Communities across Southern Appalachia have faced immense challenges in the wake of Hurricane Helene, deeply affecting the farmers and families who form the backbone of our rural landscape.  As we come together in the spirit of resilience and solidarity, we must provide one another with the resources needed to navigate this difficult time.

This document serves as a living resource, continually evolving to meet the needs of those impacted.  Here you will find a curated collection of support systems, financial assistance programs, agriculture recovery initiatives, and ways to provide financial support for those suffering in the wake of Hurricane Helene.  Our goal is to help provide the tools and information necessary to begin to rebuild in the aftermath of this disaster.

We recognize that every situation is unique, and we encourage community members to share their insights and recommendations for additional resources.  If you know of any programs that could benefit Southern Appalachian farmers and communities, please reach out to Katie Ellis at kellis@aglaunch.com.  Together, we can ensure that this document remains comprehensive and relevant, reflecting the diverse needs of our community.

Many notable non-profits and organizations are essential work to serve communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.  The list below highlights those that are addressing the unique needs of the agricultural community.

REGIONAL

  • Appalachian Funders Network:  This fund, established at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, will channel resources directly to the areas of greatest need, leveraging the reach and local knowledge of member organizations.
  • Appalachian Helene Response Fund:  A hub with links to mutual aid networks and regional resources.
  • Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP):  Supporting farmers in the ASAP network, assisting with needs, and helping them continue to access markets.
  • Farm Aid – Family Farm Disaster Fund.
  • Meade Tractor Crisis Response Program:  Access to a fleet of equipment such as tractors and loaders for clean-up and rebuilding efforts for agricultural customers in the Asheville, Tri-Cities, and Southwest Virginia areas. 
  • Mountain Mule Packer Ranch:  Deploying strings of packer mules through the mountains to deliver supplies and aid.  Contributions can be made to Mountain Mule Packer Ranch via Venmo here, Paypal directed to toberermichele@yahoo.com, or by mail at Mountain Mule Packer Ranch, P.O. Box 653, Mount Ulla, NC 28125.  Read an article published on Oct. 4, 2024 in the Citizen Times here.
  • Organic Growers School:  Building a running list of direct farmer needs across the network.
  • RegionAHEAD:  Accepting donations to provide economic relief to small businesses in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia in partnership with the First Tennessee Development District.
  • RAFI US Southeast Farmers Fund:  This fund will provide critical, on-the-ground assistance for farmers throughout the Southeast who have experienced widespread crop destruction, equipment damage and failure, and the loss of financial livelihoods.
  • Vecinos Farmworker Relief:  Help support outreach teams as they meet farmworkers’ needs with clothing, food, gas, and general support.  Teams are going directly into farms and camps.  Many of the crews are working to clear flooded fields and are still harvesting produce.   

GEORGIA

  • Georgia Organics Emergency Farmer Fund:  Collecting funds to assist farmers that feed the state of Georgia primarily through farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs), and restaurant sales. 

NORTH CAROLINA

  • Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture:  Building an equitable local food system where producers are thriving and local food is accessible to all.  Mobilizing to provide farmers in the High Country to assist farmers with fridge and freezer space and markets for existing products.  Also linking farmers with disaster relief resources.  View their Helene resource page.
  • Day One Relief – North Carolina Hurricane Helene Response:  Supporting BIPOC and LBGTQ+ organizations that need assistance after Hurricane Helene.
  • Green America Hurricane Helene Relief Fund:  A partnership between Soil Regen, Green America, and the Soil & Climate Initiative to support relief efforts led by Russell Hedrick for those affected by the recent storm in WNC.  The initial focus is on providing food and water to those without power and trapped in their homes.
  • Mountain BizWorks:  Providing support to small businesses in WNC in the weeks and months to come.  Access the Spanish version of the site here.
  • North Carolina Farm Bureau Foundation Disaster Relief Fund:  Activated to deploy disaster recovery assistance in WNC after the immediate humanitarian needs have been met. Donations will be funneled to other organizations with boots-on-the-ground partners like Baptist on Mission, Red Cross, etc.  Checks may be mailed to:  North Carolina Farm Bureau Foundation, c/o:  Disaster Relief Fund, PO Box 27766, Raleigh, NC 27611. 
  • United Way of North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund – Helene:  Providing grants and reimbursement funding to non-profits working with disaster survivors in impacted communities.
  • WNC Communities:  Accepting donations to issue immediate needs grants to farmers and get supplies to individuals and community clubs.  
  • WNC Regional Livestock Center:  Accepting monetary donations, and donations of feed, fencing, and general agricultural supplies, to distribute to those in need.  Currently working on a hay supply and in need of square bales that can be more easily transported.  Fencing is currently in high demand.  Contact Yvonne Coburn with Civilian Disaster Response at 828-216-4496 and watch the Facebook page for announcements.  

