As response to Hurricane Helene continues and recovery intensifies, countless local donation drives have been organized to provide donations to Western North Carolina residents in need.

“The impacts of this disaster have come into clearer focus prompting a strong desire from North Carolinians to help our neighbors in need,” North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray said. “Round-the-clock operations are underway to bring these supplies to all communities that have been impacted by this storm. We are grateful that people are willing to help and encourage them to give in ways that are most useful to impacted communities and those working on the ground to help them.”

How to Donate

The best way to help Western North Carolina recover is with a monetary donation.  North Carolina has established the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund which is managed by United Way of North Carolina. Donations can be made at www.nc.gov/donate and are being used to provide grants to nonprofits working directly in impacted communities.

Other reputable charities are also collecting money to help with Helene relief, including North Carolina Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (www.ncvoad.org/members).  VOADS are vetted disaster relief nonprofit organizations that work in coordination with state and federal agencies to deliver supplies and services to North Carolinians in need.

“Cash donations offer voluntary agencies and faith-based organizations the most flexibility to address urgently developing needs,” NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster President Kristy Kulberg explained. “With cash in hand, these organizations can obtain needed resources nearer to the disaster location. This inflow of cash also pumps money back into the local economy and helps local businesses recover faster. Although the need is great, and desire to help strong, it is important to avoid donating material goods or self-deploying to help until communities are safe and public officials and disaster relief organizations have had an opportunity to assess the damage to identify what the specific unmet needs are.”

You can get tips on giving to charities safely and avoiding charity scams from the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office at ncdoj.gov/charity. Report scams at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or ncdoj.gov.

Supplies Being Distributed to Hard-Hit Areas

Food, water and other basic necessities are being delivered to people in hard-hit communities, both by ground and by air. More than 1,000 National Guard members are deployed and working day and night to distribute lifesaving resources along with conducting search and rescue missions, clearing roads, and restoring infrastructure.  More than one million pounds of supplies have been distributed by Guard members by land and air as of today.

Voluntary organizations are supporting mass feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries. The State Emergency Response Team is also coordinating with private ground and air resources and trusted disaster relief organizations to help distribute humanitarian supplies. In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has deployed more than 1,200 personnel in North Carolina to assist with recovery and relief efforts.

What About Donating and Delivering Supplies?

Individuals from outside storm damaged areas who are gathering supplies are urged to collect them but not attempt to deliver them to Western North Carolina on their own. Needs vary from area to area and may change rapidly, and uncoordinated efforts to deliver supplies can disrupt ongoing rescue and relief efforts. If you are donating supplies, make sure you are giving to a legitimate effort and watch out for scams.

Efforts are underway to establish more locations to collect donated supplies. Information will be provided as it is available.

Travel conditions remain hazardous in much of Western North Carolina and people from outside the region are asked not to drive to the area on their own. More than 400 roadways remain dangerous with many impassible and are  limited to local and hurricane response traffic only. Available routes should be reserved for ongoing emergency needs including search and rescue.

Airspace is also limited due to ongoing air missions by the North Carolina National Guard. Private pilots should coordinate with Lindsay Duke at 828-851-0777 before flying humanitarian relief missions in Western North Carolina.

Volunteer Opportunities

Recovering from Hurricane Helene will be a long-term process and volunteer help will be needed for months to come. For their own safety and to be most helpful, volunteers should work through an organization and not deploy on their own. If you are interested in volunteering, you can register at nc.gov/volunteernc or www.unitedwaync.org or by contacting one of the NC VOADS (www.ncvoad.org/members).

In a quest to discover the gems of affordability and aesthetic charm across the United States, delve into U.S. News & World Report’s meticulously curated 2022 and 2023 rankings about the best cities in the U.S. This comprehensive evaluation navigates beyond mere monetary considerations, providing insight into the delicate balance between the cost of living, median monthly rent, median home prices in relation to the national median, and the overall quality of life each city has to offer. This exploration reveals the 10 most beautiful and budget-friendly cities, providing a roadmap for those seeking both cost-efficiency and aesthetic delight in their next place of residence.

