Our hearts are heavy for all affected by Hurricane Helene across the Southeast and here in the Carolinas. And we are also inspired by the power of community we’re witnessing, from grassroots mutual aid networks taking shape to outpourings of financial support from across the nation.
As recovery and rebuilding efforts for farmers and communities continue, we welcome our community to review and share this running list of hurricane resources, funds, and relief projects based in WNC and Upstate SC.
This is by no means an exhaustive resource: this post is a living document that will be updated regularly by the CFSA team with timely and relevant information. Please note that inclusion in this list does not indicate CFSA endorsement and that questions regarding specific resources and aid efforts should be directed to their respective organizers.
This is a living document. Last updated 12/2.
Table of Contents
FOR IMPACTED FARMS
We’re here to help. The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) is offering free technical assistance to help farmers recover from Hurricane Helene and build resilience for the future.
Our team is ready to work alongside you, providing essential services at no cost, including:
- Damage Assessments to evaluate and document farm impacts.
- Assistance applying to Farm Service Agency (FSA) or Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs for financial and technical support.
- Food safety risk management guidance to strengthen your operation’s safety protocols.
- Conservation practice support to help implement soil, water, and environmental conservation methods.
- New market access assistance to connect you with new market opportunities and diversify income streams.
Take advantage of this valuable support to ensure your farm recovers and grows stronger. To get started, fill out an application and let us know how we can assist you.
Request Assistance
- NCDA&CS Text Service: Farmers can text NCFARMAID to 888777 to opt in to receive emergency response information and links to important hurricane relief resources. The tool is free to use, and communication is one-way only. Information and resources include the hotline number, portal link to request feed, hay, and assistance, FSA links, FEMA links, guidance on best practices for animal health after a flood, etc.
- Disaster Legal Services South Carolina Hotline: 803-799-6653 x120 and 803-576-3815
- NC Small Business and Technology Development Center: offering free counseling and assistance to assess the financial impact on your organization, develop strategies for your recovery, reconstruct financial statements, and evaluate options with creditors. Call 800-258-0862 or find your regional center.
- Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Disaster Relief Project provides disaster-related legal assistance and education to individuals and organizations impacted by natural disasters in NC. Call 866-219-5262 (Monday-Friday 8:30 AM–1:30 PM; Monday & Thursday 5:30-8:30 PM).
- NCDA&CS Hotline: 1-866-645-9403. Open 8am-5pm; se habla Espanol
- RAFI Crisis Hotline: 866.586.6746
- FarmAid Hotline: 1-800-FARM-AID (800-327-6243) and Farm Aid Online Assistance Request Form.
- Meade Tractor Assistance Application – Meade Tractor has launched their crisis response program to aid farmers affected by devastating floods in Asheville, NC, Tri Cities, TN and Southwest Virginia. The program is designed to offer essential equipment and resources for clean-up, recovery, and rebuilding efforts during natural disasters, including the recent floods that have severely impacted these farming communities. The Crisis Response Program will provide: Access to a fleet of tractors, loaders, and other essential equipment at no cost to impacted farmers and on-site training from Meade Tractor’s skilled team to ensure the equipment’s safe and efficient operation.
- Mental Health ProBono Referrals for WNC Survivors
- NC Farm & Ranch Stress Assistance Hotline: 844.325.3276 or [email protected].
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 800-985-5990 (phone and text)
- Request on-farm assistance from Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture: 828-412-0834 or [email protected], or complete this form.
- Piedmont Culinary Guild is coordinating cash and resource distribution to impacted farmers. Reach out by TEXT (323) 841-2887 or EMAIL: [email protected]m.
- Pick up farm supplies from NC State Extension drop sites, 9am-5pm. Use this form to request specific supplies.
- Avery County Warehouse, 6880 Linville Falls Highway, Newland, NC 28657
- Macon County Fairgrounds, 1436 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
- McDowell County Agriculture Center, 188 Ag Services Drive, Marion, NC 28752
- Email Kendra Phipps at [email protected] to request agricultural fencing supplies.
Cleanup & Recovery Resources
- Hurricane Resources for Farmers – Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
- Hurricane Preparation and Recovery Resources | Farmers.gov
- Emergency Planning and Disaster Response – South Carolina Department of Agriculture
- Emergency Preparedness and Response for Natural Disasters and Agricultural Impacts – RHIhub Toolkit
- State agencies offer resources for those impacted by Hurricane Helene | Clemson News
- Addressing Climate Emotions as Part of Farmer Mental Health – American Farmland Trust
- Resources for Farmers – Farm Aid
- Emergency Programs – Disaster Information | NC Agriculture
- Reconditioning Flood-Damaged Tractors | NC State Extension Publications
- Helene Recovery – Farm – Production and Recovery Resources and Technical Assistance
Recovery Funding Programs
- Organic Growers School: clearinghouse of farmer funding needs
- Immediate Disaster Needs For Farm Businesses 2024 – Wnc Communities
- Emergency and Disaster Response to Hurricane Helene: Grants Resource Guide via Innovative Funding Partners.
