How to Support Western North Carolina in 2025: Relief, Aid & Recovery
I grew up just north of Charlotte, NC, spending weekends in the fall visiting areas in Western North Carolina, especially in recent years. Whether you have personal ties to North Carolina, have visited, or are simply looking for ways to support Western North Carolina, I’ve put together some links below where you can do just that.
When Hurricane Helene struck the state last year, it took days for those of us in the state to even understand the degree of damage that was done. It was mostly thanks to social media that we began seeing the state of devastation.
To this day, I think many of us still don’t know the extent of that damage. Or grasp what that must have been like for locals to be forced to flee (or unable to) and watch their homes, towns, and businesses be destroyed. Finding whatever way you can to support Western North Carolina is crucial to help this region rebuild.
As of June 17, 2025, 108 people lost their lives as a result of the storm.
Below are resources I’ve found through research and that were shared by locals. Note that while the resources below are absolutely crucial to help areas and businesses rebuild, another key component is tourism.
There are many shops across Western NC open and desperate for your support, so hit the road and support local. If you’re wondering if a specific shop is open, here is a list showing the status of various retail locations across Western NC. Some may not be open for walk-ins, but check to see if they have online shopping available!
Ways to Support Western North Carolina
- North Carolina Community Foundation: Provides support across the state, but their current disaster relief funds are being pushed towards Western NC
- Hearts with Hands: Their disaster relief program is taking physical drop-offs (bedding, soap, can openers, food, etc.) by appointment, as well as financial donations
- Babies Need Bottoms: Provide diapers to babies and families in need
- Brother Wolf Animal Rescue: They were able to evacuate all the animals before the storm him, but lost their building to Helene. They need support to rebuild in higher ground in Asheville, NC
- Community Housing Coalition: Provides urgent home repair support to low-income families in Madison County
- Marshall Relief Alliance: Sign up to volunteer, make a donation, and more, to support the rebuild of Marshall, NC
- Manna Foodbank: Based in Asheville, NC, working to end food insecurity in the region and support Hurricane Helene relief efforts
- WNC Recovery: A list of additional ways to aid various causes supporting Western North Carolina
- Appalachian Voices: Another list with ways to give, volunteer, food and resource centers, and more
I spoke to a woman in Black Mountain, North Carolina, this year, who said it restored her faith in humanity, seeing the number of people from all across the country show up across Western North Carolina to support, following Hurricane Helene. This was amazing to hear and further reinforces the need WNC continues to have to recover from this climate change-induced disaster.
Please comment below or email me at [email protected] if there are other reputable resources I should add to this list. I’m happy to do so!
