Supporting Western North Carolina's Recovery from Hurricane Helene

Written By Jeremy Yagoda

Hurricane Helene left a devastating mark on Western North Carolina, causing catastrophic flooding, landslides, and widespread destruction. With damages totaling an estimated $59.6 billion, the storm severely impacted infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods across the region. More than 126,000 homes were damaged, including over 9,200 residences in Buncombe County alone. Tragically, 106 lives were lost, and thousands of residents remain displaced, navigating the long road to recovery.

At Effort to Impact, we believe that every action, no matter how small, can contribute to rebuilding communities and supporting those in need. In response to the ongoing crisis, we are launching a dedicated initiative to support Western North Carolina's recovery efforts.

Our Plan

1. Fundraising for Immediate Support Over the next few months, we will host various fundraising events throughout Charlotte to raise funds for local organizations actively working on the ground in Western North Carolina. The proceeds will go directly to charities focusing on housing restoration, infrastructure repair, and essential community services. Our goal is to maximize the impact of every dollar raised by supporting organizations with a proven track record of effective disaster relief.

2. Building a Volunteer Team In addition to financial support, we are assembling a team of volunteers to travel to the affected areas and provide hands-on assistance. From clearing debris and repairing homes to distributing supplies and supporting community rebuilding projects, our volunteers will work directly alongside local partners. Whether you have construction experience or simply a willingness to help, there will be opportunities for all skill levels.

The Need for Continued Support

  • Infrastructure Restoration: Over 1,000 bridges and 6,000 miles of roads were damaged, limiting access to essential services. Efforts are currently underway to repair 200 public roads, but further resources are required.

  • Housing Crisis: With 4,600 households still requiring temporary housing, providing safe and stable shelter remains a top priority.

  • Community Recovery: Millions lost access to critical services like electricity, water, and healthcare. Your contributions will directly support the restoration of these vital resources.

  • Long-Term Commitment: FEMA and state agencies are actively working on recovery efforts, but the process will take years. Additional support from community-driven initiatives like ours is essential.

How You Can Help

  • Attend Our Events: Join us at our upcoming fundraisers and contribute to the recovery efforts.

  • Donate: Every dollar makes a difference in rebuilding homes and communities.

  • Volunteer: Sign up to be part of our team traveling to Western North Carolina.

The road to recovery is long, but together we can make a lasting impact. Stay connected with Effort to Impact for updates on our events, fundraising progress, and volunteer opportunities. Let’s turn our collective effort into meaningful change for Western North Carolina.

Thank you for your support.

- The Effort to Impact Team

Jeremy Yagoda