Welcome to MeckMIN's Thursday Zoom Check-In Meetings
Our every other week check-in meeting is open to anyone interested in supporting compassionate community response to our most vulnerable neighbors. Meetings are held online every other Thursday from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Email LeDayne Polaski for Zoom access code. In addition, if you would like to receive notification when these minutes are posted, please email LeDayne and ask to be added to the Thursday meetings email list.
Click HERE to Access Zoom Recording:
OPENING REFLECTION
Prayer from Sandy Davis | Memorial United Methodist Church
LONELY THE BOAT
Sandy blessed us with a beautiful rendering of the song Lonely the Boat
Thank you, Sandy!
There are many, many things happening, and things are constantly changing, so our apologies if these minutes are not as organized as usual. You will find some repetitive information because we just don’t have time to edit everything.
1. LOCAL NEED - DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
RIVERSIDE DRIVE FLOODING
A little-known situation unfolding in our backyard centers around 120 homes (about 200 people) along the Catawba River in Northwest Charlotte. During the heavy rainfall we received this past weekend, there was a decision made to lower the rising water level of Lake Norman by opening a dam. This triggered an evacuation order on Friday afternoon for Riverside Dr. residents. This then flooded the downstream shoreline, submerging some houses under 15-20 feet of water.
A full evaluation is being done with Emergency Management (EM) and Team Rubicon, to assess the impact and damages.
SUPPLY COLLECTION SITES FOR THIS LOCAL NEED:
Calvary Baptist Church of Charlotte (2727 Mt Holly-Huntersville Rd., Charlotte, NC 28214) will be the primary donation site for those impacted by the flooding on Riverside Drive. A list of needed supplies is below. This drop site will be open and accepting donations Wednesday through Saturday, 10am-6pm.
Calvary Baptist Church of Charlotte | 2727 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Rd, Charlotte, NC 28214 | Today - Sat. Oct. 5th only | 10 am - 6 pm
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte has agreed to let us utilize 4 of their Centers across Charlotte to be regionalized drop sites for donations for individuals, local businesses, and congregations to utilize.
Names and Locations (check local websites for hours of operations):
Brace Family YMCA | 3127 Weddington Rd, Matthews, NC 28105 | Regular Business Hours
Dowd YMCA | 400 E Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28202 | Regular Business Hours
Stratford Richardson YMCA | 1946 West Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208 | Regular Business Hours
Lake Norman YMCA | 21300 Davidson St #8553, Cornelius, NC 28031 | Regular Business Hours
Needed: Clean up Items (Tarps, work gloves, trash bags, shovels)
Cleaning supplies (Brooms, mops, cleaning solution)
Bottled water
Toiletries (Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.)
New towels (Bath towels and washcloths)
and Dog and Cat Food
The donations collected at all five sites will go to the direct relief efforts to support our Riverside Drive neighbors from today through Saturday, Oct. 5th. After Saturday, only the four YMCA sites will be collecting. All of those donations will be delivered regularly to their Gaston County YMCA site. From there, they will be strategically delivered to the most critical sites.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY RELATED TO THIS LOCAL NEED
Recovery efforts are ongoing here on Riverside Drive, Lake Drive, and Riverhaven Drive. We are making progress here, but we need your help. We’ve got a lot of damage and a lot of debris to move.
On Saturday, October 5, we are holding a community volunteer to help our neighbors on Riverside Drive, Riverhaven Drive, and Lake Drive. We will have two shifts - Morning shift: 9am-12pm and Afternoon Shift: 1pm-4pm. We ask that ALL volunteers be associated with a group or organization. This helps us keep track of volunteers and ensure the safety of all.
Volunteers will be assisting in the following tasks:
Debris removal
Cleaning dirty surfaces
Loading debris onto trucks
Giving out donations
Volunteers will park at Calvary Baptist Church at 2727 Mt Holly-Huntersville Road. Volunteers will be shuttled by van/bus to the site. Vans will start at 8:45am with multiple trips being made until 9am.
Volunteers should wear closed toed shoes, long pants, and a shirt form the organization they represent. Volunteers should also bring water and wear sunscreen, and we will have both on site.
At 9am and 1pm we will have a quick introduction, a safety briefing, and give out assignments.
Financial Donations for this need: FORCLT is currently collecting donations for the Riverside Drive relief efforts. 100% of the donations will go towards those local relief efforts DONATE HERE.
CharMeckResponds
Hurricane Helene emergency response efforts are underway with FORCLT and Charlotte Emergency Management. Please visit CharMeck Responds Coalition for the latest information, opportunities, and resources.
2. REPORTS ON THE CALL
CRISIS CLEANUP HOTLINE | 844-965-1386 Resource for those who need cleanup help AND phone volunteer opportunity!
Kristen Anderson | JUSTSERVE & The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Hotline for Helene cleanup - 844-965-1386 - Share with anyone who wants to request help with cleanup at their home – These requests will be added to a database which volunteer groups can access
THERE IS ALSO A HUGE NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS TO GET TRAINED AND ANSWER CALLS – MECKMIN IS NOW A REFERRING AGENCY
There is an opportunity to answer and submit the requests for help for the Crisis Cleanup hotline. You take a short training and then answer and submit the requests for help that come in.
It is a very impactful and meaningful way to serve. You talk to the people who have been directly affected and get to provide a listening ear and share hopeful words.
-Need 100’s of people to answer the calls-A really meaningful way to help
-For every 1 hour that someone answers calls - they save 29 hours of groundwork in affected area
-Right now there is a 6,000 waiting call log
-Serving all states in the path of hurricane Helene
Email meckmin@meckmin.org to get information on how to volunteer
NOURISH UP / SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK
Tina Postel, CEO
Nourish Up will continue to support anybody in Mecklenburg County who has been impacted by the storm and those who have evacuated their homes and sought refuge here in the Charlotte area. Our customer service representatives and our social services team have my full support to offer food referrals to anyone who reaches out in our region and needs help with grocery or meal support.
-NourishUp is Taking the lead in food insecurities needs in Meck County – refer needs to them
Schedule a food referral with Nourish Up:
Call (704) 523-4333 or visit nourishup.org for more information.
-Second Harvest of Metrolina is taking the lead in Western NC
Both NourishUp and Second Harvest are accepting and transporting donations
Below is a priority needs list from Second Harvest Food Bank. They are taking the lead on food relief efforts for WNC and the impacted counties. We are primarily focusing our efforts at Nourish Up on helping those in Mecklenburg County (both current residents and those who have evacuated here temporarily) with their grocery and meal needs. We are however supporting Second Harvest with food/donation collections. Donations of items on the attached priority list can be brought directly to Second Harvest at 550-B Spratt Street or you can bring them by our new Nourish Up Hunger Hub facility at 901 Carrier Drive, Charlotte, NC 28216. Second Harvest has trucks going out everyday to impacted counties.
If outside groups are looking to ship goods, NourishUp is able to accept them and then work with Second Harvest to get them shipped.
Ship To: Nourish Up Hunger Hub facility at 901 Carrier Drive, Charlotte, NC 28216
JUST SERVE
Sabrina Johnson | www.justserve.org
Just Serve Volunteer Center:
A Helene-specific website just went up and will continually be adding volunteer needs. Organizations can post their needs and volunteers can find legitimate ways to help the cause.
BOTTLED WATER & NON-PERISHABLE FOOD DROP OFF @ Advent Lutheran
We will take the first truckload up Tues Oct 8, but fully anticipate making several more trips as the need will be there for some time.
Our offices (8840 University City Blvd Charlotte, NC 28213) are open 10am-7pm, either Ward or I can meet folks at other times and days.
-In person volunteer opportunities
-in kind donations as well as financial donations available
CHARLOTTE TOOLBANK
Maureen Krueger | maureen.krueger@toolbank.org | Office 704.469.5800
Executive Director Charlotte ToolBank
2513 S. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28203
We have resources (e.g. TOOLS, CLEAN UP SUPPLIES)! Send any organizations who need tools or supplies to me. FREE RENTAL FOR THOSE DOING DISASTER RELIEF
-Nonprofit helping other nonprofits-Check out their website for available tools
CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY OCTOBER 12
We have just finalized details for hosting a Meals of Hope meal packing event at CEC on Saturday, Oct 12 from 8:30-11 am. Packing 250,000 dry meals for Feeding America to deploy to mountain communities. Think Rise Against Hunger but for local relief.
