – Business Plan
  • NC Small Business Centers also offers a wide range of classes for the Small Business Owner – Business Plan
  • Operation Hope offers help with creating business plans to make your business fundable. – Business Plan

Existing Industry Resources

Farms and Agribusinesses
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has activated its hotline to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Learn More

Grants and Loans

We will continue to up this list as more information becomes available.  Please review the Grants & Loans section for a list of lenders and disaster loan funds.

Homeowners and Renters
North Carolina homeowners and renters in 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who suffered uninsured damage or losses from Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

Learn More

Logistics Support

If you plan to move people, resources, or equipment into western North Carolina, you MUST coordinate plans and movements through the North Carolina Emergency Management-Business Emergency Operations Center (NCEM-BEOC). You can email your supply logistics or movement requests to: BEOC@ncdps.gov, make sure to begin your Subject Line with: Logistics Support.

Please include the following info:

  • What are you moving? Why you need special access.
  • When do you plan to move and from where?
  • Where are you going?
  • When will they arrive at the “border to Western NC” and where?

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network

Through funding provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) provides supply chain sourcing opportunities and supplier matching services at no cost to North Carolina manufacturers. This program is being administered by NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions for the NCMEP network.

Learn More

NC DOT Contracting Opportunities

Many of you in the contracting community have reached out to offer help to the Western Highway Divisions as they actively respond to the devastation in WNC caused by Hurricane Helene. NC DOT created a survey to help establish a database of resources to share with the Divisions as they transition from emergency response assessment into a mode of repair and reconstruction.

Contractor Resource Survey – Divisions 11-14

 

Recovery Processes for Communities

As you or your partner communities consider recovery processes, International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) has a collection of economic recovery resources for disaster-impacted communities at RestoreYourEconomy.org. A few resources of note include:

Supply Chain Support

Is your business experiencing supply chain disruptions due to the impact of Helene?

Find the Manufacturer or Supplier your business needs at ManufacturedNC:

  • This database of suppliers contains a database of things produced in NC. Whether you’re a manufacturer who wants to localize your supply chain or a business searching for packaging suppliers, you’ll find a wonderful resource for exactly what you’re looking for here.
  • If you are a NC manufacturer, please register your business with ManufacturedNC Other companies may be looking for you!

Temporary Business Space

Any company needing emergency or long-term space, including offices, labs, human shelters, and light manufacturing space, is available at 5450 Millstream Road in McLeansville, NC.  The space is mostly furnished, with an open-plan space.  Contact your Existing Industry Manager for more information.  If you are in an unaffected area and have temporary space you would like us to be aware of, please get in touch with your Existing Industry Manager.

Power & Internet

Emergency Update Links

General Updates: ReadyNC.gov or NCDPS.gov

Power Outage Maps: https://bremco.maps.sienatech.com or https://poweroutage.us

Live Traffic Updates: DriveNC.gov

Flood Inundation Mapping: fiman.nc.gov

Hurricane Helene Clean Up Hotline – NC National Guard: Call 1.844.965.1386

#NC11: Residents trying to connect with family members in WNC may call NC 211 or 1.888.892.1162 or NC211.org for a wellness check

Red Cross Reunification Phone Number: 1.888.892.1162

Onstar

OnStar Crisis Mode activates during certain emergency situations to provide complimentary safety services* like Crisis Assist* and OnStar Emergency Services* for you and your loved ones.

During wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes or other crisis situations, Onstar is standing by with emergency service, ready to help you get to safety. Just push your blue OnStar button. If you have current OnStar services and it’s an emergency, push the red Emergency button and you’ll get a priority connection to our team.

OnStar offers free Wi-Fi and other services to hurricane victims through its Crisis Assist program:

  • Wi-Fi: When cell service is out or spotty, OnStar turns the vehicle and up to 50 feet around it into a Wi-Fi hotspot. You can connect your phone or tablet to the Wi-Fi.
  • Crisis Assist: OnStar Crisis Assist provides a variety of services at no extra cost to members during a crisis. These services include:
    • Situational information
    • Evacuation assistance or alternate routes
    • Hotel identification and reservations
    • Shelter location
    • Connection to emergency services or loved ones
  • Activation: To activate OnStar Crisis Assist, you can push the blue OnStar button.

