Dear Friend,

I am heartbroken by the lives lost during Hurricane Helene and the devastation we’ve seen across North Carolina. I am thinking of everyone struggling in the storm’s aftermath and praying for all those who have lost loved ones or are still looking for missing friends and family members.

I am incredibly grateful for our brave first responders and volunteers who have helped North Carolinians during this dark hour. Our state is strong, and I know we will get through this together.

The road to full recovery will be long, but I am committed to doing everything I can in Washington to help Western North Carolina to respond and rebuild.

To support those affected, I want to share some important resources:

Before Hurricane Helene hit our state, President Biden issued an Emergency Declaration for North Carolina. On Sunday, he also approved a Major Disaster Declaration, which has helped surge federal funding and resources to our state. The Biden administration has also approved the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist the North Carolina National Guard with the delivery of life-saving supplies.

Earlier this week, President Biden visited our state to assess the damage first-hand. I joined him and Governor Cooper for a briefing on the situation at the Raleigh Emergency Operations Center. Under the President’s leadership, every relevant federal agency is rapidly mobilizing to help Western North Carolina and other states in the Southeast. In Congress, I will continue doing everything in my power to support the federal response and bring desperately needed federal aid to the affected communities.  

People in 25 counties in North Carolina, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, can apply for assistance with FEMA. 

To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call 800-621-3362.

First responders and emergency personnel continue to urge people to stay off Western North Carolina roads so that disaster relief crews can get through easier to those affected. Go to DriveNC.gov for the most updated information on road openings and closures. 

For state-specific resources and guidance from local officials, visit readync.gov. Local and state officials provide updates, safety tips, and information on shelters. NC 2-1-1 is also a public portal for North Carolinians to receive disaster-related communication and resources.

North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services has issued health advisories to help resident concerns in flooded areas. Their recovery resources page also includes a list of operating pharmacies and mental health resources for those affected. 

This is a difficult time for many. If you need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.