1. Hickory, North Carolina

Hickory, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is celebrated for its family-friendly environment, hiking trails, and Southern charm; currently ranked as the most affordable place to live in the U.S., with a median home price of $161,000. The city is increasingly popular among both retirees and young families, drawn not only to its affordability but also to its emerging status as a technological hub for companies like Google and Apple.

2. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids, located about an hour from Lake Michigan, offers a low cost of living with a median home cost of around $367,000, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an affordable and family-friendly environment, complemented by a burgeoning arts and culture scene and scenic parks along the Grand River, particularly noteworthy for its picturesque fall foliage.

3. Greenville, South Carolina

Nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina, Greenville is celebrated for its vibrant downtown, offering enticing restaurants, boutique shopping, and scenic views of Falls Park on the Reedy, experiencing a resurgence in attractiveness for prospective residents due to its affordable cost of living, with a median home price of around $320,000 that remains below the national median.

4. Louisville, Kentucky

Known for the Kentucky Derby, Louisville, a city steeped in history and culture along the Ohio River, attracts residents with its extensive park system, walking trails, and scenic spots like Waterfront Park and the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge, featuring a low median housing cost of approximately $163,000, a budget-friendly lifestyle, and an appealing culinary scene, including exclusive bourbon distillery experiences.

5. Knoxville, Tennessee

Nestled near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville combines outdoor tranquility with a lively downtown, particularly appealing to young families due to its status as a college sports town with the University of Tennessee; boasting a median housing price of around $335,000, significantly lower than comparable-sized metropolitan areas in the U.S.

Located within the picturesque landscapes of Asheville, North Carolina, this enchanting 1.03-acre log cabin is a testament to rustic charm and modern comfort. Constructed in 2017, the cabin is a cozy hidden gem that seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings. The one-bedroom retreat is thoughtfully designed, featuring a full bathroom that adds convenience to its rustic elegance. The seller’s attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin, with a specially provided Murphy bed crafted from beautiful wormy chestnut. This unique bed not only adds character to the space but also maximizes functionality as the cabin can accommodate up to four people comfortably.

The interior of the cabin is a delightful blend of warmth and sophistication. The California-king size bed takes center stage in the bedroom, boasting a bookcase headboard with an exquisite wormy chestnut finish. The accompanying chest of drawers complements the bed, providing ample storage space for personal belongings. The thoughtful design ensures that the cabin is move-in ready, requiring only your clothes to make it feel like home. With its tasteful furnishings and natural surroundings, this log cabin in Asheville welcomes those seeking a tranquil retreat while offering the convenience of modern living.

Surrounded by the beauty of nature on its spacious 1.03-acre lot, this log cabin is not just a dwelling but a sanctuary. Whether you’re enjoying the cozy atmosphere in the living room or resting in the comfort of the wormy chestnut Murphy bed, every corner of this cabin exudes a sense of tranquility. Its location in Asheville, a city known for its vibrant arts scene and stunning landscapes, adds an extra layer of appeal to this delightful property. For more details, contact Mosaic Realty and embrace the simplicity and elegance of log cabin living, where the beauty of the natural surroundings is seamlessly woven into the fabric of your brand-new home.

George Wang is a Chief of Technology Officer in his everyday life and has a full-time job at a consulting company, but his biggest love is photography. By combining his passion for technology and photography, he uses DSLR cameras and drones to capture the most stunning pictures.
When Wang traveled to North Carolina’s Outer Banks he took out his drone and took pictures of the amazing scenery. His drone captured stunning shots of the wild horses roaming the beach, the waves crashing, and the sunsets that reflect in the water.
There is even a storm coming which can be seen in Wang’s amazing shot and the entire picture is split into tiny parts, each looking as if they were part of another picture.
The beautiful harmony created by nature and natural phenomenon takes the viewer through different feelings and the picture culminates in the orange and pink stormy clouds.
To see more of Wang’s amazing drone images, follow his Instagram account for more colorful pictures from his travels.

George Wang’s photos capture the beauty of North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

George Wang: Instagram via MyModernMet