Hurricane Relief
Dear St. Francis Families,
This past weekend brought devastation to many of our brothers and sisters across Western North Carolina, leaving countless families in urgent need of assistance. The Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi, along with The Franciscan School (TFS) and our Preschool, joins Bishop Luis and the entire diocese of Raleigh in prayer and solidarity with those who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Below, you will find links to various organizations working to provide aid and relief to those affected.
We are working directly with the Diocese of Charlotte who is actively coordinating with Catholic Charities to ensure that essential support reaches the communities with the most need. Here is how you can help:
How You Can Help:
- Consider making a monetary donation to one of the relief organizations listed below, such as Catholic Charities, The Red Cross, or local relief funds.
- If possible, volunteer your time with organizations providing on-the-ground support to affected families.
- Keep those impacted by this disaster in your prayers as we continue to work together for their recovery.
As a faith community, we will continue to work together to assist all in need and continue to pray that the peace of Christ will bring hope and healing to the communities of Western North Carolina.
Fr. Chris Koehn and the Staff of St. Francis of Assisi
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
September 28, 2024
I ask the faithful to please join me in prayer for those who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene and its aftermath. We join with our brothers and sisters in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina as well as in North Carolina, in asking for perseverance and patience as together we address the impact of this far- reaching storm.
In our diocese we are well aware of the impact of devastating storms. Because of that experience we know the help and love extended to neighbors in these times of need is especially welcomed.
We also pray for the safety of the first responders and all those assisting in the recovery. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh is connected with several support agencies in our state and across the southeast and is also ready to respond as needed.
Let us move forward with willing hands and open hearts as we recover from this storm and assist our brothers and sisters who are in need.
May our Lord Jesus keep all those impacted by Hurricane Helene in His loving care and may Mary Our Mother watch over all those who are suffering.
In Christ,
† Luis Rafael Zarama, J.C.L.
Bishop of Raleigh
- Do NOT collect donations of food, clothing, or furniture:
- Currently there are limited options to process or manage non-monetary donations and sending them now could interrupt critical response efforts.
- Donation Drive – Sites & Supplies Needed
- Make a Cash Donation:
- Diocese of Charlotte – Catholic Charities: Running a donation campaign to raise funds for relief efforts, making daily delivery of emergency relief supplies in coordination with local first-responders and relief agencies.
- Diocese of Raleigh – Disaster Services: Making relief efforts in collaboration with Catholic Charities USA.
- Faith Direct – Disaster Relief Fund: Make a contribution through Faith Direct to support disaster relief efforts such as Hurricane Helene.
- NC Disaster Relief Fund: Governor Cooper is encouraging donations to assist “nonprofits working to meet the immediate deeds of storm victims such as food and water, cleaning supplies and other emergency supplies.” (article link)
- North Carolina Community Foundation: Have opened their Disaster Relief Fund to support mid- to long-term recovery efforts. Funds will provide grants to nonprofits and charitable organizations supporting the local community.
- Community Foundation of Western NC: All contributions support unrestricted purposes, such as Hurricane Helene emergency response efforts, in Western NC.
- American Red Cross – NC Chapter: Support on-the-ground volunteers and the 30+ shelters created for those in need. Additional care services are being provided.
- 211 NC: Hurricane Helene Donation needs and drop off locations. Individuals are highly encouraged not to travel to western NC to attempt their own volunteer services or to drop off donations. It is best to collect donation items at an approved donation drop off site in one’s town or county. For a list of those drop off sites and donation item needs, please review the following sources on this site.
- Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: A grassroots disaster relief network that focuses on direct emergency assistance to underserved communities.
- All Hands and Hearts: Currently deployed in NC to access damage, remove debris, and clear hazardous trees to restore safety and access.
- The Humane Society of the US: Funds help with the transportation of animals to safety and assisting shelters in the local area, as well as providing food, water, and veterinary care.
- Donate Medical Supplies:
- Insulin for Life: For those living with a chronic, life-threatening disease like Type 1 Diabetes they can’t live with their insulin. If you have excess insulin or supplies you wish to donate, please contact Insulin for Life at (352) 327-8649.
- If you are seeking information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/working/volunteer-opportunities/volunteernc.
- VolunteerNC – Disaster Volunteer Opportunities: VolunteerNC is looking for volunteers to help serve our state with disaster services. The information you provide will be shared with NC VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), a network of organizations that collaborate to support disaster response and recovery efforts in North Carolina.
- Call 2-1-1: for shelter and supplies.
- Apply for FEMA Assistance:
- The president has declared Individual Assistance for Hurricane Helene. View the process and either apply online or by phone at (800-621-3362). For application FAQs, click here.
- Call American Red Cross: (1-800-733-2767) for assistance, including shelters. There are 30+ shelters in place.
- Call County Emergency Management Agencies: to assist with damage reports and downed trees or structures.
- Call Crisis Cleanup: (844-965-1386) for assistance with downed trees, debris, and cleanup.
- Call the Disability & Disaster Hotline: (1-800-626-4959) for 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.
Call 2-1-1: for shelter and supplies.
Visit the American Red Cross Reunification Page: find helpful information and submit a reunification form.
Report Missing Persons: As cleanup and rescue efforts continue in Buncombe County following Tropical Storm Helene, emergency officials are assisting those that have missing loved ones.
Fill out this form to report a missing person in Buncombe County.