As we witness the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene across western North Carolina, it is clear that recovery will be a long and challenging process. Many communities remain cut off from essential services, and the impact on daily life has been profound. With road closures, communication disruptions, and severe infrastructure damage, relief efforts have been slow but steady, as search and rescue operations continue.

In response to these unprecedented challenges, Benchmarks has been actively working with DHHS, legislators, volunteer organizations, and emergency response teams to help secure critical supplies for our member agencies, especially those with residential facilities. We’ve also seen extraordinary support from agencies outside the impacted regions, who are gathering much-needed supplies and reaching out to assist their colleagues in the hardest-hit areas.

As the situation evolves, we recognize that disruptions to MH/DD/SA services across western North Carolina have been significant. If your agency has been affected, we need to hear from you. Please share any policy flexibilities, special funding, or enhanced rates that would support your continued service delivery. Send your feedback directly to Karen and Tara, so we can advocate for your needs with DHHS and state legislators.

For those struggling to secure recovery services and supplies, please contact us immediately. We are committed to escalating your requests and ensuring your needs are met. Additionally, if your residential facility has the capacity—or could increase capacity with a waiver—to take in clients from affected areas, please contact Karen directly at kmcleod@benchmarks.org.

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this disaster. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is any way we can assist you further.

For those looking to contribute to the recovery efforts, we’ve compiled a list of some links to local initiatives and volunteer opportunities supporting the western North Carolina communities. However, we recognize that there are many other efforts and opportunities not captured here. If you know of any or if your agency is leading similar efforts, please share this information with our team so we can help spread the word. We understand that these recovery efforts will require the long-term support and collaboration of us all.

1. Asheville Diaper Bank (Amazon Wishlist)
   Supporting families affected by Hurricane Helene by providing essential diaper supplies.
   Amazon List
2. Nazareth Child and Family Connection
   Donating 10% of proceeds from their Outlet Store to FFFA to help communities in western NC from October 1st-15th.
   Facebook Post
3. Diaper Bank of NC
   Collecting diapers and women’s hygiene items for those impacted by the storm.
   Website
4. Google Doc (Emergency Relief Agencies & Resources)
   A detailed resource guide offering information from emergency relief agencies, including help with prescriptions and livestock aid.
   Google Doc
5. Blue Ridge Public Radio (Well-Vetted List of Resources)
   A curated list of ways to donate and assist flood victims in western North Carolina.
   Website
6. Hospitality House
   A shelter serving multiple counties that has taken in an entire neighborhood displaced by the storm.
   Website
7. NC Disaster Relief Fund
   Direct monetary contributions that go to local groups on the ground in their communities.
   NCVOAD Donation Page
8. Eliada Homes
   Providing direct donations to help with recovery efforts for children and families impacted by the storm.
   Website
9. Crossnore Disaster Relief Fund
   Donate to support Crossnore’s efforts by designating donations through the “Crossnore Disaster Relief Fund” option.
   Website
10. Black Mountain Home for Children
    Assisting children in need and supporting recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
    Website
11. World Central Kitchen
    Looking for volunteers to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene with meal services.
    Volunteer Opportunities
12. City of Asheville & United Way (Supplies Drop-Off Site)
    Accepting donations of small supplies (non-refrigerated) at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St, Asheville. Open 9 AM – 5 PM, seven days a week.
13. Hunger and Health Coalition (Boone, NC)
    Supporting the health and hunger needs of those affected in Boone and surrounding areas.
    Website
14. Operation BBQ Relief
    Providing meals to communities across multiple states in the Southeast affected by the storm.
    Website
15. NC Community Foundation (Disaster Relief Fund)
    Helping communities in North Carolina recover through long-term disaster relief efforts.
    Website
16. Samaritan’s Purse
    Organizing relief efforts and prayer support for communities impacted by the storm.
    Website
17. Hearts With Hands (Asheville, NC)
    Providing disaster relief assistance, including supplies and support to impacted communities.
    Website
18. iChill (Community Resiliency Model)
    A free app that teaches simple self-help skills from the Community Resiliency Model to help manage stress and understand its impact on the mind and body. Available in English, Spanish, and Ukrainian.
    Website

Please send us information on any resources that we may have missed!