While some of us are not directly affected by the devastation in Western North Carolina by Hurricane Helene, it is without a doubt still important to know and care about the efforts that go into the recovery. There are many organizations and groups working to support western carolina. You can find these organizations by going here or doing more research online. The NC Dept. of Insurance has a long list of things that people can do if they need help directly, such as a shelter database link, disaster insurance, and emergency housing contacts. 

There are numerous other ways to help then going online and donating money. Some of our friends who are involved in a fraternity at State, organized food and clothes donations and drove up to the Mountains themselves. Many stores have excess change jars next to their cash registers, some ask if you want to round up. NC State, along with other universities, businesses, churches, and communities have organized drives to send relief to the victims of Helene. 

 FEMA has also been a large part of the continuous recovery efforts. So far over $372 million has gone to families for housing, repairs, and other necessities. Thousands have stayed in temporary housing, while more than 50 million in unemployment aid has helped those who lost work. FEMA has also cleared 4 million cubic yards of debris and provided funding to rebuild roads and public infrastructure. Crews are still visiting the residence homes and helping them apply for assistance. Although it is going to take years to recover, the support is not stopping anytime soon.

https://www.fema.gov/blog/supporting-north-carolinas-recovery-after-helene

https://www.ncdoi.gov/hurricane-helene-response-and-recovery#DisasterResources-3184

https://www.wncrecovery.nc.gov/how-you-can-help-helene-recovery

https://www.ncdoi.gov/hurricane-helene-response-and-recovery#DisasterResources-3184