SOUTH CAROLINA

TENNESSEE

  • Depot Street Farmers Market in Greeneville, TN:  Accepting monetary donations online (will match donations up to $1K) to support the distribution of money and nonperishable goods to local organizations serving families in need, in partnership with The United Way.
  • How to Help:  Available Resources, Donation Sites Following Helene
  • Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee: Receiving online contributions here and donations of food at 1020 Jericho Drive, Kingsport.  For more information, call 423-279-0430.
  • Tennessee Department of Agriculture Helene Resources:  Including daily situation reports, guidance for farms and food businesses, and links to resources.
  • Tennessee Department of Agriculture Livestock and Pet Feed/Supplies:  Information about donations of livestock and pet feed and supplies.  Distribution sites include Crossroads Christian Church (Gray, TN), Embreeville Fire Department (Erwin, TN), South Central Elementary School (Chuckey, TN), and UT Knoxville Vet School (Knoxville, TN).
  • Tennessee FFA Foundation:  Collecting funds for Hurricane Helene disaster relief efforts in East Tennessee, specifically for FFA members, advisors, and chapters in need.  Denote “disaster relief” when donating.  May also Venmo @tnffafoundation.  
  • The Farm & Forest Families of Tennessee Disaster Relief Fund:  A nonprofit that was established to help farm families following natural disasters.  One hundred percent of the money received will go directly to work for family farmers and food-related initiatives.  The assistance can help farmers rebuild and recover from sustained losses due to Hurricane Helene.  Contribute online or mail a check to Farm and Forest Families of Tennessee, c/o Mark Turner, P.O. Box 313, Columbia, TN 38402 (denote disaster relief on the check).  Please direct questions to maturner@tfbf.com.

VIRGINIA

REGIONAL RESOURCES AND PUBLICATIONS

  • AgriSafe Farm Response Program:  A 3.5-hour continuing education course that includes the full range of competencies necessary to provide appropriate mental healthcare for agricultural producers and their families.  Individuals providing counseling services to agricultural communities affected by Hurricane Helene (FL, GA, NC, SC, TN, and VA) are eligible to take FarmResponse for FREE (a $150 value).
  • Appalachians for Appalachia – Appalachian Hurricane Helene Relief Resource Guide:  Crowd-sourced document with general and state-specific information for North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina.  It includes information about finding a missing loved one, communicating with family, and where and how to get updates, general support, homeowner assistance, health information, travel aid, etc.  Also embedded is a link to a form where you can request rescue.
  • Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Hurricane Helene Resources Guide:  Includes federal resources and updates, state government and emergency management resources,
  • Appalachian RC&D Council Disaster Recovery for Farms:  Outlines a list of the County Agriculture Resources and a list of key County EMA offices and contacts for farmers in need of livestock feed and/or hay.  Also includes links to USDA Disaster/Insurance Programs, other national programs, and state information.
  • Appalachian Voices:  Hurricane Helene Relief for Southern and Central Appalachia.  Includes links to many resources, shelter locations and drop-off centers across Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, information about missing persons, and ways to give.
  • Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH): A national hotline that provides year-round disaster crisis counseling.  1-800-985-5990.
  • Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN):  Resources aggregated from across the country.
  • Farm Aid Hotline:  For farm families under extreme stress who need a sympathetic ear, someone to listen and provide relief from the anxiety and desperation they may be experiencing.  1-800-FARM-AID.
  • Missing People Support – American Red Cross:  Call 1-800-733-2767, select “disaster,” follow prompts for Hurricane Helene, tell them your location, and give as much information as possible.
  • RAFI-USA:  Report damage to farms due to Hurricane Helene here.  View comprehensive RAFI Disaster information here and a directory of county offices here.

