After Hurricane Helene
It is very important for us that we can direct both our teams and the public to vetted donation opportunities and aid resources.
Resources
These are the links for Resources and Assistance Needs:
WNC/Asheville Updated Resources with Timestamps
Resources Assistance
How to Help?
Blue Ridge Public Radio is maintaining a donation resource list here:
Donate to @belovedasheville — an incredible community action organization delivering supplies non-stop:
Donate to @ashevilledreamcenter — they are donating sustainable meals to community members in need. Supply lists available on IG.
Donate to @southernsmokefoundation — they work hard to provide emergency relief specifically for F&B workers.
Work with @wckitchen locally in Asheville, NC:
- To donate funds, equipment and materials to the county, email: Helenedonations@buncombecounty.org
- To volunteer to assist with relief efforts, email Helenedonations@buncombecounty.org
If there are any additional organizations or relief efforts we may have missed, please share them with us!
Guide for Service Industry Members to Apply for Aid
FEMA Financial Assistance:
FEMA provides financial support for those affected by disasters, covering temporary housing, emergency home repairs, and personal property losses. Apply for assistance at fema.gov.
FEMA TIPS & TRICKS:
The form has a few questions that are tricky. To avoid delay, please follow the following tips:
1. One of the questions that FEMA will ask when you register is “Do You Have Emergency Needs”? This means during your evacuation or since staying at home during the disaster, do you need help with Gas, Medication, Food (meals, water, had no power and everything spoils), Shelter (you are staying with friends, family or in a hotel); Clothing; or Durable Medical Equipment (oxygen, walkers, cane, glasses, all major equipment, etc). If this is true, say “YES” to this question. That will result in your receiving Displacement / Critical Needs Assistance, which is $750.
2. When asked if your home is/was accessible, answer "NO" if there was debris, tree branches, continued flooding, loss of power, damage or destruction that prevented you from staying there after Helene. This question is asking whether you can stay at your home or apartment and will trigger the ability for you to receive assistance to pay for hotels or provide funding to use while you stay with family or friends.
3. When asked if utilities are out, say "YES" even if your utilities were out for a few days. This triggers assistance $ to stay somewhere other than your home or to buy fuel to power a generator.
4. When asked “Are you willing to relocate” say "YES" if you cannot live in your home due to damage, loss of power, etc. This question means you are willing to stay in a hotel or apartment temporarily, and triggers that funding for you. It is not asking if you are willing to move away from your home permanently.
5. If you bought or buy a generator, FEMA will reimburse you up to $629, but you must submit the receipt. If you bought a chainsaw, FEMA will reimburse you up to $219. Again, you need to provide the receipt. Save your receipts.
The Giving Kitchen: These guys are right in our backyard!
This nonprofit offers financial assistance to food service workers experiencing crises like illness, injury, or disaster. Apply for assistance at thegivingkitchen.org.
Southern Smoke Foundation:
Southern Smoke provides emergency relief funds to those in the food and beverage industry affected by disasters. Apply for assistance at southernsmoke.org.
Asheville Food and Beverage United (AVL FBU):
A grassroots organization supporting Asheville’s food and beverage community through advocacy and direct aid. Follow their efforts on Instagram @avlfbu.
Please Note: They will be updating their social media more frequently with assistance opportunities than their website.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance:
If your employment is impacted by a disaster, the NC Department of Commerce Employment Security offers financial support through Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Apply for assistance at: Disaster Unemployment Assistance: NC Department of Commerce Employment Security