North Carolina Construction News staff writer
More than $15.5 million in donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund will be allocated to the North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF) to support long-term recovery efforts for communities affected by Hurricane Helene. The fund will address unmet needs and aid in rebuilding western North Carolina following the devastating storm.
“We are so grateful for this outpouring of generosity toward the people of western North Carolina,” Gov. Ray Cooper said in a statement. “Recovering from Hurricane Helene will be a marathon, and each and every donation helps. These contributions are crucial to our ongoing recovery efforts.”
The North Carolina Community Foundation, in collaboration with local affiliates, will oversee the distribution of the funds. This donation will help provide grants to nonprofits working on long-term recovery efforts in the affected areas. The total raised for the NC Disaster Relief Fund now stands at $16.8 million, with $1.27 million of that being allocated to immediate needs through United Way of North Carolina.
As immediate relief efforts transition into long-term recovery, the NCCF will continue to play a critical role in managing donations and ensuring that resources are effectively distributed.
“We are honored to receive these funds and continue our work with local partners to rebuild western North Carolina,” said Jennifer Tolle Whiteside, president and CEO of the NCCF. “The road to recovery will take years, but we are committed to supporting our communities every step of the way.”
Grants from the NCCF will focus on supporting organizations already active in the region, with priority given to those addressing the long-term disaster recovery needs of multiple counties or undertaking larger-scale projects in specific areas. More details on the grant application process will be announced in early 2025.
Donations already making a difference
The immediate relief efforts funded by the NC Disaster Relief Fund have already had a significant impact on communities. Organizations like the Community Organized Response Effort (CORE) received $10,000 to provide vital muck-and-gut services and mold suppression for homes severely damaged by the storm. This funding enabled the purchase of humidifiers, heaters, and moisture meters, ensuring that residents could begin safely rebuilding their homes.
Other recipients include Haywood Pathways Center, which received $10,000 to support a mobile soup kitchen providing nutritious meals to residents in Haywood County, and the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), which used its $10,000 grant to assist local farmers and connect families with fresh, nutritious food.
Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, President & CEO of United Way of North Carolina, said, “Being the fiscal agent for the NC Disaster Relief Fund has been an honor. These grants have empowered local organizations to provide urgent support and lay the foundation for long-term recovery. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Governor’s office and the NCCF to make a lasting difference for the people of western North Carolina.”
Continuing support and volunteer opportunities
While the NC Disaster Relief Fund is no longer accepting direct donations, those wishing to contribute can still donate to the NC Community Foundation at nccommunityfoundation.org/helene or to United Way of North Carolina at unitedwaync.org/helene.
Volunteer organizations across the state continue to play a pivotal role in recovery efforts, and individuals interested in supporting the ongoing work of these groups can find more information at www.ncvoad.org.
Gov. Cooper emphasized the importance of continued support, saying, “Though the storm’s immediate impact is behind us, the work of recovery is just beginning. Every donation and volunteer effort helps ensure that the people of western North Carolina can rebuild their homes, their businesses, and their lives.”
