Our hearts are with the many communities devastated by hurricane Helene, including those in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee that have been hit especially hard. In many cases the hardest hit areas are home to some of the most popular recreation river destinations in the Southeast including the French Broad, the Nantahala, Pigeon Creek, and the Chattooga all experienced significant flooding events.
Some operations received only minor damage, others’ status is unknown. Some outfitter operations are a total loss. America Outdoors will be working in the coming days to support operations, ascertain the scope of the damage, and connect outfitters with disaster relief.
If you would like to help our the residents of this hard-hit area, there are several disaster relief organizations in the region actively engaged in the rescue and recovery effort. Here are a few:
BeLoved Asheville
- Cash donations can be sent via: Venmo: BeLoved-Asheville; CashApp: $BeLovedAsheville; Zelle: 828-412-2054
- Volunteers are on the ground collecting and disturbing supplies. Specific items are needed, including: food, bottled water, contractor-size trash bags, blankets, first aid supplies, feminine hygiene products, diapers and baby clothes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towels, bleach, shovels, brooms, gloves, coolers, propane, cook stoves, flashlights, batteries, fans, dehumidifiers, and generators.
Mountain Projects
- Based in Waynesville, the group helps with emergency housing, including storm victims.
- More information is available here.
American Red Cross of North Carolina
- At the storm’s peak, the organization opened more than 15 shelter locations in Western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina.
- You can volunteer to serve with the American Red Cross or you can donate blood, which assists medical facilities in responding to disasters.
- You can make an online donation or give by texting Helene to 90999.
- More information is available here.
Samaritan’s Purse
- The organization is responding to the High Country (northwestern North Carolina) and eastern Tennessee. The community of Boone, where Samaritan’s Purse, is based has been deeply impacted.
- Donations are accepted online. Click here for more info.
Operation Airdrop
- The group is focusing operations on North Carolina after it aided Helene victims in Florida. Pilots and volunteers will deliver essential supplies and food to disaster-stricken areas in the mountains.
A more extensive list can be found at Blue Ridge Public Radio.