- Farm Aid Emergency Grants: $500 Emergency Grants are given with the assistance of our Hotline team members, who answer calls on 1-800-FARM-AID, connecting farmers to appropriate resources and recommending emergency grants when support is urgently needed.
- The Persimmon Collective is awarding $500 emergency grants to impacted BIPOC farmers in the Carolinas. Apply here; those without internet access can contact Laketa Smith (917) 975-7475 or Nikki Pressley (864-423-2439) by text or phone with your information and your need instead.
- WNSCB Grant – Appalachian Community Capital: Was your small business harmed by Hurricane Helene? The Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative is here to help. The initiative is partnering with local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide relief grants up to $25,000 to very small businesses across the region that sustained physical damage from Hurricane Helene.
- Dogwood Health Trust – Funding for recovery and rebuilding efforts.
- Helene Recovery – Farm Grants and Services
- How to Apply for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene | NC Gov. Cooper
- FAQs: FEMA & Hurricane Helene Recovery – Questions and answers from the 10/7/24 FEMA webinar on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The webinar recording is also available.
- Pisgah Legal Services provides legal assistance walk-in clinics for FEMA application assistance.
- USDA Recovery Assistance Programs for Farmers:
- Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP): NAP provides financial assistance when natural disasters cause low crop yields, crop loss, or delayed planting for uninsured crops.
- Tree Assistance Program (TAP): TAP assists orchardists and nursery growers in replanting or rehabilitating eligible trees, bushes, and vines damaged by natural disasters.
- The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): EQIP is a conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to integrate conservation into working lands. It may be used for hurricane recovery in several ways, including obstruction removal, clearing and snagging, land smoothing, repair of access roads, and repair of fences for prescribed grazing and protecting sensitive areas.
- Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP): Extended ECP and EFRP signup that begins Oct. 15, 2024, and runs through June 1, 2025, in states affected by Hurricane Helene.Waiver of onsite inspection requirement for non-engineering practices for ECP and EFRP. Executed Emergency Response (ER-850) authorization of emergency National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) circumstances to expedite FSA approval of practices involving surface debris removal, fence restoration, and non-ground disturbing activities.
- Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL): Additional time for producers to deliver commodities to a buyer to repay MALs with sale proceeds. Postponement of MAL foreclosure letters applicable to losses or damages due to hurricanes for up to 90 calendar days.
- Small Business Disaster Loans are now available for businesses and residents in declared disaster areas to help communities recover and rebuild. Apply online by visiting sba.gov/hurricane-helene. For more help: Call: 800‐659‐2955 or email [email protected].
- WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund – Loans up to $100K with low interest rates for small businesses in affected WNC areas to use for working capital, bridge to federal aid, recovery support.
- AgSouth Farm Credit: 844-AGSOUTH to reach a loan officer.
- Emergency and Disaster Response Fund – Initial $25,000 grants will be awarded on a rolling basis to organizations providing emergency relief to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Eligibility and applications are online. If you have no online access, contact Alana Nottage (828-254-4960). Administered by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.
Food Safety
- Soil Testing Following Flooding, Overland Flow Of Wastewater And Other Freshwater Disasters | Digitalocean
- Build a low-cost handwashing station for food safety on the farm | UMN Extension / Spanish Translation
- Western Growers Soil Sampling and Testing after Flooding Fact Sheet
- Assessing Damage in Produce Crops During Times of Excessive Rainfall | NC State Extension
- How to Disinfect Your Well After a Flood NCDHHS / Spanish Translation
- How to collect a well water sample |NCDHHS
- Western Area Specialized Agent for Food Safety: Elena Rogers. [email protected], (828)352-2519.
- CFSA Produce Safety Staff: Cassidy Fryga, SC [email protected], Jay Dunbar, NC [email protected].
- Information Regarding Flooded Produce | NC State Extension
- Recovering from a Flood: Garden Flooding | Food Safety
- Resources for Human and Animal Food Producers Affected by Flooding | FDA
- Flooding Infographics & Assessments
- Food Safety for Flooded Farms
- California Flooding Events Soil Sampling And Testing
- Flooding Fact Sheet_Jan 2021.ai – LGMA Metrics
Livestock
- WNC Regional Livestock Center: Contact: Yvonne Coburn with Civilian Disaster Response at 828-216-4496.
- Request livestock management assistance and supplies from NCDA&CS and NC Cooperative Extension by completing this form.
- NC Disaster Hay and Livestock Resources Assistance Portal
- Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP): ELAP provides financial assistance to qualifying farmers who have lost animals, honeybees, or farm-raised fish during certain natural disasters.
- Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP): LIP provides assistance to farmers who have had an excess of livestock deaths due to natural disasters. LIP payments are equal to 75 percent of the average fair market value of the livestock.
- Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses due to drought or fire on land that is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover or that is planted specifically for grazing. Learn more about LFP.
- Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) – provides livestock producers, who have approved applications through the 2021 Livestock Forage Disaster Program for forage losses due to severe drought or wildfire, emergency relief payments to compensate for increases in supplemental feed costs. No producer applications required.
Sell Product
- Crops for mass feeding should contact [email protected].
- WNC From the Ground Up is BUYING produce, meat, and dairy from impacted farmers to distribute to communities in need: 828.331.0334 or [email protected]
- Greenville Feed & Seed Food Hub is BUYING produce from LFPA-approved minority farmers impacted by the hurricane in Upstate SC for distribution to communities in need: email Wholesale Manager Kyle McCluskey at [email protected].
- Contact Alyssa at TRACTOR Food & Farms: [email protected], (828) 372-2028.
- Farmers’ Markets in WNC and nearby counties who are able to accommodate any displaced vendors who still have product and need a place to continue sales should complete this form from the NC Farmers’ Market Network for distribution to impacted farmers.
- Asheville area markets still operating and accepting vendors (info via NCFMN):
- East Asheville Tailgate Market – [email protected]
- West Asheville Tailgate Market – [email protected]
- WNC Farmers Market – Ellerslie – 803-800-8435
- Organizations purchasing local food in Asheville area (info via NCFM):
- Mother Earth Food – Andrea: 828-767-5036
- Haywood Christian Ministry – Nicole: 828-666-3275
- Tractor – [email protected]
- Bounty & Soul – [email protected]
- Helene Recovery – Farm Pivot Market Outlets resource from ASAP
DONATE FUNDS
Local Nonprofits & Mutual Aid Organizations
- Foothills Food Hub
- Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture/High Country Food Hub
- TRACTOR Food Hub
- WNC Food Systems Coalition
- ASAP Farmer Relief Fund
- Vecinos, Inc. Farmworker Relief Fund
- Beloved Asheville
- Manna Foodbank Of Asheville
- WNC Regional Livestock Center
- Health & Hunger Coalition
- North Carolina Community Foundation
- Community Foundation of Western NC
- North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
- Diaper Bank of NC
- Mutual Aid Disaster Relief
- ASAR Training and Response/Moore Equine Feed & Pet Supply
- Piedmont Culinary Guild
- Partners Aligned Toward Health (PATH)
- Country Farm and Home Farm Supply Fund
Government & Education Funds
- North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
- NC Foundation for Public School Children Disaster Relief Fund
- NCDA&CS Livestock Assistance Program
Regional and National Nonprofits
- The Appalachian Helene Response Fund
- Operation Airdrop
- United Way & Duke Energy Foundation
- World Central Kitchen
- RAFI USA
- North Carolina Day One Relief
- Southeast Climate and Energy Network
VOLUNTEER
- Known recovery groups (via NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster)
- Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture Volunteer Recovery Corps
- Organic Growers School
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC
- The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina
- Samaritan’s Purse
- BeLoved Asheville
- Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps
FOR IMPACTED COMMUNITIES
FEMA for Individual Assistance info from NC Department of Insurance: FEMA has declared Individual Assistance (IA) for Hurricane Helene. What does FEMA IA mean for you? It means that you can apply for disaster assistance from FEMA to help offset your disaster-related expenses. You can apply online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or by telephone at (800) 621-3362. Otherwise, you can download the FEMA weather app from Google PlayStore or the Apple Store and you can apply for assistance on the app and upload receipts. Whichever method you choose, the form has a few questions that are tricky. To avoid delay, please follow the following tips from the NC Department of Insurance:
- One of the questions that FEMA will ask when you register is “Do You Have Emergency Needs”? This means during your evacuation or since staying at home during the disaster, do you need help with Gas, Medication, Food (meals, water, had no power and everything spoils), Shelter (you are staying with friends, family or in a hotel); Clothing; or Durable Medical Equipment (oxygen, walkers, cane, glasses, all major equipment, etc). If this is true, say “YES” to this question. That will result in your receiving Displacement / Critical Needs Assistance, which is $750.
- When asked if your home is/was accessible, answer “NO” if there was debris, tree branches, continued flooding, loss of power, damage or destruction that prevented you from staying there after Helene. This question is asking whether you can stay at your home or apartment and will trigger the ability for you to receive assistance to pay for hotels or provide funding to use while you stay with family or friends.
- When asked if utilities are out, say “YES” even if your utilities were only out for a few days. This triggers assistance $ to stay somewhere other than your home or to buy fuel to power a generator.
- When asked “Are you willing to relocate” say “YES” if you cannot live in your home due to damage, loss of power, etc. This question means you are willing to stay in a hotel or apartment temporarily, and triggers that funding for you. It is not asking if you are willing to move away from your home permanently.