We will need 500 volunteers for Saturday, October 12 from 8:30 - 11 AM.
Meals of Hope: nonprofit since 2007, 96% of expenses went to hunger related activities-Operate 15 local food pantries in Fl
-Meals of Hope packs nutrient meals distributed through Feeding America Food Bank
-Will need 500 volunteers-next Saturday, Oct 12 morning 8:30 - 11 AM | two shifts available
-Will be serving a cinnamon apple oatmeal meal
-Trying to give people the opportunity to come together and participate in a way to help their neighbors
Help us Provide 250,000 Meals to Our Neighbors in NC Devastated by Hurricane Helene (harnessgiving.org)
INDIVIDUAL NEED IN WEST JEFFERSON
Please have any volunteers interested in helping an elderly couple north of West Jefferson NC contact Jayne Barto, Room In The Inn. Their basement has been flooded and the ceiling has fallen, furniture turned over and 2000 books caked in mud. Please use my personal email address to contact me.
EXCEPTION TO THE NC VOTER ID LAW
There is an exception to the NC Voter ID law for people who have lost their IDs in a natural disaster. You do not have to show an ID to vote if you have experienced a natural disaster. There are beginning to be some memes and posts about that. I'm part of the folks trying to spread that word.
For those who lost their ID’s go to the State Board of Elections fill a form where you can vote without an ID
LEGAL AID OF NC
Larissa Mervin | larissam2@legalaidnc.org
We can help people address such needs as – Housing conditions, FEMA assistance, legal relief
We are here to help anyone with legal needs
Please direct anyone who needs legal help in WNC
MATHEWS UMC DROP OFF LOCATION
Amy DeVore | 704-839-3144
Matthews UMC at 801 South Trade Street in Matthews, NC
Our collection site at Matthews UMC will be accepting donations NEXT WEEK on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am - 7pm. Each week may have different hours.
Contact Amy DeVore at 704-839-3144 with questions. THANK YOU!
THOSE TIMES ARE IN ADDITION to the times we are accepting donations today, tomorrow and Saturday (10/3, 10/4 and 10/5) this week.
NEEDS:
Bottled water or gallons of water
Trash bags
Non-perishable food
Diapers
Cleaning supplies
Baby formula
Disposable wipes
Toilet paper
Paper towels
5-gallon buckets with snap-on lids
We are open for collection TODAY, TOMORROW AND SATURDAY FROM 9AM-7PM.
Amy DeVore – 704-839-3144
AIRBNB OWNERS ARE OFFERING FREE OR DISCOUNTED TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR THOS DISPLACED BY HURRICANE HELENE Here are the details:
DAILY VOAD MEETING (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster)
There is a daily NCVOAD (volunteer organizations active in disaster) - 12:30 daily – I am finding them helpful. If you want to join them, email ledayne@meckmin.org for the zoom link.
CPAP MACHINES
– If anyone locally is hosting a friend or family member who lost their CPAP machine and needs one, we have at least four available. Email us at meckmin@meckmin.org
GREATER BETHEL AME Supporting St James AME in Asheville
Bobbi Hague | so-b-it1@hotmail.com
TOP PRIORITIES
-There is a dire need for gas cans AND empty buckets
NC DIAPER BANK
Together, We Can Bring Hope & Relief to Western NC After Tropical Storm Helene
Dear Friends and Supporters,
I am reaching out to you today with both a heavy heart and immense hope and determination. Like you, I have been deeply saddened by the devastation Tropical Storm Helene caused to our beloved Western NC communities. Entire neighborhoods have been swept away by catastrophic flooding, and countless families have lost everything. The scale of this disaster is difficult to grasp, and while the full impact is still being evaluated, one thing is undeniable: the need for swift and ongoing relief is urgent.
As food and shelter support begins to flow into the region, hygiene products are often overlooked in disaster relief efforts. Diapers, in particular, are not provided through traditional disaster response programs, but the Diaper Bank of NC is here to fill that gap. Right now, the need for these supplies is greater than ever. Families across Western NC are not only grappling with the loss of their homes and possessions but also with the challenge of accessing basic essentials to care for their loved ones. Diapers, period products, adult incontinence supplies, and formula are all in critically short supply.
We are stepping up to help, and we hope you, our incredible community of supporters, will stand with us in this time of urgent need.
