Above: Hurricane relief supplies are loaded onto a truck at the Cape Fear Regional Office of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Raleigh.
Late September, Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeast as a category 4 storm, devastating communities in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. The hurricane washed away homes and highways and decimated power, water and cell tower systems. To date, at least 230 people are dead and entire communities destroyed, many of them in Western North Carolina. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh has swiftly organized relief efforts to support communities affected by the storm.
Their teams, along with the North Carolina Knights of Columbus State council and Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) have been working to gather and deliver much-needed supplies and coordinate volunteer efforts.
On Oct. 2, a box truck filled with pre-positioned supplies, generously donated by Food for the Poor, one of the world’s largest hunger relief organizations, left from the Catholic Charities Cape Fear Regional Office, headed to Johnson City, Tennessee, and remained with Catholic Charities of East Tennessee to aid with their ongoing response to the disaster.
“As we come together in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Catholic Charities remains deeply committed to serving those most affected by this disaster,” said Lisa Perkins, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh. “Our response is not just about delivering supplies — it’s about delivering hope and showing that, in the face of hardship, we are united. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our staff, volunteers and partners as we continue this vital work to support those in need.”
Additionally, within the Diocese of Raleigh, Catholic Charities is ramping up efforts to collect donations across its regional offices with help from the Knights of Columbus. The collected donations will be carefully organized and shipped to areas based on need and capacity to accept them. (For the latest lists of needed items and donation drop-off sites, visit the Hurricane Helene Disaster Response page and select the Donation Drives tab.)
Cash donations help the most
The most immediate and effective way to help is through cash donations, which allow Catholic Charities to respond quickly to the evolving needs of affected communities.
Financial gifts in support of families and individuals whose lives have been upended by Hurricane Helene can be made through Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charlotte or through the CCUSA Hurricane Helene relief donation page. One hundred percent of all donations to Catholic Charities USA will be distributed to local Catholic Charities agencies, which will provide critical relief — including shelter, food and other humanitarian aid — to members of their communities. Gifts can also be made by texting “Hurricane” to 20406.
“Hurricane Helene is one of the most dangerous storms to hit the United States in years, and we won’t know the full extent of the damage for some time,” CCUSA President and CEO Kerry Alys Robinson said. “As always, the staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities agencies are springing into action to bring comfort and hope to their neighbors in need. Please join us in providing critical support to the immediate and long-term relief efforts.”
Volunteer efforts
Catholic Charities is also supporting post-disaster recovery efforts through the Crisis Clean Up initiative, which connects volunteers with individuals who need help repairing or rebuilding their damaged homes. Catholic Charities staff and volunteers have stepped up to the challenge of helping to field and return the thousands of calls coming in each day. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh is collaborating closely with Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charlotte to provide additional support to impacted areas.
Catholic Charities also continues to closely coordinate all activities with North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NC VOAD). Through NC VOAD, all disaster relief organizations wishing to assist impact communities are coming together to collaborate and leverage as many available resources as possible.
For the latest information on current needs and ways to help, visit Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh’s Hurricane Helene Disaster Response page.
Below: Photo courtesy of Catholic News Herald
