Advocacy

The Hurricane Helene disaster is a complete travesty that has negatively impacted an area of over 2 million residents. These communities are facing an extensive death toll, illness, loss of family and friends, loss of livelihood, loss of home and personal effects, and uncertainty. As Appalachia is already experiencing wintry evenings, and moving towards the winter months, the need becomes greater as access to potable water, stable electricity, food supply, transportation, shelter are all core to survival and unknown for many.

Appalachia Recovery Coalition network is addressing the following community needs: 

• Refurbished and onated campers and RVs
• Home repairs, mold removal  
• Plumbing repairs 
• Gravel driveway  
• Electricity, utility bills 
• Water restoration, water filtration and testing
• Car repairs, donated vehicles
• Nonperishable, not expired
• Home goods, replacement furniture 

Many have lost their homes due to extensive flooding and damages, whether the land has been destroyed, house has been severely damaged or torn apart, or is otherwise challenging to recover and rebuild. 

For those who have property, it is important to support restoration and rebuilding, including evaluations of land safety, rehabilitation, and related as required for permits and reconnections.

There are mortgage programs that allow for 12 month forbearance, giving home and landowners an opportunity to recover and rebuild. This is a crucial option that should be explored and provided. 

Many individuals have lost their jobs, or otherwise have had employment put on hold due to the storm and damages. Some employers have been completely wiped out, and so the jobs that residents once had, no longer exist. 

As part of the recovery effort, it is important that residents not only have the financial means for survival, but also have job opportunities redeveloped for the near future. 

While roads begin to be rebuilt, many residents have lost their vehicles in the flooding, whether torn apart or washed downstream. Moreover, many residents were trapped for days or weeks, and need deliveries to their homes or interim places for shelter. 

Please feel free to contact us to add more issues of concern to this roster. 

The local churches and nonprofits in each county and community are in close contact with residents and survivors of Helene. These are the best organizations to advise as to the needs of community members. Volunteers and donors are encouraged to be in direct contact with local churches and organizations in advance of visiting to drop-off in-kind gifts or to volunteer. 

Local support groups request that new (not used) items be donated, and that contributions be made in an organized fashion (i.e., not bags or boxes of random things, but pre-organized, secured and labeled). However, pre-owned equipment, RVs, vehicles, and related larger items are incredibly important and generous. Below are a few categories of items that are welcomed, though accepted items vary per church and nonprofit. 

Please contact us to add anything to this list or share comment. Helene Recovery Foundation does not directly supply materials, but does refer to churches and nonprofits who do serve residents in their local areas.

• Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
• Mobile Homes
• Short-Term Stay (3-6 Months)
• Sleeping bags and Bedding
• Shelter for Livestock 

Tents and tarps are being donated, while there are winterized tent styles which are important for the below-freezing weather. 

"Tiny Homes", like sheds are being donated though RVs are recommended for interim. Note any permit requirements for standing shelter size. 

Recommendations for priority distribution:

• Families with children, seniors and elderly, disabled and veterans 

Non-perishable, unopened, prepackaged:

• Bottled Water 
• Water Purification and Filtration
• Large Water Desalination Units 

• Dry, Canned or Jarred: Fruit, Vegetable, Beans, Meat, Soup, Meal Starters, Coffee, Tea, Milk, Flour, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Ketchup, Mustard, Sugar, Honey, Lemon or Lime Juice, Snacks, other      

• Antiseptic, Baking soda
• Dish soap
• Laundry detergent 
• Bleach, Mold killer

• Cat food and dog food (wet, dry)
• Pet feeder dishes, supplies 
• Cat litter, litter boxes, animal wipes
• Hay and feed for livestock 
• Chicken feed

• Propane stoves, heaters and fuel, fuel cans
• Kerosene heaters and fuel, fuel cans 
• Electric heaters (for those with electricity)
• Gas and electric stoves (for those with access to gas or electricity)
• Coleman gas stoves (camp size)
• Fire pits with grill (above ground)

Battery operated heaters are being requested, though batteries may be difficult to acquire for repeated replacements over long-term.

• First aid items, bandaids, neosporin 
• Dental products, toothpaste
• Over the counter medicines
• Wipes, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and anti-bacterial 
• Shampoo and conditioner 
• Hair brushes, combs, accessories
• Baby diapers, toddler pull-ups

New items which are pre-organized, folded and sorted are being requested. Used items are appreciated, but require washing in communities with limited / no access to laundromats or washing machines. 

• Winter Clothes: Coats, Wool Socks and Sweaters, Thermal, Lined Pants, Flannel, etc.
• Additional 

• CO2 Detectors 
• Flashlights, LED lights, Headlamps, Lanterns
• Solar chargers 
• Mobile solar panels 
• Solar lights
• Extension cords
• Lightbulbs
• Batteries: AAA and all sizes 

• Trucks 
• Side-by-Sides 
• Chainsaws and accessories
• Wood chippers
• Heavy duty work gloves
• Nail guns and nails
• Scrappers
• Shovels
• Metal rakes
• T-posts, 2x2, 4x4, Plywood 
• Tools, Hammer, Screwdrivers, Nails, Screws, Nuts, Bolts 
• Wheelbarrow
• Fencing and materials
• Buckets with lids (plastic and aluminum)
• Dehumidifiers
• Duck tape
• Gas cans (refillable)
• Mops, squeegees, and buckets 
• Brooms, pans