How We’re Responding
We are mobilizing our resources to send essential supplies to families across the region. In the coming days and weeks, we will be distributing:
Diapers for infants and toddlers, ensuring babies stay healthy and dry.
Period products for menstruating individuals so that no one must go without dignity during this crisis.
Adult incontinence supplies for our seniors and those with disabilities, who are often among the most vulnerable during emergencies.
Formula for infants to ensure that even the youngest members of our community are nourished during this time of uncertainty.
But our response will not end when the floodwaters recede. Recovery from a disaster of this magnitude takes time. The families in Western NC will need our support well beyond the initial emergency response. We are committed to standing with these communities for the long haul, ensuring they have access to these vital supplies as they rebuild their lives.
How You Can Help
We are calling on you, our dedicated supporters, to join us in this critical effort. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Donate: Your financial support allows us to procure and distribute essential supplies quickly and efficiently. Every dollar you give will go directly toward helping families affected by this disaster. Donate here.
Host a Drive: Organize a collection of diapers, period products, and formula in your community. Whether it’s through your workplace, neighborhood, or faith community, your efforts will provide much-needed relief.
Spread the Word: Raise awareness on social media and in your networks. The more people who know about the needs in Western NC, the more support we can gather.
Commit to Long-Term Support: We are in this for the long run, and we need sustained help to continue providing these essential items over the coming months. Consider becoming a monthly donor to ensure we can meet ongoing needs in the region.
We have always believed in the power of community to lift each other up in times of hardship. Together, we can bring dignity, hope, and relief to the families of Western North Carolina.
Thank you for your compassion, your generosity, and your commitment to helping those in need. With your support, we can and will make a lasting impact.
With gratitude and determination,
Michelle Schaefer-Old
Chief Executive Officer
Diaper Bank of North Carolina
If they want to donate items directly, they can drop them off at our branch (3418 Vane Ct. Suite D, Charlotte, NC 28206) during the attached open hours or at a location near them (https://www.ncdiaperbank.org/donate-supplies)
They can also donate virtually through our WNC Disaster Relief Amazon Wishlist (https://a.co/6fpFYrb) or they can donate dollars through our secure online donation site (https://ncdiaperbank.networkforgood.com/projects/137696-disaster-response-tropical-storm-helene)
-HUGE need for baby food formula
-Volunteer opportunities available in the Charlotte Diaper Bank
COORDINATED VOLUNTEER ENTRY:
There’s a BIG request for COORDINATION! Below are some ways to plug in as an individual and as a group:
We strongly encourage all referrals for donations, volunteers, or other services to NC Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (NCVOAD), which helps coordinate the appropriate response to realities on the ground in the impacted areas. NCVOAD is actively working to get specific directions posted on their website. For now, NCVOAD asks all to share the following key messages:
People who want to do physical clean-up work to sign up here: www.ncvoad.org/volunteer/
Refer to a list of NCVOAD member organizations that are vetted for donations and other response efforts here: www.ncvoad.org/members/
Encourage cash donations which can be made to the state’s Disaster Relief Fund or other organizations listed on NCVOAD’s website
Other ways to help:
INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS can sign up here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DBF2JM9
VolunteerNC is looking for volunteers to help serve our state with disaster services.
The information you provide will be shared with NC VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), a network of organizations that collaborate to support disaster response and recovery efforts in North Carolina. As we remain in the response phase, we kindly ask for your patience, as many of the organizations involved are still in the process of setting up their sites.
GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS/WAREHOUSES can sign up by emailing: SERT@ncvoad.org
Email to indicate your group’s willingness to help and provide specific information on what you can do
NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery email updates
If you'd like to sign up for NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery email updates, fill out this survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NCIDR-Membership
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
MISSING PERSONS:
– Report a missing person, request a welfare check, request rescue, cancel a previous request
FIND HELP / OFFER HELP:
Helene Response & Rebuild WNC Resource Guide - really good, comprehensive guide to ways to get and give help https://bit.ly/wncheleneguide
General information (good links to find more specific info):
Road openings/closings
drivenc.gov is real-time (or close!) regarding road openings/closings
OTHER NEEDS AND RESOURCES
The new ‘Mountain Updates’ newsletter from The Charlotte Ledger
The new ‘Mountain Updates’ newsletter from The Charlotte Ledger will get you up to speed on important developments on flood recovery, with context and clarity
The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene is going to be with us for a while. And as the N.C. mountains face new challenges and attempt to recover, The Charlotte Ledger wants to keep you informed about this vital story that’s playing out just a couple hours to our west.
