Hurricane Helene Relief Resources

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our thoughts and hearts are with those impacted across the Southeast region.

During times like these, every small act of kindness counts. If you’re looking to get involved and help support those affected by Helene, there are multiple ways you can contribute.

Here’s how you can help in or around East Tennessee:

Donate What You Can

Monetary donations of any size can be a great way to get involved if able to do so. Hearts with Hands and the Manna Food Bank are two options in Western North Carolina in need of donations to fund their missions at a critical time. You can learn more about both organizations and many others in the Asheville area here.

Another option for contributing directly is the Neighbor to Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund, an organization focused on rescue and recovery for Northeast Tennessee communities hit the hardest, including Carter, Cocke, Greene, Sevier, Unicoi, and Washington counties. 

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to give back to all affected areas, you can also visit the American Red Cross website here or text ‘Helene’ to 90999 to donate.

Drop-Off Essential Items

Looking for a place to bring essential items like non-perishable food, water, blankets, and toiletries? Visit Yassin’s Falafel House or your local YMCA, which is currently accepting supplies at their five Knox County locations.

For those in the Maryville area, Second Harvest is also accepting product donations to help support neighbors in Cocke and Sevier counties. Their most pressing need is water, which can be dropped off at their warehouse: 136 Harvest Lane, Maryville, TN 37801. Learn more and keep up with current needs here. Make sure to check back often as needs will change.

Volunteer in Your Community

Local organizations are mobilizing volunteers to assist with relief efforts. Check out the YMCA of East Tennessee’s Facebook page for ways to volunteer and assist with coordinating essential supply donations on October 2nd and 3rd. 

In the following days/weeks, you can also explore volunteer opportunities aimed at providing relief from Hurricane Helene on the Volunteer Tennessee website, or through the Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (TNVOAD).

Additional Resources

If you or someone you know is traveling through North Carolina, check out DriveNC’s Live Road Map for more information on the safest routes.

For additional North Carolina updates (specifically near Asheville where many roads and highways took a hit), explore resources like the Asheville Dream Center and BeLoved Asheville.

For updated road closures and conditions in Tennessee, view the TDOT Traffic Map.

Finally, for the most up-to-date news, as well as other resources like how to submit a missing person’s report in the affected areas, visit TEMA’s Hurricane Helene page.

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