Hurricane Helene Resources
The destruction caused by Hurricane Helene across the Southeast has deeply impacted many of the communities that are home to our members, partners and critical trail systems. Our thoughts are with everyone who has suffered devastation from this storm.
It will take time before we truly grasp the full extent of its impact, but we know that it will be felt long into the future. We’re hearing from partners about the severe damage to trail communities across the path of the storm, and we anticipate long-term challenges for these small towns and rural economies.
RTC has pulled together an initial list of recovery resources—information on accessing urgent aid, how people can help right now, and resources to support economic recovery and infrastructure rebuilding, including trails that are vital to tourism and economic development in these communities.
We encourage you to bookmark this page. We will continue to add resources as we learn about them over the coming weeks.
Help for Flood Victims and Communities
- BPR News – Ways to Help Flood Victims in Western North Carolina After Hurricane Helene: Resources for flood victims in Western North Carolina, as well as donation and volunteer efforts
- Federal Disaster Assistance: Access portal for federal disaster assistance for those impacted by Hurricane Helene
- Appalachian Regional Commission – Hurricane Helene Resources: A collection of resources and assistance for communities affected by Hurricane Helene in the Appalachian region
- Appalachia Funders Network Helene Response Fund: A pooled relief fund designed to provide immediate and sustained support for communities across the six states hardest hit by the storm
- North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund: A relief fund (with assistance from the United Way of North Caroline) that is providing for immediate unmet needs through nonprofits working with disaster survivors
- Virginia Disaster Relief Fund: Financial assistance fund for Virginia residents recovering from disasters and emergencies
- East Tennessee Foundation: Grant fund to empower local nonprofits and agencies in East Tennessee to engage in recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene
Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Resources
- Restore Your Economy: A guide to restoring local economies after disasters, with resources for long-term recovery
- Leadership in Times of Crisis Toolkit: Practical guidance for community leaders to navigate crisis situations and facilitate recovery
- Main Street America Disaster Preparedness Toolkit: Created in partnership with the National Parks Service through the Main Street Community Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Program; designed to help Main Streets and commercial district organizations better prepare for and respond to more frequent and severe disasters
Trail-Specific Resources
- Webinar – Trails and Climate Change: Disaster Recovery: Webinar by Rails to Trails Conservancy that explores how trails across the country are recovering from climate-change-related disasters
- Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program – National Disasters:
Information by the National Park Service on the impact of natural disasters on trails and conservation efforts - TrailLink: RTC’s staff is working with trail managers in the region affected by Hurricane Helene to understand the impact on trails and visitor safety. Before you plan to visit a trail in the affected communities, go to TrailLink to check the status. If you know of a trail that is closed or has been impacted by the storm, please reach out to traillink@railstotrails.org.
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