As our state navigates the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the following is a list of resources that may be helpful to you and your stakeholders in recovery and support efforts.

If you have something you want us to share with North Carolina’s business community, please email it to Kate Payne for inclusion in our next update and/or amplification on our social media channels.

Tomorrow, we will connect with local chamber leaders in western North Carolina. You can expect another update from us after that discussion.

Our thoughts continue to be with those impacted. Thank you in advance for your support and engagement as we work together to help our state recover.

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Moving People, Resources, or Equipment
Until further notice, roads in Western NC (generally anywhere west of Hickory, NC) are closed to all traffic other than emergency services and pre-approved shipments coordinated through the N.C. Emergency Management Business Emergency Operations Center (NCEM-BEOC).

Therefore, if you plan to move people, resources, or equipment into western North Carolina, you MUST coordinate plans and movements through the NCEM-BEOC.

You can email your supply logistics or movement requests to: BEOC@ncdps.gov, make sure to begin your Subject Line with: Logistics Support.

Please include the following info:

• What are you moving? Why you need special access.
• When do you plan to move and from where?
• Where are you going?
• When will they arrive at the “border to Western NC” and where?

Small Businesses and Local Chambers
The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s National Disaster Help Desk can help businesses and organizations both in the impact area and looking to support the impact area. It can be reached at 888-MY-BIZ-HELP (or 888-692-4943).

Additionally, they offer this online resource to help businesses take care of their employees’ needs, communicate the impact, address financial matters (e.g., insurance, disaster assistance), restore operations, and organize recovery.

The U.S. Small Business Administration also has this resource available.

Farms and Agribusinesses
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has activated its hotline to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Farmers can also find recovery resources here.

Homeowners and Renters
North Carolina homeowners and renters in 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. Learn more here.

Public Safety
The N.C. Department of Public Safety has compiled a list of resources here.

Donating, Volunteering, and More
WFAE, Charlotte’s NPR news source, compiled this list of organizations that are currently providing relief and accepting support. Additionally, the McDowell Chamber of Commerce and McDowell Chamber Community & Business Impact, Inc. are taking donations here and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is accepting contributions here.

Cash donations can also be made to the State Disaster Relief Fund, managed by United Way of NC, at this link.