Still Here.
Still Rising.
Two years after Hurricane Helene changed Western North Carolina forever, communities continue to rebuild — and Catholic Charities continues to walk alongside them.
When the flood waters receded, we were there.
On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene brought historic flooding, powerful winds and deadly landslides to Western North Carolina. Many residents lost everything, and entire communities were cut off from the outside world without power, drinking water or access to roads.
Within 24 hours, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte was there to provide disaster relief, and we will remain in Western North Carolina to support recovery efforts until our help is no longer needed.
6,900+
roads and bridges damaged or destroyed
$44.4 billion
in direct damage
4.6 million
people in disaster zones
73,000
damaged homes
2,200
landslides
39 NC counties
declared federal disaster areas, along with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
From immediate response to long-term recovery.
Faith in Action
Immediate disaster relief efforts began swiftly, with over 50 truckloads of disaster supplies delivered to Western North Carolina in the first few weeks.
Explore Our ResponseLong-Term Recovery
We are here for both the disaster response and the disaster recovery. Our mission is to rebuild and restore lives.
Explore the RecoveryHelp reached communities across Western North Carolina.
After Hurricane Helene, 39 North Carolina counties were declared federal disaster areas. Catholic Charities responded with aid across all 39 counties and 213 ZIP codes.
We were ground zero. We were ready for rain, but nobody expected anything like this.”
Maria Elena Figueroa Luna
Her family’s auto repair shop along the Swannanoa River was left in ruins by Hurricane Helene.