The devastation and heartbreak unfolding in North Carolina, and surrounding areas, is something Louisianians know all too well. We joke on social media as hurricane parties pop up and your snacks and supplies are gathered for the inevitable power outages. But no one truly understands watching your home, the city that you love and adore, be completely decimated in a matter of moments until you’ve lived through it. Our hearts and thoughts are with those impacted and devastated by Hurricane Helene. We, as New Orleanians, know there is light at the end of the tunnel, that rebuilding and resurrection of the place that you love so deeply will, with time, be seen; but right now, it is the time for us to act, to be there for others in a situation we know to the depths of our core.
Below we have gathered a list of resources and organizations that you can donate to that are helping those impacted by this storm.
-> Southern Smoke Foundation
“Our organization was started by fellow F+B workers who’ve felt the heat of this industry firsthand. Injuries strike. Doors close. You never saw it coming. But you’re not out of options, and you’re not alone. We’re here to put dollars in your hand and restore peace to your mind.”
-> Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
“ABCCM is generously supported by over 300 churches of all denominations and 6,000+ trained volunteers and provides emergency assistance to anyone in need regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, or disability.”
-> Homeward Bound in Asheville
“Provide supportive housing to the homeless community in Asheville and is distributing essentials and clothing.”
“The group is focusing on North Carolina. Pilots and volunteers will deliver essential supplies and food to disaster areas in the mountains.”
-> Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
“With widespread flood damage, road closures, and diminished food assistance infrastructure throughout Western North Carolina, Food Banks across the state have launched a shared fund dedicated to disaster relief efforts in 25 affected counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.”
The easiest way is to donate money. Here are a list of national organizations collecting money for their relief efforts.
- FEMA
- American Red Cross
- The Salvation Army
- United Way
- World Central Kitchen
- All Hands and Hearts
- Americares
- Direct Relief
Garden & Gun and Southern Living have also put together a comprehensive list of ways to help and other organizations out there, as well as Asheville paper Citizen Times.
