Rescue and assistance efforts are underway in the wake of Hurricane Helene as independent individuals and organizations ranging from pilots and food truck operators team up to provide relief. For ways you can help or get assistance, check out Appalachian Sustainable Development’s running list of resources here. Please help spread the word about available emergency resources for farmers
Carolina Farm Stewardship Program also has a running resource list or you can check the Hurricane Helene Resource Map in and around Asheville, North Carolina. There is a people finder status spreadsheet and associated form that many are utilizing to reunite families and the community.
The North Carolina Cooperative Extension has set up a disaster hay assistance portal page and many county ag offices are conducting hay/feed/fencing/etc donations to take to livestock farmers in need. Pretty much every town across the state has multiple drop off points for humanitarian efforts, the list is ever changing and expanding.
Locally, there are a lot of fundraisers to donate to and spread the word about, such as through United Way of SWVA or Rise Erwin.
A few non-profits that have been providing air drops of supplies, search/rescue and wellness visits.
USDA is working with crop insurance to expedite payments. Farmers can call the USDA stress hotline at 883-381-7243 for more information.
Email info@agroforestrycoalition.com to submit more resources for farmer and community hurricane relief support.