OnStar’s Command Center monitors severe weather and disaster activity across North America 24/7. OnStar Advisors are notified of crisis activity in the area and can provide guidance.

OnStar has helped in the aftermath of several hurricanes, including Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.

Learn More

Starlink

For those impacted by Hurricane Helene, Starlink is available in affected areas with free service for 30 days. Enter an address in the affected areas to qualify.

Learn More

State Resources

NC Board of Elections

Information regarding voters Affected by Helene.

Learn More 

NC Board of Pharmacy

Emergency refills, open pharmacies, and more. To assist patients and emergency response coordinators, Board staff are compiling a list of pharmacies in Helene-affected counties that have reported they are able to provide patient services. Any pharmacy that is open in these counties is encouraged to send in a notice. A short, fillable form requesting basic information is found here. Please save the form after completing and email to: emergency@ncbop.org. The list of responding pharmacies is found here.

County Emergency Management

Information and resources for North Carolina residents and visitors impacted by Hurricane Helene by county.

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NC Department of Agriculture

Disaster Information for Farms and Agribusinesses, animal welfare.

Learn More

North Carolina Department of Commerce – Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

DUA benefits are available for residents of the following counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey Counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina. Additional counties may be added to the list of those eligible for DUA at a later date.  

People in the above-listed counties who are unemployed as a direct result of Hurricane Helene may be eligible for unemployment benefits under the DUA program. Business owners and self-employed individuals affected by the storm may also qualify for benefits.  

People in the 25 counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina have 60 days from Oct. 1 to file an application for DUA. The deadline to apply is Dec. 2, 2024.  

Apply Now

North Carolina Department of Commerce – Dislocated Workers Grant Program

Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina has received approval from the United States Department of Labor for an initial grant of $10 million to provide jobs and training services in areas that were severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. To apply for the Hurricane Helene dislocated worker grant program, residents should contact their local NCWorks Career Center. Contact information is available at ncworks.gov.

North Carolina Department of Insurance

Information about prescriptions, insurance, filing claims, and more.

Learn More

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

Medicaid information. Some people on ACA may now be eligible for Medicaid.

Learn More

North Carolina Department of Revenue

Tax relief information is now available. For more information, contact the Department of Revenue at 1.877.252.3052.

Learn More

DriveNC

Live updates on road conditions in North Carolina.

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North Carolina Emergency Management

NCEMA offers a variety of resources and assistance to individuals and communities affected by disasters. This may include information on grants, loans, and other recovery programs. Visit the NCEMA website for more information and resources.

Learn More

The NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund

Managed by the NCRLA Foundation, the NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund is accepting contributions. 100% of funds raised will go directly to help support restaurant and hotel employees in Western NC that are facing significant financial hardship in the aftermath of the storm. You may donate directly to the fund or consider establishing fundraising efforts in your business and remitting proceeds directly to the NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund. To learn more, please contact Courtney Hamm at chamm@ncrla.org or 919.844.7883.

North Carolina Railroad Company

The Back-on-Track Disaster Recovery Program, is a disaster and recovery relief grant program for North Carolina communities. NCRR will provide $10 million to the new impact fund and plans to distribute financial assistance based on a needs assessment.

The Back-on-Track Disaster Recovery Program will provide funding within FEMA-designated disaster areas to Class II and Class III short lines, local rail-served industries in need of track infrastructure repair funding, and local Economic Development Organization (EDOs) in need of operations support. Funding will be allocated for infrastructure repair and/or wage support for Class II and Class III rail lines, industry support in affected areas for site recovery and operations assistance, and relief to non-profit Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) in affected regions.

