Please Note: The most up-to-date information will be shared on the Hurricane Helene Response webpage.

From Lutheran Disaster Response Carolinas Coordinators, Pastors Ray & Ruth Ann Sipe:

We have all been stunned by the news and photos of the devastation in western North Carolina due to flooding from Hurricane Helene. We have heard from many of you who have asked LDR Carolinas how you can help. Here is our best guidance.
(originally noted on September 29; additions noted by date in parentheses).

PRAY

Pray for everyone who has been impacted by this disaster and for all those working in the rescue and recovery effort.

O merciful Father, you teach us in your holy Word that you do not willingly afflict or grieve your children. Look with pity on the sorrows of all affected and affected by Hurricane Helene, for whom we pray. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy. Strengthen them in patience, comfort them with the memory of your goodness, let your presence shine on them, and give them peace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (LBW)

GIVE

Giving is a helpful action to make an immediate impact.

• Donate to the NC Synod Disaster Fund, used to support NC congregations and rostered ministers. Donate here and choose “Where Needed Most” then note: “Disaster Fund” in the memo field.
• Donate to LDR Carolinas to support this ministry and work across both the North and South Carolina Synods. Donate here and choose “Lutheran Disaster Response.”
• Donate to Lutheran Disaster Response which will support both short- and long-term recovery across the Southeast. Donate here.
• What NOT to give? STUFF. Do not collect stuff. There is currently no way to get goods to the disaster area and there are no organizations prepared to accept donations. Please don’t ever send clothing or other items—even bottled water—unless you are certain that the items are needed and there is an organization prepared to receive, store, and distribute them! Cash donations are always the best! 

VOLUNTEER

As we look through Facebook posts and emails today, we see that there are lots and lots of people wanting to volunteer. Volunteering in disaster response does NOT mean you have to rush to the worst-hit areas and put yourself in danger or become someone else who needs to be rescued. There are plenty of opportunities available right now. (October 5)

• Assemble Clean-Up Kits (aka Flood Buckets) and Children’s Comfort Kits using these instructions. Once complete, bring them to the synod office or contact Ray.
• Assemble Hygiene Kits. Assemble these according to the instructions published by Lutheran World Relief for Personal Care Kits. (October 5)
  • Can’t assemble Hygiene Kits? Purchase items for these kits on Amazon and let someone else assemble them. Here is the wish list. Have them drop-shipped to be assembled at an upcoming Packing Party. Thanks to Wittenberg, Granite Quarry, NC for receiving those items for us! (Oct. 5)
  • Watch for Packing Party date(s) and location(s) soon and plan to join us there! (October 5)
• Answer calls for Crisis Cleanup. Work from home on your own computer and schedule. Email Ruth Ann.
• Serve in an emergency shelter. Complete Just In Time American Red Cross shelter training; assist with an emergency shelter. Learn more; contact Ray.
• Help with distribution of supplies by serving at a point of distribution (POD) for essential supplies. Email Ruth Ann.
• Check out the Red Cross volunteer page to give blood, volunteer to help at a shelter, or provide whatever needs they list. SC currently has 7 shelters open and are in need of volunteers. NC currently has more than 12 shelters open and are desperate for volunteers. (October 5)
• VolunteerNC has many volunteer positions available. Go to this site to register and choose your position. Register here and choose your preferred counties and positions. (October 5)

Why doesn’t Lutheran Disaster Response or LDR Carolinas have volunteer positions open now? LDR does not normally deploy first-response teams. There are professionals who do that, groups from other denominations, and organizations like Team Rubicon made up of military veterans, who train for that rapid response and deploy those teams. (October 5)

LDR is in disaster response for the long haul—rebuilding. Once the emergency response is complete, then we will begin organizing volunteer teams to help with debris cleanup, mucking out houses, helping with shelters and feeding, and then rebuilding. (October 5)

We will be doing this for years after all the first responders have gone on to the next disaster. Remember: NO ONE ORGANIZATION can do everything, so we choose where we will excel—and that is in long-term recovery efforts. Those have not yet begun. (October 5)

There are plenty of ways to help LDR Carolinas NOW! See the Volunteer and Give opportunities noted above. (October 5)

When we are ready to begin long-term recovery—which will take years, not days or months—we will establish sites in areas that are safe, that can support volunteers, and we will have a list of needs and skill sets. Stay tuned! (October 5)

IF YOU HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY HELENE

• Restart your cell phone. Restarting your phone will give you access to emergency roaming service on any available cell carrier.
• Call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 844-965-1386 to request volunteer help with muck out, tree or debris removal, and tarping.
• Apply for FEMA assistance. Gather your information and apply online, download the FEMA app, or call 800-621-3362. Due 11/27.

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