One year after Hurricane Helene: How you can help Western North Carolina’s recovery heroes

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — It’s been nearly one year since Hurricane Helene ripped through western North Carolina, leaving destruction in its wake and a long road to recovery for many communities.

More than 108 people lost their lives, and thousands of homes, studios, bridges, and businesses were damaged or destroyed.

Even now, the work continues. A few nonprofits have become anchors of hope. Here’s how folks across the Carolinas can step in to help, even now.

Rebuilding Hollers

Based in Yancey and Mitchell counties, this group sprang into action right after the storm, distributing supplies, organizing cleanup, and matching builders with families.

They’re now managing 385 active rebuild projects, from full home reconstructions to replacing roofs, insulation, septic systems, and more.

Click here for how you can help.

River Arts District / RADA Foundation

Asheville’s beloved arts hub, made up of studios, galleries, and creative spaces along the French Broad River, was hit hard.

Reports estimate 80% of the buildings were damaged, and many artists lost work, supplies, and workspace.

The RADA Foundation now helps support artists recovering from those losses. They’ve already:

• Provided emergency stipends to affected artists
• Launched a “soft reopening” festival and pop-up gallery spaces
• Organized supply drives, fundraising, and temporary workspace solutions

Click here for how you can help.

Bridges for Avery

In Avery County and the surrounding highlands, many properties depend on private footbridges or secondary bridges over creeks and streams. Helene destroyed dozens, putting people cut off from their homes, services, or access routes.

Bridges for Avery emerged as a grassroots effort to rebuild these essential structures, small but life-changing for affected residents.

Click here for how you can help.

Eblen Charities

Long before Helene, Eblen Charities was a go-to in Asheville for helping low-income households with energy bills, rent, and emergency assistance.

After Helene, they’ve been part of the region’s relief ecosystem, distributing aid and emergency support. But they’ve also faced challenges in handling a large surge of demand.

Click here for how you can help.

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