For current Hurricane Helene disaster relief information please check the CCPS link below.
Carolina Center for Public Service – disaster relief
Current Disaster Relief Efforts
As communities across North Carolina, especially in the western part of the state, cope with the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is committed to supporting those communities most affected. The magnitude of this disaster will require a long and sustained relief and recovery effort. This website will continue to serve as a source of information and resources for as long as it is needed.
9/30/24 Urgent Communication from North Carolina Emergency Management
NCDOT still considers the roads in Western NC as “closed” to non-emergency vehicles. Please do not self deploy resources or supply logistics unless you are attached to an existing NCVOAD organization. We understand that there is are a lot of local individuals and groups that want to collect supplies and transport them into the region, but we must secure these routes for responders and critical partner assets needed for response and recovery efforts. There is a high likelihood that your team(s) will be turned away at various checkpoints.
Other Updates and Resources
In the immediate aftermath of such disasters, many people feel an urgent need to help right away. While commendable, affected communities may not have the capacity to accept volunteer assistance and non-monetary donations at this stage. Non-monetary donations, when not requested, require storage, management and logistics that otherwise reduce the ability of the community to respond to critical needs. Below are current requests for support; we will continue to add to this list as we become aware of opportunities. These will include efforts across the UNC-Chapel Hill campus such as drives for requested supplies and future coordinated relief trips:
- For those most directly affected, and as a source of information for current conditions, check out ReadyNC.
- The following organizations provide information related to immediate disaster relief efforts and how to make donations: N.C. Department of Administration; American Red Cross
- For volunteer opportunities coordinated by the State of North Carolina, visit the Volunteer NC website.
- Blue Ridge Public Radio has provided a list of local Western North Carolina organizations that may be useful.
As we learn more information about how to support affected communities, we will update this website with current information. If you are aware of a potential opportunity that we may consider sharing here, please send it to ccps@unc.edu.
Since its founding in 1999, the Carolina Center for Public Service has been central to the University’s response and relief efforts in the aftermath of disasters in North Carolina, the nation and the world. CCPS serves as a hub for disaster relief information and other resources, including providing funds for university-related projects. Donations to the UNC Disaster Relief Fund cannot be transferred directly to communities; rather, the fund enables Carolina’s efforts to support those communities. CCPS is committed to thoughtful and effective stewardship of all donations.