Helene Disaster Ag. Response (How You Can Help)

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How to Support Those Affected in Western North Carolina

Desperately Needed Supplies: As of 10/4/24 our agents in the field have reiterated the need for temporary fencing supplies to contain livestock. 

  • Step in post & T-post
  • Polywire, Reels, & Gate Handles
  • Solar Fence Chargers & 3′ Ground Rods

Hurricane Helene Assistance Form (Offer Help / Need Help)

Official Ag Donation Sites (Please use the form above before carrying donations)

Chatham County Donation Sites for Essential Community Supplies 

NC State Disaster Resource Site

NC Farm Stress

Road that is flooded with water and fencing/pastures underwater.

In the wake of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene, the agricultural community in North Carolina is stepping up to support those in need. We understand that many people are eager to help our neighbors in the Western part of the state, and we want to reassure you that there will be plenty of opportunities to do so in the coming weeks.

Current Situation

As of September 29, 2024, Western North Carolina has faced major damage, including significant impacts on roads, cell towers, and electrical systems. This has made the area unsafe, and efforts are focused on rescuing those trapped and restoring essential services. Emergency responders have requested that citizens refrain from traveling to Western N.C. to keep roads clear for their operations.

How You Can Help

  1. Stay Informed: Follow updates from NC State Extension and NCDA regarding the recovery efforts and any emerging needs in affected communities. You can also check this page regularly for new information.
  2. Avoid Traveling: For now, please do not attempt to deliver supplies directly to disaster zones. Many volunteers have been turned away, and keeping roads clear for emergency responders is critical. NCDA and NC State are working with local authorities to determine routes for moving livestock within and from the area. PLEASE DO NOT ACT ON YOUR OWN! Many roads are not safe or passable, and unauthorized access will slow down rescue and restoration efforts. Thank you for your willingness to help, and if needed, you will be contacted by someone from NC State or NCDA if you completed the form.
  3. Make Monetary Donations: Many organizations on the ground are working tirelessly in the hard-hit areas. Monetary contributions can go further, as these groups can purchase supplies in bulk and manage logistics effectively. Consider donating through:
  4. Volunteering: If you’re interested in assisting on the ground, consider signing up to volunteer at the following link. If you are affiliated with Baptist on Mission, American Red Cross, or NC Disaster Relief you can contact them directly to find out how you can volunteer. Click Here to Register to Volunteer 
  5. Donating Hay and Supplies: If you wish to donate hay or other livestock supplies (such as feed, fencing supplies, or basic animal care items), please fill out the form using the provided link. However, donation sites are limited on space and capacity, especially with hay donations. We ask that you list any donation including hay through the portal. This way a representative will contact you when they are ready to receive it. This hay will be crucial during the winter months, especially for farmers who lost their supply due to flooding. You can also offer places to house livestock, donate transportation services, or provide manual labor. For more information and to list your contributions, please visit the Disaster Hay and Livestock Resources Assistance Portal. This portal is designed to connect farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene with donated resources. No sales or transactions are made on this website; instead, requests and offers are collected and sent to NC State Cooperative Extension, where they are matched and coordinated by Extension personnel. Click Here to Donate Hay/Supplies 
  6. Donation of Essential Community Supplies: Donations of essential supplies collected here in Chatham County will go to support the affected communities in the Western part of the state. Learn more about how or what you can donate and where.

Conclusion

The recovery process for those in Western North Carolina will take time, but your support can make a significant difference. We understand that many want to help, and rest assured, there will be ample opportunities to do so as recovery efforts unfold. By staying informed, refraining from personal deliveries, and contributing through trusted organizations, you can help ensure that relief efforts are both effective and safe.

Continue to check this page and the NC Department of Agriculture for new updates. Let’s come together as a community to support our neighbors during this challenging time, keeping those impacted, as well as the responders, in our thoughts and prayers.