Learn More

ReadyNC

Information and resources for North Carolina residents and visitors impacted by Hurricane Helene.

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Visit NC

A travel advisory is in effect for Western North Carolina. Please refer to the Travel Advisory Interactive Map regarding the status of travel to an area.

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Federal Resources

FEMA Hurricane Helene

FEMA and the federal family are closely working with governments and communities to respond to Hurricane Helene. Follow directions from local officials to stay safe, as rainfall and flooding continue through multiple states.

Learn More   Apply for Assistance

When applying for FEMA assistance, North Carolinians may need to provide proof of identity, residence, and other documentation. Below are some steps to help you replace important documents that were lost or damaged in the storm:

  • Insurance policy information: Call your insurance company or agency and ask for a copy of your policy, including the Declaration Page.
    Birth and death certificates, marriage and divorce documents: You can order certificates online at vitalrecords.nc.gov/order.htm.
  • Driver Licenses: If your driver license has been lost or damaged, you may apply for a replacement at any driver license office. Standard licenses may be replaced online through the NC DMV website. If there is a change of address, North Carolina driver license or ID card holders have 30 days to update their address on the credential.
  • Social Security Cards: You may be able to order a replacement online at ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card, or you can fill out an application for a Social Security card and bring it to your local office along with unexpired identification. Documents must be original or have a signature, stamp, or raised seal from the issuing agency. No photocopies will be accepted.
  • Medicare Cards: To replace your card, you can call Medicare at 800.633.4227 (TTY 877.486.2048), visit your local Social Security office, request a new card through your online account with Social Security, or visit MyMedicare.gov.
  • Green Card: Visit uscis.gov and complete the Form I-90 application to replace a permanent resident card, and file it online or by mail. More information on replacing your Green Card can be found here.
  • Passports: For information on how to replace a lost or damaged passport, visit the travel.state.gov website on reporting a lost or stolen passport.
  • Federal Tax Returns: To request a copy of your tax return, you will need to submit Form 4506 and return to the IRS. For more information, you can visit irs.gov/forms-pub/about-form-4506.
  • Military Records: For more information on obtaining free copies of your DD Form 214 and other military service records, visit archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records.

International Revenue Service (IRS)

The IRS automatically gives taxpayers whose address of record is in a disaster-area locality more time to file returns and pay taxes. Taxpayers get the extra time without having to ask for it.

Currently, taxpayers in the entire states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, and parts of Tennessee and Virginia, who received extensions to file their 2023 returns have until May 1, 2025, to file. Tax-year 2023 tax payments are not eligible for this extension. In addition, May 1 is also the deadline for filing 2024 returns and paying any tax due.

LEARN MORE   Visit the IRS Website

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network 

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced that certain victims of disasters related to Hurricane Helene will receive an additional six months to submit beneficial ownership information (BOI) reports (including updates or corrections to prior reports). FinCEN is providing this relief to reporting companies that meet the specified requirements.

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Tourism & Hospitality

NC Craft Brewers Foundation Hardship Grants

The NC Craft Brewers Foundation established Hardship Grants to provide financial assistance to NC craft beer businesses and employees facing unexpected hardships, natural disasters, or personal emergencies.

Learn More

The NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund

NCRLA is committed to supporting relief and recovery and to supporting the needs of restaurants, hotels, and their employees. This website is dedicated to providing information and resources to NC restaurants, hotels, suppliers, partners, and employees who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

Learn More

Managed by the NCRLA Foundation, the NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund is accepting contributions. 100% of funds raised will go directly to help support restaurant and hotel employees in Western NC that are facing significant financial hardship in the aftermath of the storm. You may donate directly to the fund or consider establishing fundraising efforts in your business and remitting proceeds directly to the NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund. To learn more, please contact Courtney Hamm at chamm@ncrla.org or 919.844.7883.

Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund

A partnership between DoorDash and Hello Alice, restaurants, gastropubs and bakeries with brick & mortar locations that have lost revenue from a disaster may apply for $10,000 grant awards from the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (RDRF) program. The program is accepting entries this round up December 2, 2024, at 6PM EST. To read complete terms and conditions of program, click here. 

