Hurricane Helene Resources
Long-term Recovery Resources
Disability Services
- Disability Rights North Carolina advocates for individuals with disabilities during disaster recovery, connects them to resources and ensures their rights are protected. For assistance, call 919-856-2195 or 877-235-4210.
- The Disability and Disaster Hotline, managed by the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategy, helps with FEMA appeals, documentation, and other disaster-related issues. Call 800-626-4959 or visit hotline@disasterstrategies.org to learn more.
Disaster Recovery Centers
- A Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop to meet with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans and more. No appointment is needed.
- Centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Find one near you at: FEMA.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a ZIP code to 43362. You can visit any open center, including locations in other states.
Food Assistance:
- Automatic Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefit replacements for those impacted by Hurricane Helene were issued in early October, followed by a supplement in November. Applications for FNS are available year-round through county Departments of Social Services, with eligibility determined by household size, income, and allowable deductions.
- The WIC program supports pregnant individuals and families with children under five. Services include access to healthy foods, formula, and breastfeeding assistance provided through local WIC agencies.
- Individuals seeking food assistance can always call 211 or visit NC211.org to locate food pantries and additional resources at any time.
Mental Health Support:
- For urgent mental health needs, call 988 for confidential assistance, including services in Spanish. In addition, the Hispanic Federation provides free mental health support for the Latino community via their hotline at 1-844-438-6827.
- Hope for NC Helpline – support for first responders and volunteers
- Julian F. Keith Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center
- Weathering the Storm – Mental Health and Disability-related Resources
- Somethings – Mental Health Services for Teens
- Children with Special Health Care Needs Help Line
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline
- NC’s Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS NC)
Utility Assistance:
- For the 25 counties that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, additional Disaster Energy Assistance funding has been appropriated by the NC General Assembly to assist households with heating costs and repairs during the colder winter months. Beginning Jan. 15, 2025, applications for these additional Disaster Energy Assistance funds will be accepted for eligible households residing in one of the 25 identified disaster counties during and after Hurricane Helene.
- The Crisis Intervention Program helps households at risk of losing their heating source, including gas, electricity, or wood. It provides up to $600 annually, paid directly to energy providers.
- The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program offers a one-time winter heating payment of $300–$500, depending on income, fuel type, and household size. Priority is given to households with seniors or individuals with disabilities. Benefits are available to those earning 130% or less of the poverty level and are paid directly to the utility provider.
- The Weatherization Assistance Program, funded federally and managed locally, improves home energy efficiency with materials like insulation and weather-stripping.
- The Duke Energy Partnership supports customers in six Western NC counties. Through it, Duke Energy customers may receive up to $2,500 in assistance through programs like “Light Funds” and NC Settlement Rate Funds while funding lasts.
Unemployment Assistance:
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FEMA: The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance is extended to January 7, 2025. Survivors in 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina are able to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. For more information call the unemployment assistance hotline at 919-629-3857 (for Spanish call 919-276-5698). The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, and from noon until 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Other Resources:
Information for Early Care and Education (ECE) Programs
ECE programs should be in contact with their child care (licensing) consultant if they were impacted by Hurricane Helene. All ECE programs that have any questions about sanitation issues should contact their Environmental Health Consultant before reopening.
- If you are a licensed child care facility regulated by Environmental Health and have specific questions or concerns you can reach out to the NC Department of Health and Human Services-Environmental Health Section at 919-707-5999 or by email at ehpreparednessquestions@dhhs.nc.gov
Food:
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ECE programs who were out of power for more than 6 hours must discard all frozen and refrigerated foods.
Immunization Update:
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) – released the Temporary Suspension of Immunization and School Health Assessment Requirements
- Following their initial communications, NCDHHS has answered several questions regarding the extension which you can view here: Additional Guidance on Immunization Compliance and Reporting Extension
Water:
- Child Care During Boil Water Advisory: Recommended Use Restrictions for Child Care Centers during Boil Water Advisories from NCDHHS
Public Water Utility:
- All ECE programs that have any questions about sanitation issues should contact Environmental Health before reopening.
- If any ECE program is located in an area that is under a boil water advisory, they will need to consult with Environmental Health for instructions before re-opening. Environmental Health Specialists will provide instructions on water usage.
- ECE programs can check service alerts on their water company’s website to determine if they are under a boil water advisory. Check your EPR plan to find contact information on the local water company.
- Boil Water Notices and Advisories – FAQs from the City of Asheville
- List of boil water advisories: Public Water Supply Situation Report Tracking
Well Water:
- If an ECE program is on well water, and the well was flooded or damaged during the storm, the water should not be used until it is determined to be safe. ECE programs will need to consult with Environmental Health for instructions for testing/disinfecting the well.
General Resources
Any information that is not labeled specific for ECE programs should only be used in ECE settings after consultation with a local environmental health specialist.
- DisasterAssistance.gov
- Apply for FEMA disaster assistance and other recovery resources.
- Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) Locator: DRCs are facilities and mobile offices you can visit to learn more about FEMA and other disaster assistance programs and ask questions about your case.
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Recovery Resources
- North Carolina Department of Public Safety Hurricane Helene Information and Resources: Includes links to county information.
Behavioral Health Resources:
- Sesame Workshop: Resources for Young Children, Families, and Caregivers
- NCDHHS: Behavioral Health Resources Available for People Impacted by Hurricane Helene
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NC-PAL: Resources that may be helpful in supporting patients, families, communities, and colleagues as they cope with the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
Environmental Health Resources:
- North Carolina Healthy Homes: NC Disaster Response and Recovery
- Educational materials and environmental health resources that residents of communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and other disasters can use in their steps toward recovery.
Infant and Young Child Feeding:
- North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition: Includes local resources
Medical Resources: