Tenemos el corazón encogido mientras seguimos siendo testigos de la devastación causada por el huracán Helene en el oeste de Carolina del Norte y en todo el sureste. Muchas personas de la región siguen en peligro, enfrentándose a situaciones que ponen en peligro sus vidas, a desplazamientos y a la incertidumbre. Los tenemos a todos en nuestros pensamientos y oraciones durante este momento difícil.
Mientras rezamos por la seguridad, la recuperación y el consuelo de todos los afectados, también instamos a nuestra comunidad a que se una en señal de apoyo. A continuación encontrará algunas formas de ayudar a quienes lo necesitan en estos momentos:
- Call 9-1-1 for rescue or other life-threatening situations.
- Call 2-1-1 for shelter and supplies.
- Call local emergency management (click here for a list of contacts) to report damage and get help with issues like downed trees. Some are also assisting with wellness checks.
- Call American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) if you need assistance, including shelters.
- American Red Cross Midnight Shelter Count: North Carolina: 28 shelters, population of 1,134, or 211 more than yesterday. Find shelters at https://www.readync.gov/stay-informed/open-shelters.
- Call Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386 to be connected with volunteer organizations who can assist with issues like trees, debris, tarps, and mucking out. Note: Crisis Cleanup cannot assist with social services such as food, clothing, shelter, insurance, or FEMA registration.
- Disability & Disaster Hotline: Call/Text: +1 (800) 626-4959, Email: hotline@disasterstrategies.org. The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies’ Hotline “provides information, referrals, guidance, technical assistance and resources to people with disabilities, families, allies, and organizations assisting disaster impacted individuals with disabilities and others seeking assistance with immediate and urgent disaster-related needs.
- Locating loved ones:
- Call 2-1-1 for their reunification service.
- Red Cross has this form.
- In Buncombe County: Call 828-820-2761 (Buncombe County Register of Deeds). More information at BuncombeReady.gov.
- FEMA has begun taking applications for the Individual Assistance Program which includes money for emergency housing at hotels, immediate recovery needs, and more. See details on how to apply below.
- Take pictures or videos of everything.
- Legal Aid of NC and Pisgah Legal are ramping up their disaster legal services programs to assist with applications and appeals to FEMA, for homeowners and rentals dealing with damage and displacement, and for fraud support.
- Veteran Disaster Assistance: See here for support.
- Mental Health: https://www.naswnc.org/general/custom.asp?page=DisasterResources
- Locating lost dogs: Reach out to Wilkes Rescue Group if you need help finding your lost dog, or have found a lost dog. If you need supplies such as: dog food, leashes and collars, towels, blankets, cedar shavings, dogs houses, etc Find us on social media or email us at WilkesRescueGroup@gmail.com.