NORTH CAROLINA

  • Asheville/WNC Relief:  Extensive crowd-sourced document with information about basic needs.
  • Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture:  Building an equitable local food system where producers are thriving and local food is accessible to all.  Mobilizing to provide farmers in the High Country to assist farmers with fridge and freezer space and markets for existing products.  Also linking farmers with disaster relief resources.  View their Helene resource page.
  • Center for Environmental Farming Systems:  Google doc with links to support and resources for farmers and communities in WNC impacted by Hurricane Helene.  Includes ways to give and volunteer, resources for farmers and farm workers, livestock, crops, funding and relief programs, farmers markets and food access, and more.
  • Leicester Food Access:  Directory of events, initiatives, food access points, and more in Leicester.  The Utopian Seed Project is giving out farmer-sourced fresh produce, backed by generous donations from the community.
  • Mountain BizWorks WNC Strong – Helene Business Recovery Fund:  A rapid recovery loan program to assist WNC businesses in recovering.  The fund is being established with an initial $7.5M in support from the Golden Leaf Foundation.  Small businesses will apply for loans of up to $100K to help meet immediate needs and bridge to longer-term relief resources from SBA disaster loans, FEMA assistance, insurance, and other sources.  Loans will have a 1% interest rate and interest-only payments for twelve months.  If not repaid in the first year, the loans will automatically convert to a term-loan.  For terms and application information, visit mountainbizworks.org/helene/fund. For additional business relief resources, visit mountainbizworks.org/helene.
  • North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agriculture Emergency Hotline:  1-866-645-9403.
  • North Carolina Department of Agriculture Emergency Programs Disaster Information.
  • North Carolina Department of Transportation:  Helene Detours in WNC.
  • North Carolina Hurricane Helene Livestock Assistance Form:  Mechanism to request or offer help moving livestock. A collaboration with NC Cooperative Extension and the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
  • NC Agromedicine Institute Farm Help Line:  Call/text 1-844-325-3276 around the clock, connecting the agricultural community to resources and support to address mental health and farm stress needs.
  • NC Peer Warmline:  Call 1-855-PEERS NC (1-855-733-7762) for mental health support following Hurricane Helene.
  • WNC Resource Guide:  Includes significant county-specific information.

TENNESSEE

VIRGINIA

  • Virginia Cooperative Extension Hurricane Helene Resource Page:  Resources include practical guides, emergency checklists, and educational materials designed to enhance resilience and ensure safety as well as information from government agencies.  Reach out to your County Extension Office.
  • Virginia Cooperative Extension Hurricane Helene Farmer Survey:  Virginia Cooperative Extension wants to hear from farmers who lost livestock, fences, farm structures, vehicles, hay, and/or sustained any type of farm or woodlot damage.  Find your local office here and complete the survey here.   
  • Virginia EBT:  If your EBT card was lost or damaged, call 1-866-281-2448.  If your power has been off for longer than eight hours and SNAP-purchase food spoiled, contact your local Department of Social Services office for additional benefits.
  • Virginia Flood Aftermath:  Directory including where to find help and how to help.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

SBA Disaster Assistance for Hurricane Helene:  SBA disaster assistance loan programs are designed for for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene.  Eligible areas are within Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.  Please call SBA at 800‐659‐2955 or schedule an in-person appointment if you have any questions.

  • Home Disaster Loans:  Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
  • Business Physical Disaster Loans:  Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL):  Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)

Per an October 2, 2024 press release, President Biden has approved federal disaster assistance that is available for survivors in designated counties in Florida, Georgia North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Survivors may apply for assistance in three ways:  online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362, or on the FEMA App.

Survivors may receive upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula, and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT DISASTER ASSISTANCE

USDA DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

  • Disaster Assistance Recovery Tool:  Learn about USDA disaster assistance programs.
  • Disaster Assistance Programs At-A-Glance Brochure:  Overview of available disaster assistance programs and eligibility requirements.
  • DisasterAssistance.gov:  Emergency Farm Loans
  • Disaster Set-Aside Program:  Provides producers who have existing direct loans with FSA who are unable to make the scheduled payments to move up to one full year’s payment to the end of the loan.  Assistance is available in counties, or contiguous counties, that have been designated as emergencies by the President, Secretary, or FSA Administrator.
  • Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP):  Disaster food stamps that help pay for food if you live in a state with an Individual Assistance Declaration from the President.  D-SNAP provides funds on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card to pay for food. Even if you do not normally receive or qualify for food assistance through SNAP benefits, you may qualify for D-SNAP.
  • Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP):  Funds cover losses due to eligible weather or other events, like blizzards and wildfires, disease (including cattle tick fever), and water shortages.  ELAP covers losses that other Disaster Assistance Programs do not cover.
  • Emergency Conservation Program and Emergency Forest Restoration Program:  Helping landowners and forest stewards with financial and technical assistance to restore damaged farmland or forests.
  • Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP):  a federal emergency recovery program operated by USDA NRCS to help local communities recover after natural disasters strike.  Eligible activities include:  removing debris from stream channels, road culverts and bridges; reshaping and protecting eroded streambanks; correcting damaged or destroyed drainage facilities; establishing vegetative cover on critically eroding lands; repairing levees and structures; repairing certain conservation practices; and purchase of EWP Buyouts.
  • Farm Services Agency:  Disaster Assistance Programs.
  • Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP):  Providing benefits to livestock producers for livestock deaths above normal mortality caused by weather attacks or by animals reintroduced into the wild.  LIP payments are equal to 75% of the average fair market value.  Read the LIP Fact Sheet here.
  • Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP):  Pays covered producers of covered non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters (includes native grasses for grazing).  Eligible producers must have purchased NAP coverage for the current year’s crop(s).
  • Tree Assistance Program:  Financial Assistance for Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers.