Our Response

Faith in Action

In the aftermath of Helene, the Catholic community provided swift relief to survivors across Western NC. We are grateful for the powerful partnerships between Catholic Charities, the Diocese of Charlotte parishes and parishioners, Diocesan leadership and ministries, and the hundreds of community organizations that allowed us to walk alongside our neighbors.

Immaculata School in Hendersonville became a distribution center, handing out supplies to more than 1,500 families in the first few days after the storm

A load of supplies is blessed at Bishop McGuinness High School

Bishop Michael Martin comforts Melissa Stuart, the new principal of nearby Asheville Catholic School, at Immaculata Catholic School on Oct. 4

Residents unload supplies from a truck dispatched by the Diocese of Charlotte to Swannanoa, one of the hardest hit communities after Helene hit Western NC

Parishioners at St. Mark Church are among many across the diocese stepping up to help those affected by the storm damage

Volunteers set up a place for survivors to access laundry, clean water, and disaster supplies in WNC

Holy Trinity was one of many Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools that helped collect donations for Helene survivors

St. Matthew Catholic Church’s efforts for Hurricane Helene relief

Diocese of Charlotte Catholic schools helping with Helene supply drives and packaging

“It is hard to express all the good that has already occurred amongst so much damage and suffering, The Diocese of Charlotte has been incredible.”

– Claudia Graham, business manager of St. Margaret Mary Church in Swannanoa

“Volunteering allows me to help people in a time of need. Since I don’t need help, I think it’s best to give to others.” “Jesus sacrificed His life; I should pay that back by helping people going through hard times.”

– Immaculata Catholic School students in Hendersonville

By The Numbers

1,700+ households have received personalized support, with thousands more served at supply distribution sites

$13.3 million raised, thanks to YOUR generosity.

10,200+ gifts from 5 continents and all 50 states

$1.5 million from outside (Arch)diocese

$3.2 million from CCUSA

$1.1 million from parish second collections in the Diocese of Charlotte

110 homes rebuilt and 35 more under contract, with a goal of 150 more homes

1,000+ volunteers

46 schools held emergency supply drives

*as of July 30, 2025

Immediate Relief

Within the first five weeks after Hurricane Helene, over 50 truckloads of immediate relief supplies were brought to Western North Carolina. With the help of Diocesan leadership and our partner organizations, we were able to serve thousands of survivors at supply distribution centers.

Below are just a few examples of the services we provided in the immediate aftermath of the storm.