Hurricane Helene Update and Resources
Although we are devastated and overwhelmed by the magnitude of the destruction of Hurricane Helene, we are inspired by the resourceful heroes in our communities that are digging-in and finding multitudes of ways to help—scores of folks, many of whom are boaters, are leading the charge in recovery efforts. Our network is uniquely equipped as helpers, and we are grateful.
Many people have reached out to ask us how they can help and where to direct funds. There are many wonderful organizations doing deeply impactful work. We’re happy to list a few of the local organizations we know working to address immediate needs in affected communities. This list will change over time as needs shift. A continually updated list will live at the bottom of this article.
One direct need for many communities is the ability to communicate. Cell towers, internet, and power are still down in many areas. Starlink donations will go a long way in connecting people to resources. Starlink units can be donated to local fire stations and community centers. If you need help getting a donated Starlink unit to folks in need, please contact me at bethany@americanwhitewater.org directly.
You can also contact me with leads on local groups doing good work who have current recovery/relief needs. Our aim is to keep our community updated as best we can in the most impactful ways they can help.
Right now, our main concern is getting to people and making sure their basic needs are met. Our efforts will then focus on infrastructure and housing for the scores of displaced people. Ultimately, we will turn to our greatest teacher on resiliency: our rivers–our sanctuaries.
A number of rivers in our region have been catastrophically impacted: the Green, Nolichucky, Toe and Cane rivers, French Broad, Swannanoa, Rocky Broad, Pigeon, Watauga, and more. Access points, water quality, and river morphology have been completely altered in the entire region. American Whitewater is deeply committed to the rivers and to the region, but now is not the time to focus on recreation. We ask that folks stay off of these waterways so that emergency crews and volunteers can continue their efforts. The devastation in our region is bigger than the understandable desire to visit and recreate in these places we have a deep connection to. Unless you are dropping off goods or are involved in a specific relief/rescue effort, please do not plan to travel to this region.
Our office at American Whitewater, along with several of our staff and board, many of our Industry Partners, and a big chunk of our membership base are nestled in the beautiful mountains of southern Appalachia and we call this part of the world home. Our hearts go out to the people, the rivers, and the beautiful landscapes that have been significantly altered by this disaster. We’ll do our best in the coming days to navigate for ourselves and to help our community find the most impactful ways to provide aid to the region.
Links For Aid
Asheville:
French Broad River Academy (through Hurricane Helene Info WNC)
(this is a grassroots group of kayakers working to get aid into rural areas in several counties in western NC)
Boone:
Brevard:
Hendersonville:
The Community Foundation of Hendersonville
Helene Relief - Welcome to Hendersonville, NC
Swannanoa:
Tennessee:
Clean Water Expected in East Tennessee
Waynesville/Canton
Appalachian Voices has one of the best comprehensive lists of opportunities to help also at https://appvoices.org/helene-relief/