Today, we are introducing Mountain Updates, a free email newsletter that aims to get you up to speed on the most significant and interesting developments on the severe flooding in Western North Carolina and its aftermath.
WAYS TO HELP
LOTS of LOCAL WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE:
Adopt or foster a pet from the Humane Society of Charlotte to create space for incoming animals from storm-affected western North Carolina.
RED CROSS
Our primary need right now is for volunteers who are able to deploy for two weeks to Western North Carolina to work in shelters. It is a two week commitment with all expenses covered.
The other big things that we need are people willing to make blood donations. When big storms happen, drives get canceled and we need more people to step up to make those donations . More info at red cross blood.org.
Finally, while we can’t accept donations of items like blankets or diapers or food or anything like that we are in need of financial donations. These donations will help us support our relief efforts and help us purchase exactly what we need for the people who need it. Donations can be made at redcross.org.
CAROLINA MIGRANT NETWORK Here’s how to help Latino Families in Western NC
Stefanía Arteaga | Carolinamigrantnetwork.org
Co-founder & Co-Executive Director | Carolina Migrant Network
We are mobilizing resources to help Latino families in WNC, particularly those in areas like Marion, Morganton, and Hendersonville, to name a few. Latine families are amongst the most vulnerable in Western NC at this time due to language barriers, concerns regarding real or perceived restrictions based on immigration status, and fear of local law enforcement.
Here’s how to help Latino Families in Western NC:
Please donate to our Mutual Aid fund. All proceeds will be split among Latino-led/latine serving organizations in WNC. We will include the list of receipts as we go.
Amazon Wish list: All materials are sent to the Carolina Migrant Networks Office and will be sent to locations across WNC.
In-person donation: CMN is accepting donations at our offices at 3400 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215. A list of materials needed is available here.
OTHER LATINO ORGANIZATIONS ON THE GROUND
lgarzon@hispanicfederation.org | 904 377 4559
Latino Organizations accepting donations in WNC:
ASHEVILLE
Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Acción (CIMA)
Contact: (305) 710-3993, (828) 545-7223
Comité Popular de Asheville por la Justicia Social
Contact: (828) 273-9000
JMPro
Contact: (828) 384-0454
CULLOWHEE
Vecinos
Contact: (828) 707-3848
HENDERSONVILLE
Tierra Fertil
Contact: (828) 808-5583, (336) 906-9498
True Ridge
Contact: (828) 551-2064
MARION
Centro Unido Latino Americano
MORGANTON
Western NC Workers Center
Contact: (828) 409-4834
SYLVA
Unidxs WNC
Contact: (828) 242-7345
WATAUGA
Immigrant Justice Coalition
Contact: (828) 537-2688
Q’Pasa Appalachia
Contact: (828) 278-9302
VETERAN SERVICES OF THE CAROLINAS
Keri Hill-Volunteer Coordinator/Team Chaplain
Veterans Services of the Carolinas
keri.hill@abccm.org | (828) 398-6776
1845 Brevard Road Arden, NC 287 www.abccm-vsc.org
If people want to donate to a Christian organization in AVL, our warehouse can take things. We have 50,000 sq feet. It's open for big donations and small ones. I just need to know if people are coming our way. We obviously can't get find supplies ourselves here and are trying to help flood victims so anything that wants to come to AVL we are willing to take!
Toilet paper, bread, canned goods, peanut butter, packaged meals, anything that people can eat without cooking. We don't need clothing right now, maybe later but not now.
The business office receives all monetary donations and invoices.
Please mail checks to 1845 Brevard Road, Arden, NC 28704
BELOW YOU WILL FIND INFO FROM NCVOAD:
WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I BE SHARING?
FEMA has begun taking applications for the Individual Assistance Program, which includes money for emergency housing at hotels, immediate recovery needs and more. Call 800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov for more information or to get started on an application.
Encourage survivors should take pictures or videos of everything.
Share these tips to navigate the application in a pre-written Facebook post.
