It’s been two weeks since Hurricane Helene devastated towns across Western North Carolina, and these communities still need aid as they work to recover and rebuild from the damage. Local organizations are taking the initiative to assist our neighbors to the west.
DistiNCtly Fayetteville will be receiving donations to be delivered to residents in Western North Carolina. Direct access to many of the communities is restricted, so they will be working with Veterans Services of North Carolina and Off-Road Outreach to get the supplies to the residents.
Donations should be brought to 245 Person Street Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (3 p.m. Thursday).
The items listed below are desperately needed:
Fayetteville Technical Community College is joining efforts to provide relief to communities in western North Carolina that were impacted by Hurricane Helene.
FTCC is providing a tractor-trailer truck for a special collection drive by the North Carolina Community College System during the system’s biennial conference in Raleigh. The donation drive will take place on the first two days of the conference – Sunday, Oct. 13, and Monday, Oct. 14 – at the Raleigh Convention Center. Attendees are encouraged to bring much-needed supplies to support those affected by Helene.
The FTCC truck and a truck provided by Robeson Community College will be used to transport the donations to impacted areas in western North Carolina. The trucks are part of each college's Commercial Driver's License training program.
Recommended items for donation include:
Dr. Mark Sorrells, president of FTCC and a native of western North Carolina, said his contacts have said that items in particularly short supply include cleaning and disinfecting items, such as bleach, laundry detergent, household cleaners, dish soap, hand soap, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, paper towels, wipes and empty spray bottles; moisture absorbers and dehumidifier boxes; coffee; and socks.
All donations will directly support individuals and families affected by the hurricane, helping them rebuild in the aftermath of this natural disaster.
A tent will be set up in front of the Convention Center near the Sir Walter Raleigh statue. Public drop-off will be available from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 a.m. -noon on Monday. Support staff will be outside available to assist with public drop-offs. Conference registrants can drop off items at the registration table or in the Exhibit Hall. FTCC will be conducting its own collection at its Fayetteville campus. They'll be accepting donations from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekdays until further notice at their Property Control & Services at 284 Dever St.
Last week, North Carolina’s 58-unit community college system launched the Hurricane Helene Community College Response and Recovery Fund to help provide critical assistance for recovery efforts, including restoring services and resources essential to students, faculty, and staff.
FTCC also plans to join efforts to provide targeted help to 14 sister community colleges in western North Carolina that have been adversely affected by Helene and to their students, faculty and staff. More information about that effort will be shared at a later date.
Cumberland County Government employees are also working to provide aid to communities affected by the hurricane. Teams from various county departments including Social Services, Emergency Management and Public Information have deployed in Avery, Yancey and Buncombe counties, working alongside local organizations and volunteers to assist with recovery efforts. Additional County departments are also planning to send employees to provide assistance and are awaiting assignments.
The Cumberland County teams are focusing on a range of critical services, including providing shelter, distributing food and supplies, and assisting in communications efforts. They are also working closely with local agencies to assess damage and identify ongoing needs.
Community members can visit www.cumberlandcountync.gov/stormupdates for information about specific donation needs and opportunities throughout the county.
The state of North Carolina has also established an official portal for monetary donations and volunteer opportunities. Those who would like to assist can find more information at www.nc.gov/donate.
Representatives from the Fayetteville Public Works Commission’s Water Resources Division are responding to a Mutual Aid request from NCWaterWARN. WARN stands for Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network. These representatives will be joining other water and wastewater utility workers to help restore drinking water and sanitary sewer services in one of the hardest-hit areas of Western North Carolina.
Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to critical infrastructure, particularly affecting drinking water systems and wastewater management facilities in multiple counties. Many residents are experiencing disruptions in essential services, such as drinking water and wastewater management, which poses serious health and safety concerns.
To address these urgent needs, NCWaterWARN has mobilized resources, expertise and volunteers from across the region. Teams are working to assist communities with materials and supplies, repairing damaged pipelines, clearing debris and ensuring safe drinking water access. They are also helping restore water reclamation facilities to prevent further sanitary sewer overflows and mitigate environmental hazards.
PWC plans to send multiple Water Construction Crews and other subject matter experts to the Town of Black Mountain, North Carolina, which was significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene, as early as Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, for at least 2-4 weeks.
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