How to Help Those Affected by Hurricane Helene: Donations, Relief Efforts and More

Hurricane Helene made landfall late last week and devastated many communities across North and South Carolina. Heavy rain brought catastrophic flooding and has left millions of residents across multiple states without power, internet, cellular service and access to fresh water. 

To help with relief efforts, we've rounded up resources to help those in need, organizations you can donate to and ways to support those across the Carolinas that are dealing with the devastation caused by Helene. 

Editors' note: We created this list from evaluations on Charity Navigator, which rates charities based on their financial health, accountability and transparency. Charity Navigator has assigned a "Give With Confidence" designation to the organizations listed below. Before you donate, you should make sure that a given charity aligns with your values and that the donation is being used in ways you'd like. Charity Navigator has also compiled a list of highly rated charities that are providing relief and recovery to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

For more information, see our guide on how to vet a charity.

American Red Cross

On Sunday, supermarket chain Harris Teeter began a campaign to raise money for the American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts. To help, just round up to the nearest dollar on your next Harris Teeter purchase for the next 30 days.

You can also donate directly to the American Red Cross.

Durham Rescue Mission

Durham Rescue Mission is hosting a supply drive today at 1201 E. Main St. in Durham, North Carolina. Priority supplies include first aid essentials, nonperishable foods and personal hygiene supplies.

Feeding Avery Families

Donate to support communities in Newland, Avery County, North Carolina.

Homeward Bound of Western North Carolina

Homeward Bound provides housing to the homeless community in Asheville and is helping distribute essentials and clothing. For more information on year-round work and to donate, visit Homeward Bound's website.

Manna FoodBank

Manna FoodBank in Asheville is accepting donations to help communities and families who have been left without food and water. You can donate here.  

South Carolina Emergency Management Division

If you need help with damage cleanup following Hurricane Helene, call Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386. 

Support North Carolina businesses making monetary donations

Manolo's Bakery, Higher Grounds Cafe, Artisen Vegelato and Tika's Cake House are businesses in the Charlotte region that have made a commitment to donate 10% of all sales to Western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee storm relief efforts.

Support North Carolina businesses raising supplies

Several businesses around the Charlotte area are accepting emergency goods and supplies to donate to communities impacted by the storm. Wooden Robot, the Chamber in NoDa, Thrift Pony in Plaza Midwood, Compleat Kidz Belmont Clinic and Alchemy Co-Working in Gastonia are a few currently taking donations. 

Priority supplies needed include cases of water, toiletries and hygiene items, baby formula, diapers, wipes, blankets, clothes, batteries and flashlights. 

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County

Considering making a financial donation to help with immediate and long-term relief for communities in Western North Carolina.

Walmart in Greenville, South Carolina

Walmart #640 located at 1451 Woodruff Road in Greenville, South Carolina, has relief stations set up. Showers, portable potties, washers and dryers are on the premises for those who are in need of utilizing these services.

Here are some other ways to assist with relief efforts that aren't donating money or supplies:

Avoid traveling to Western North Carolina and South Carolina, even if you're trying to help. Rescue and utility crews need clear roads to restore power and infrastructure, according to NCDOT. Foster or adopt animals from shelters to create space for pets coming in from hurricane-impacted areas. Learn more about how to support Asheville Humane Society, Humane Society of Charlotte and Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. 
Purchase tickets to the Carolina Hurricanes ice hockey game on Wednesday night. All ticket revenue from the exhibition game will benefit Helene relief efforts in Western North Carolina. Tickets are $10.
Research local churches that may be accepting donations or supplies. 
Text rather than call. Emergency management is urging you to only call when necessary. Texting will leave the lines open for emergency communications. 
Stay out of floodwaters. Officials across the states warn that those experiencing flooding should not wade through flood waters, which could contain debris, chemicals, waste and wildlife, as well as downed power lines that can electrically charge the water. Also, do not drive through standing or moving water as it's impossible to tell how deep the water is.