Legal Aid of NC and Pisgah Legal are ramping up their disaster legal services programs to assist with applications and appeals to FEMA, for homeowners and rentals dealing with damage and displacement, and for fraud support.
The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program helps people in a federally identified disaster area who do not have health insurance to access prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment. Find out which pharmacy near you is open online with this map.
Immigration and Undocumented Persons
FEMA: "All individuals, regardless of citizenship and immigration status, affected by a major disaster may be eligible for crisis counseling assistance, disaster legal services, disaster case management, disaster supplemental nutrition assistance program and other non-monetary, in-kind emergency disaster-relief programs. These include medical care, shelter, food and water."
FEMA: "Households who don’t meet citizenship or immigration status at the time of a FEMA application can still apply if: The parent or legal guardian of a minor child who is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified non-citizen applies for assistance on behalf of the minor child, so long as they live in the same household. The parent or legal guardian must apply as the co-applicant, and the minor child must be under age 18 at the time the disaster occurred.
"ICE and CBP do not conduct immigration enforcement activities at protected areas such as along evacuation routes, sites used for sheltering or the distribution of emergency supplies, food or water, or registration sites for disaster-related assistance or the reunification of families and loved ones. At the request of FEMA or local and state authorities, ICE and CBP may help conduct search and rescue, air traffic de-confliction and public safety missions. ICE and CBP provide emergency assistance to individuals regardless of their immigration status." [National Low Income Housing Coalition: "Even when they stay in-bounds on their policies, the very fact of ICE being there is a chilling effect and contrary to the spirit of the protected areas policy." Please take photos of any issues or violations of this policy and send to npatton@nlihc.org to be escalated to federal advocates.]
Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH)
Crisis Text Line if you need free mental health support, text TOUGH to 741741, 24/7.
Vibrant Emotional Health: For more info about the DDH 1-800-985-5990 (press "2" for Spanish). 24/7 crisis and emotional support for survivors & responders of natural and human-caused disasters go to samhsa.gov/DDH. For any additional coordination / resources needs in disaster emotional care, please email DDH@vibrant.org.
Noticias en Espanol
ReadyNC.gov ("Select Language")
Blue Ridge Public Radio: Live Updates [Ed. Note: Please support your local public radio station. -Andy]
HOW CAN I GET HELP FOR SURIVORS?
Call 9-1-1 for rescue or other life-threatening situations. Call 2-1-1 for shelter and supplies. (Editors Note: Both should have interpreter services, but if they do not, please let me know so I can escalate this issue. -Andy)
Call American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) if you need assistance, including shelters.
Call Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386 to be connected with volunteer organizations who can assist with issues like trees, debris, tarps, and mucking out. Note: Crisis Cleanup cannot assist with social services such as food, clothing, shelter, insurance, or FEMA registration. Artwork to advertise the hotline is available at https://www.crisiscleanup.org/disasters.
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies - Disability & Disaster Hotline: Call/Text: +1 (800) 626-4959, Email: hotline@disasterstrategies.org.
Locating loved ones:
Call 2-1-1 for their reunification service.
Red Cross has this form: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/contact-and-locate-loved-ones/hurricane-helene-reunification.html
In Buncombe County: Call 828-820-2761 (Buncombe County Register of Deeds). More information at BuncombeReady.gov.
Farmers and Agribusiness: https://www.ncagr.gov/emergency-programs/disaster-information.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation:
... is working cooperatively with all the state and federal banking agencies and other organizations to determine the status of financial institutions located in the affected areas. Natural Disaster Impact on Bank Customers and Operations | FDIC.
... If you have questions concerning the operations of your financial institution, please call your financial institution or visit your financial institution's web site. Natural Disaster Impact: Advice for Consumers and Business Owners | FDIC.
... FDIC's Money Smart for Adults - PDF "Disaster-Financial Preparation and Recovery" module offers tips and tools on how to financially prepare for and recover from disasters.
HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER?
Do NOT self-deploy! Do not travel to impacted areas without coordinating with local and state officials. Over 400 roads are blocked or broken. You will likely run out of gas, and gas stations are empty in western NC. Learn about blocked roads at DriveNC.gov.
Sign up as a volunteer.
