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 a plethora of wonderful organizations doing deeply impactful work. We’re happy to list a few of the local organizations we know working to address 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.
At this time (10/15), most organizations are accepting only targeted items as donations have poured into the area. Warehousing goods is a current challenge, so if you would like to donate goods, please connect with a specific organization to make sure the need is there. Financial contributions and volunteers are still very much needed.
Right now, the greatest focus is on making sure basic needs are met. Progress is being made on infrastructure and housing for the scores of displaced people, but there's a lot of work to be done. Ultimately, we will turn to our greatest teacher on resiliency: our rivers–our sanctuaries. There have been a few river clean ups, but we expect those to increase in frequency as the infrastructure improves.
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. The devastation in our region is bigger than the understandable desire to visit and recreate in these places we have a deep connection to. Many counties are asking tourists to stay away for the time being--you can find up-to-date information on which counties are able to welcome folks online.
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 weeks to navigate through ourselves and to help our community find the most impactful ways to provide aid to the region.
Links For Aid
Asheville:
(initiated through the French Broad River Academy, this is a grassroots group of kayakers working very effectively to get aid into several counties in western NC)
(this organization fuels the river keepers in the area, for example, the French Broad Riverkeepers, Green Riverkeepers, and Watauga Riverkeepers--all doing tremendous work)
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/