How to help flood victims
As the floodwaters from Tropical Storm Fred recede, the full extent of the damage is becoming clear. Residents of Haywood County and beyond have rallied together to create avenues for donations and opportunities to support those in need. Countless churches, businesses and individuals are actively accepting and sorting donations.
However, at 11 a.m. Thursday, Haywood County Emergency Services urged caution.
“Scammers will seize on opportunities to take advantage of a community’s good will. We remind the public to only donate to reputable organizations. Financial donations to assist with recovery efforts and impacted families may be directed to the Haywood County United Way. A helpline has also been established at 828-356-2022 to help direct donations and provide assistance to locals with storm-related needs.”
The helpline is in operation from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is available to assist with missing person information, food and housing needs, special needs, volunteer or donation opportunities and other storm-related needs.
United Way of Haywood County is working closely with County government and local non-profits to gather information about immediate needs of the victims of recent flooding in Canton, Clyde and upstream communities. Its partner agencies are committed to long-term, multi-layered recovery efforts and have aligned services with United Way in order to better serve the community.
The United Way is coordinating financial contributions to nonprofit agencies serving flood victims. Please contact Executive Director, Celessa Willett, 828-356-2832 to make a donation. Supporting agencies include:
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Mountain Projects, which will support case management and is available to take applications for Section 8 Housing based on income eligibility. Haywood Public Transit, a division of Mountain Projects, offers free transportation to those affected by flooding. Mountain Projects will update its Facebook page to share up-to-date information and opportunities for those in need.
The Haywood Pathways Center is accepting applications for emergency shelter. Individuals and families must meet eligibility requirements.
The Salvation Army is providing food at the Jukebox Junction at the intersection of US 276 and NC 215 in Bethel. Clothes to Kids is working with the school system to meet clothing needs for children. Lifeworks is distributing water and snacks near Canton.
If you've been displaced by flooding and need a place to live, if you wish to donate to help this re-housing effort, or if you have a home to rent to displaced flood victims, visit Mountain Projects resource page mountainprojects.org/flood-relief-information.
Anyone seeking to donate items for the recovery effort are encouraged to take them to the following locations:
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Bethel Baptist Church: 5868 Pigeon Rd, Canton, NC 28716
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Helping Haywood: 289 Industrial Park Drive Waynesville
Haywood County Schools
According to Nolte, there are two avenues for people wanting to provide support to Haywood County Schools. People can provide monetary support through the Haywood County Schools Foundation under the Tropical Storm Fred Relief. That money will be used for things like feeding restoration workers, purchasing supplies, materials and services related to restoration.
For people wanting to give hands-on help, Nolte recommends making direct contact with schools that have sustained damage.
This page will be updated in the coming days as avenues for donations and strategies for long-term support are devised.