Learn More

Southern Smoke Foundation

An organization that Visit NC proudly partners with is offering emergency assistance to workers in the food and beverage industry here in North Carolina who have been affected.

Apply for Assistance  Donate

Visit NC

A travel advisory is in effect for Western North Carolina. Please avoid unnecessary travel to this area.

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Resources for Artists & Arts Organizations

Arts NC

With significant support from Arts AVL, Arts NC has created a guide to Emergency Support Resources for Artists & Arts Organizations which includes Rapid Damage Assessment Forms for Cultural Institutions, Artists, and Arts Organizations from the National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response (NCAPER). NCAPER is hosting its first Disaster Response Call on Tuesday, October 8th at 5:00pm for arts and culture organizations and artists/creatives/culture bearers’ relief. Those who were impacted and those who wish to help are welcome.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6073685871?pwd=c09UcUkvWXZ3dHl5cXV3cFhnQTRWUT09&omn=87167572556

Meeting ID: 607 368 5871
Passcode: NCAPER2022

They encourage everyone to give to the NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund that is being run through the North Carolina Arts Foundation to provide funding and assistance directly and to artists and arts organizations affected by Hurricane Helene. When you donate enter the word “RELIEF” in the description for your gift.

Emergency Pro Bono Legal Services for Western NC Artists and Arts Organizations

Many services available.

Learn More

Farms & Agriculture

Farms and Agribusinesses
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has activated its hotline to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS)

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

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NC Department of Agriculture

Disaster Information for Farms and Agribusinesses, animal welfare.

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North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Agriculture Emergency Hotline: 866.645.9403

The NC Farm Help Line is available for folks in our agricultural community to talk to someone who understands farm stress. Call or text the NC Farm Help Line at 844.325.3276 for support, available 24/7.

Donations

  • North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund – Donations for the fund will go to nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of people needing food and water, cleaning supplies and other emergency supplies. To donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit gov/donate.
  • World Central Kitchen – The World Central Kitchen has set up operations in Asheville and is serving free meals to those in need. Donations to their efforts can be made here.
  • American Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word “HELENE” to 90999 to make a $10 donation; DONATE HERE
  • Emergency Disaster Services of The Salvation Army
  • Feeding the Carolinas
  • Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief
  • Find a Blood Donation Center
  • Love Asheville From Afar – In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many beloved Asheville and Buncombe County businesses have been deeply affected by the storm. While the community comes together to rebuild, you can lend a helping hand from afar by shopping at these businesses’ online stores or contributing to fundraising efforts. Shop Now.
  • Have a Hyper-Local Holiday – Organized by the NC Manufacturing Extension Partnership, this gift guide highlights manufacturers in Western NC. Shop Now.

General Information

Some Things to Remember When Donating

Disaster officials remind you  to donate through a disaster relief organization or the government if you want to donate. They publish lists of needed items.

  • Only give items when they are requested.
  • Only give items that are on the list of requested items.
  • Do not send items directly to the affected area.

DisasterAssistance.gov provides information about finding loved ones. You can also get information on this through the Red Cross.

Seeking Shelter or Financial Assistance After a Disaster

If you need assistance following Helene, go to USA.Gov for information about financial assistance and housing following a disaster.

The Red Cross also has a list of shelters that are open and so does the website ReadyNC.gov.

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety has a website with information about emergency declarations, power outages and crisis cleanup for those affected by Helene.

Who to Call if You Need Help Locating Someone

NC 211 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina and supported by local United Ways and public and private partners.

North Carolina leaders mentioned the service as the western part of the state deals with flooding, no water, no power, and no cell service in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

People trying to connect with family members can call NC 211 or 1.888.892.1162 if calling from out-of-state. People can also call those numbers to report missing loved ones.

WRAL News has begun compiling a list of people who are safe. You can view the full list here.