Support Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

In these days following Hurricane Helene where the damage done by the storm becomes increasingly clear, we understand the depth of desire to help.

There are a multitude of ways both individuals and churches can help. What’s most helpful is to respond to the needs as requested by those on the ground in affected areas, and to use the distribution channels being organized or already in place. Please do not self-deploy. This is a request from every organization with whom we have been on a call this week.

We will continue to update this page as often as we have updates, resources, and information on relief efforts. Updates to this page will be shared via our social media pages and in News & Notes.

Hurricane Helene Appeal Letter from Bishop Skirving

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Click the graphic above to read Bishop Skirving’s letter about Hurricane Helene relief, or click the button below to the read the letter:

Click Here to Read Bishop Skirving’s Letter

Financial Donations to Affected Dioceses

To give directly to the relief efforts of dioceses in impacted areas, please see the instructions below. We are sharing links for giving directly to those dioceses in areas most affected by Helene.

  • Diocese of Western North Carolina: To direct your funds toward hurricane relief for the Diocese of Western North Carolina, select “Partners in Mission” from the dropdown menu and include “Helene” in the memo line. Alternatively, you can give online via this link to give as a member of the Diocese of East Carolina.
  • Diocese of East Tennessee: To direct your funds toward hurricane relief in the Diocese of East Tennessee, give to the 2024 Flooding Relief fund as directed on the page.
  • Diocese of Georgia: To direct your funds toward hurricane relief for the Diocese of Georgia, you can give to the Bishop’s Fund; the money raised in the Bishop’s Fund will go directly to disaster relief in the diocese. Alternatively, you can text “EDOG Relief” to 73256 to give using your mobile device. This number will never send unsolicited texts to you. To cancel further messages, text STOP. If you need assistance with text giving, text HELP. Standard text message and data rates may apply.
  • Diocese of Florida: To direct your funds toward hurricane relief for the Diocese of Florida, you can click the button to “Make a Gift” and select “Other” from the dropdown menu and include “Hurricane Helene” in the memo line.
  • Diocese of Southwest Florida: To direct your gift toward hurricane relief for the Diocese of Southwest Florida, simply give to the “Hurricane Helene Relief Fund.”
  • Both the Diocese of South Carolina and the Diocese of Atlanta request that funds be directed to Western North Carolina or Episcopal Relief and Development.

Financial Donations to Relief Organizations

Having financial resources to respond is one of the most critical needs from those most impacted by Hurricane Helene, especially our friends in the Diocese of Western North Carolina. One of the the best ways to help is to provide responding agencies with the financial resources they need. We encourage donations to:

  • Episcopal Relief & Development: The disaster response team is in contact with the dioceses in all affected areas. Funds collected will be used for long-term relief efforts as well as emergency grants, which are for churches in affected areas that are in a position to respond to needs in their local community. “Your gift will provide our partners on the ground with critical supplies, such as food and water, pastoral care and other urgent needs. You’ll also help us assist with the long-term efforts needed to rebuild and heal.” Donate to ERD’s Hurricane Relief Fund
  • American Red Cross: Working with officials and community partners, almost 1,400 Red Cross disaster workers are focused on providing shelter, food and comfort to thousands with more help on the way. In addition, the Red Cross has deployed more than 45 emergency response vehicles to get help to where needed and about two dozen more are enroute. Where it is safe to do so, Red Cross disaster responders are driving these vehicles throughout affected communities, assessing the damage and distributing meals and relief supplies.” Read more | Read about the American Red Cross response in North Carolina | Donate to the American Red Cross

Financial Donations to the Diocese of Western North Carolina

It is clear that our help is most needed in western North Carolina, and we are inviting the individuals and congregations of this diocese to consider making gifts that will directly support the relief work of the Diocese of Western North Carolina. You can send a check to our Diocesan offices marked “Western North Carolina” or make an online donation using the link provided below. As the funds come in to us, we will pass them on directly to the Diocese of Western North Carolina.

Click Here to Give Online to Support Helene Relief Efforts in Western North Carolina

Item Collections (For a Later Date)

We know how good churches are at collecting items needed! Today, though, in lieu of item collection, please consider a financial donation to those agencies in a position both to purchase the items most needed AND deliver them to affected areas.

Item collection will be needed in the coming weeks and months, and we will update this section to share information on items needed and where to deliver them as the infrastructures are put in place.

Volunteer Opportunities (For a Later Date)

There will come a time when volunteers and work parties will be welcomed into western North Carolina. We will do our best to encourage opportunities for our people to participate in these sorts of efforts. There will be lots of opportunities for us to serve our neighbors in need, and we will update this section to share information and opportunities when the time comes.

American Red Cross: If you are seeking an opportunity to volunteer now, the American Red Cross has current volunteer opportunities.

Additional Relief Information Resources