Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief

Hurricane Helene Response Update

From the Western NC Conference-

Friends,

As we witness the immense devastation caused by Hurricane Helene across our area, we are overwhelmed by the response and caring of faithful United Methodists across the Western North Carolina Conference. Our conference staff is working around the clock to check in with affected community leaders, clergy, and disaster response teams. 

In the coming days, we will have more information available on ways you can help with the recovery efforts across Western North Carolina – including details about a conference-wide special offering next Sunday, October 6. Please follow our Conference platforms – ENews, website, and social media channels – for all those communications. 

In the meantime, please watch this video from Bishop Carter and prayerfully consider the list of ways you can help below. We know that our United Methodist family will show up with abundance to help those whose lives and livelihoods have been impacted by this storm. We thank you for your generosity and support. 

How you can help (updated 9.28.24):

  1. Pray for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
     
  2. Check on your neighbors, nearby churches, and communities. If you hear of any issues, please call the Disaster Response hotline at 980-354-4157.
     
  3. Early Response Team Training: We are planning a “Just-in-Time” Early Response Team (ERT) Training in the Asheville area on Monday, October 7. Volunteers must have ERT training to assist in recovery efforts. Please help spread the word to interested churches and individuals. Register here: ERTTraining-InitialSign-Up
     
  4. UMCOR Cleaning Buckets: We will likely need UMCOR Cleaning Buckets to replace those distributed to impacted areas. Instructions for making kits can be found here: https://umcmission.org/umcor-cleaning-kit/
     
  5. Donations: Encourage your churches to donate to support WNCCUMC recovery efforts directly. Donate here:https://bit.ly/WNCCHurricaneReliefDonations