HELENE: How to help
People have been having trouble finding supplies.
Kyle Perrotti photo
Since Tropical Storm Helene hit Western North Carolina, there has been an outpouring of people looking for ways to support those hit hardest by the storm. Here’s a look at what options people have to volunteer or donate if they wish to contribute to ongoing efforts in the Smoky Mountain News coverage area (Swain, Macon, Jackson and Haywood counties, as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians).
If anyone has any additional options, please email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and they will be added to this list.
UNITED WAY OF HAYWOOD COUNTY: United Way is managing monetary donations to support recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. Contributions go directly to assisting local families and individuals impacted by the storm. Visit uwhaywood.org/ for details or to donate.
HAYWOOD WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION: Haywood Waterways is a nonprofit that works to keep the county's rivers and streams clean, something that will be crucial during the recovery phase. To donate, visit haywoodwaterways.org/donate.
NORTH CAROLINA VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN DISASTER: NCVOAD provides opportunities for people to work with safe, experienced partners to help out. They can connect folks with a number of opportunities to volunteer. Visit ncvoad.org/volunteer/.
NC DISASTER RELIEF FUND: The state also has its own portal through which people can contribute monetary donations. Visit nc.gov/donate.
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AMERICAN RED CROSS: The American Red Cross is already calling for donations in the wake of the largescale public health emergency the tropical storm has created. The organization has opened over a dozen shelters, including at least three in the SMN coverage area. Monetary donations can be made by texting Helene to 90999.
MOUNTAIN PROJECTS: Mountain Projects has long been one of the best resources for people experiencing hardship in Haywood and Jackson counties and has a proven track record of providing emergency housing and other resources. Visit mountainprojects.org/ for more information.
BAPTISTS ON MISSION: Baptists on Mission was crucial to the recovery in the Canton area following Tropical Storm Fred in 2021. The organization works to aid in recovery efforts by putting boots on the ground and tools in hands. Visit baptistsonmission.org/Mission-Projects/By-Mission-Type/Disaster-Relief/Hurricane-Helene/Donations for more information.
HOPE MILL: Hope Mill connects pilots with supplies so that they can be flown into hard-to-access areas in the mountains. Visit Hope Mill’s GoFundMe for more information.
OPERATOIN AIRDROP: Similarly, Operation Airdrop allows pilots to deliver supplies to areas hit hardest by the disaster. For more information, visit operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene.
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER (SWAIN COUNTY): Provides family support services in Swain County. For more information, call 828.488.7505 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
