So many of our friends, loved ones, and communities in Western North Carolina have been devastated by Hurricane Helene.

Towns like Asheville were flooded, homes have been destroyed, and countless people are without food, water and power. Rescue workers are fighting to reach people who need help as washed-out roads cut off access in the more remote parts of Appalachia. It’s heartbreaking.

At Common Cause North Carolina, we’ve resolved to do our part.

We’re distributing $25,000 among several disaster relief and mutual aid groups providing food, water, and shelter across all Western North Carolina counties and the Qualla Boundary.

To amplify our efforts, we’re asking Common Cause members nationwide to help match our donation by giving directly to these trusted organizations (just a few of many great groups):

• BeLoved Asheville – A mutual aid collective purchasing and distributing life-saving supplies.
• Community Foundation of Western North Carolina – Has 46 years of experience serving the 18 counties of WNC, including the Qualla Boundary.
• Day One Relief – A collaborative organization with a long history of organizing disaster relief efforts in North Carolina, and currently airdropping supplies into remote mountainous areas.
• Hunger and Health Coalition – coordinating supply distribution throughout Northwestern North Carolina.

You can also check out this list from Blue Ridge Public Radio for more ways to donate.

In the coming weeks, we will also ensure that this disaster does not prevent any North Carolinian from exercising their right to vote. The State Board of Elections has created a special webpage with information for voters affected by Hurricane Helene.

The road to recovery is long and our top priority right now is rebuilding our communities together.

Your support will bring much-needed relief to those who need it most. Thank you for showing up when it matters most.

Additional resources:

Information and resources on Hurricane Helene from the NC Department of Public Safety

Information for voters affected by Hurricane Helene from the State Board of Elections