Hurricane Helene has left a deep impact on Western North Carolina, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by this devastating storm. At NCAAN, we stand in solidarity with our community as we begin recovering. In these difficult times, it’s essential that we rally around those most in need, offering resources, support, and hope.
Partner Organizations on the Front Lines
Several of our partner organizations are working tirelessly to provide essential services and supplies to individuals impacted by the hurricane. Here’s how they’re helping:
- WNCAP: Continuing its Syringe Services Program (SSP), the Franklin office is open for harm reduction services, and mobile services are operating in Jackson County.
- Holler Harm Reduction: Distributing harm reduction supplies and food to those in need in Madison County.
- NC Harm Reduction Coalition: Providing aid in Haywood County.
- Smokey Mountain Harm Reduction: Offering support in Franklin County.
- STEADY Collective: Continuing its harm reduction efforts in Asheville.
If you’re able, we encourage you to donate to these organizations to ensure they have the resources to continue serving the community:
- WNCAP
- Holler Harm Reduction
- STEADY Collective
- NC Harm Reduction Coalition
- Smokey Mountain Harm Reduction
Access to Medications
For those in need of medications, the NC Pharmacy Board is continuously updating its list of pharmacies that remain open in Western NC. You can find the latest updates on open pharmacies here.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
If you’ve been displaced from work due to Hurricane Helene, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available in 25 NC counties, as well as for members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Residents of these counties who are unemployed as a direct result of the hurricane may be eligible for unemployment benefits. For more information, visit NC DES Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
Legal Aid NC: Recovery Services
Legal Aid NC is offering a range of disaster recovery services for those impacted by Hurricane Helene, including:
- FEMA Aid Applications: If you need help applying for FEMA aid, Legal Aid NC can assist with the application process.
- Insurance Claims: Their team can guide you through the complexities of filing insurance claims to help ensure you receive the support you need.
- Disaster Legal Services Hotline: You can reach out to their disaster legal services hotline at (866) 219-5262 for assistance.
Resources from NC Justice Center
For tenants affected by the hurricane, it’s important to know your rights. The NC Justice Center has compiled resources to help tenants understand their rights post-disaster, as well as information for immigrants applying for FEMA AID. These resources are available in both English and Spanish:
- Tenant Rights After a Disaster (English)
- Derechos de los Inquilinos Después de un Desastre (Español)
- FEMA Benefits for Immigrants and Tenants
- Beneficios de FEMA para inmigrantes y inquilinos (Español)
NC Medicaid: Emergency Provisions
During the Hurricane Helene emergency, NC Medicaid Direct and NC Medicaid Managed Care are reimbursing providers for medically necessary drugs, services, and supplies without prior authorization until October 15th. Disaster relief applications are also available for healthcare providers who are not currently enrolled as NC Medicaid providers.
Information for Voters Affected by Hurricane Helene
For those affected by the hurricane who are concerned about how it may impact voting, the NC Board of Elections is providing guidance on how displaced voters can cast their ballots in upcoming elections. If you’ve been displaced from your home or have lost access to your usual voting location, visit the NC Board of Elections website for the latest information on voter resources and accommodations.
Together, We Rebuild
We have been inspired seeing neighbors helping neighbors across the region this past week. As we rebuild from Hurricane Helene, let’s continue to support one another, whether through donations, volunteering, or sharing these resources, every action helps.
We are proud to be part of such a compassionate and determined community