- If you bought or buy a generator, FEMA will reimburse you up to $629, but you must submit the receipt. If you bought a chainsaw, FEMA will reimburse you up to $219. Again, you need to provide the receipt. Save your receipts.
Emergency Services
- NC Emergency Management
- SC Emergency Management
- Disaster Relief Resources | South Carolina Bar
- Emergency Management | South Carolina Department of Commerce
- North Carolina’s Weather Authority
- NC Disaster Information Center
Local News
- Blue Ridge Public Radio (BPR)
- Listen to their news stream for reporting in English and Spanish.
- Access their text-only site (NC Local News Workshop).
- Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Acción (Spanish-language community updates)
- Contact their free crisis hotline: (888) 839-2839
- Smoky Mountain News
- Mountain Xpress
- Wlos Live Updates
- Carolina Public Press
- JMPRO Community Media (Spanish and Kʼicheʼ-language coverage)
- The Southern Scoop
- PODER Emma (Spanish-language community updates)
- Enlace Latino NC
- Access their text-only site (NC Local News Workshop).
- Hola Carolina
- Centro Unido Latino-Americano
Aid and Relief Assistance
- D-SNAP – The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), also known as disaster food stamps, helps you pay for food if you live in a state with an Individual Assistance declaration from the president. D-SNAP provides funds on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card to pay for food. Even if you do not normally receive or qualify for food assistance through SNAP benefits, you may qualify for D-SNAP.
- Flood Insurance Claims: National Flood Insurance Program policyholders should follow the steps below to begin filing your flood claim. Report your loss immediately to your insurance agent or carrier. Call the NFIP at 1-877-336-2627 or visit floodsmart.gov/how-do-i-start-my-flood-claim to begin your claim.
- USDA NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program.
- Contact Samaritan’s Purse’s Hurricane Helene damage assessment team at 1(833) 747-1234.
- FEMA for renters/homeowners
- Blue Roof (Provided by US Army Core of Engineers) provides tarps to those needing to cover their roof till it can be repaired. Call : 888-766-3258
- Disability & Disaster Hotline: 800-626-4959.
- Hunger and Health Coalition: distributing available supplies of food, medicine, water, hygiene supplies 9am-4pm, Mon-Fri
- Hurricane Helene | South Carolina Department of Public Health
- Text WNC From the Group Up at 828.331.0334 for food.
- Burke County Hotline: (828) 764-7068, 7am-9pm
- WNC Food Systems Coalition is coordinating targeted supply drops to rural households. Email [email protected] with information about families in your network who need support, especially in East Buncombe and McDowell counties. Include specific needs in email if possible.
- Legal Aid NC assistance hotline: (866) 219-5262
- Replacement Benefits Available for Food and Nutrition Services Recipients Impacted by Hurricane Helene | NCDHHS
- TreesAreGood.org: Find a certified arborist near you
Telecommunications
- Starlink free access in WNC and Upstate SC: Hurricane Helene Relief
- SOS services on iPhone 14 or newer https://support.apple.com/en-us/101573
- To connect your phone to disaster roaming services, try: Go to settings > Connections > Mobile Network Settings > Enable Roaming
- As phone services are restored, it is recommended to use texting whenever possible, so as not to overload the phone towers.
- Mobile Apps for Emergencies – South Carolina Emergency Management Division
Shelter
- North Carolina: Open Shelters | Ready NC
- South Carolina: Emergency Shelters – South Carolina Emergency Management Division
Search & Rescue
- North Carolina residents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from outside the state) to report missing loved ones. People in the impacted areas can indicate they are safe by checking in on Facebook crisis response or reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800- ED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.Try these numbers : 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) Charlotte Metro Chapter : 704-376-1661 Blue Ridge Piedmont Chapter : 828-322-4151 Western North Carolina Chapter : 828-258-3888
- BUNCOMBE COUNTY has a portal to aide in searching for missing persons. Please go to this website and fill out a form.
https://www.buncombecounty.org/countycenter/news-detail.aspx?id=21753. IF YOU SENT IN A FORM AND HAVE SINCE MADE CONTACT PLEASE LET THEM KNOW AT : [email protected]
Community Forums
- Friends Of Swannanoa Fb Group
- We’re From Mcdowell County Fb Group
- Old Fort NC Public Discussion
- Burnsville Hub Fb Group – Important Burnsville Updates
- Hurricane Helene Safety Check-In Fb Group
- Helene-Ashe County Fb Group
- Hurricane Helene N Asheville/Weaverville/Woodfin/Mars Hill Fb Group
- Asheville/WNC Resources
- Appalachian Hurricane Helene Relief Resources
- WNC HELENE RESOURCE GUIDE
- Hurricane Helene Asheville Response