Sign up to answer calls to Crisis Cleanup hotline. "English and Spanish volunteers ARE DESPERATELY needed for our hotline. Info is located here: https://tinyurl.com/ms3nmw53. You must be affiliated with an organization to volunteer. If you don't have an organization contact Laura.Block@teamrubiconusa.org.
For organizations with large numbers of volunteers or supplies, such as feeding 1,000+ people daily, contact NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster at sert@ncvoad.org or make an offer on https://volunteernc.app.needslist.co/.
Other volunteer sites will be posted to this website https://www.ncvoad.org/volunteer/ as they become available.
HOW CAN I DONATE?
Do NOT collect donations of clothes or furniture. There's nowhere to process or manage those donations and sending them now could interrupt critical response efforts. Learn more from FEMA and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and Arizona VOAD.
Cash donations are best. Look for local mutual aid, voluntary organizations, or philanthropies who are setting up disaster relief funds both for immediate needs and for medium/long-term recovery.
Appalachian Voices: https://appvoices.org/helene-relief/
Blue Ridge Public Radio: List: Ways to donate and help flood victims in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene
NC Network of Grantmakers: NC Grantmakers | Disaster Relief and Recovery Resources
NC Community Foundation: NCCF encouraging donations to support western North Carolina
Triangle Mutual Aid: https://www.trianglemutualaid.org/
If you do want to collect supplies: Make cleanup kits ("flood buckets"), with these items: https://umcmission.org/umcor-cleaning-kit/.
Contact Hispanic Federation to support Latino-led and Latino-serving organizations. Contact Lariza Garzon lgarzon@hispanicfederation.org.
Contact NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster at sert@ncvoad.org.
Make an offer on https://volunteernc.app.needslist.co/.
Farmers
Crops for mass feeding should contact sert@ncvoad.org.
"Disaster hay" and other needs/offers can be coordinated through https://www.ncagr.gov/emergency-programs/disaster-information or call 1-866-645-9403.
Coordinate movement of supplies with the state Business Emergency Operations Center to ensure you have access. You can email your supply logistics or movement requests to BEOC@ncdps.gov, Begin Subject Line with Logistics Support. Please include the following info: What are you moving? Why you need special access. When do you plan to move and from where? Where are you going? When will they arrive at the "border to Western NC" and where?
TOP ISSUES AND NEEDS
Agricultural Supply Chain:
"Disaster hay" is needed to feed livestock: https://go.ncsu.edu/livestockdisasterhelp.
We are at the beginning of leaf season, pumpkin patches, Christmas trees; disruptions to row crop ag in SC are also being reported; many small NC dairies may not make it to the other side of recovery (my assumption given what I know)
Cash: Credit card systems and ATMs are down. Vendors, including landlords, are demanding payment in cash
Cell phone coverage: Wireless providers are standing up new towers and enabling “disaster roaming” so phones in western NC can connect to any available network. Restart your phone if you lose service.
Commercial kitchens: Contact ncvoad@sert.org if you have access to commercial kitchens in western NC.
Housing: Evictions: Contact Legal Aid at 866-219-5262., Mucking and tarping: Contact Crisis Cleanup at 8449651386.
Fuel: Gas is in low supply across the region.
Fears of immigration enforcement actions at disaster relief sites: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2024/09/25/dhs-statement-safety-and-enforcement-during-hurricane-helen
Volunteers
Crisis Cleanup hotline operators: Sign up with your organization at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pOon5kUvhV34nbuueOSc-AnQ-yAktxm2/
Medical Staff: Contact Carlotta.dixon@dhhs.nc.gov
Points of Distribution (PODs): Fill out this form https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DBF2JM9
Shelters: Fill out this form https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DBF2JM9
BLESSING
To all of those struggling, a blessing by Kate Bowler...
Blessed are you, faced with the impossible.
You who do not take your eyes away from what threatens to swallow you whole.
You who stare down reality, though your heart quickens.
You for whom action comes swiftly, as you chart the next step or bulldoze a new path yourself.
You know how to turn hope into action.
And blessed are you who, when you’ve come to the end of what is possible, find the courage to live there too.
Blessed are we, who are learning how to hope and how to let go.
When to act and when to stop.
Balancing the impossibility of so much love and so much to fear. Together.
Next meeting – Thursday, October 10 at 11 a.m.
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