Disaster relief organization All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) has initiated a comprehensive 12-month response to assist communities devastated by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. The storm has wreaked havoc across the Southeast, leading to a confirmed death toll exceeding 150, with many individuals still unaccounted for. As the organization continues its immediate relief efforts in Florida, its focus has shifted to Asheville, North Carolina, where reports of catastrophic flooding are emerging.
Key Takeaways
- AHAH launches a 12-month relief response for Hurricane Helene.
- Asheville, NC, is one of the hardest-hit areas, facing severe flooding and infrastructure challenges.
- Over 9,000 cases of emergency cleanup have been reported.
- AHAH has assessed over 40 homes and is actively removing debris.
- The organization emphasizes the need for public support and donations.
Asheville has been particularly affected, with residents facing power outages and a lack of cell service. The situation is further complicated by shortages of clean water and fuel, as significant aid requests pour in from neighboring states, including Tennessee.
As of the latest reports, AHAH has identified over 9,000 cases requiring emergency cleanup due to the flooding. The organization has already assessed more than 40 homes and has completed debris removal, mucking, gutting, and hazardous tree removal across over 15 sites. Their initial efforts are concentrated on supporting local organizations by managing distribution hubs and clearing homes and businesses of the debris, mud, and silt left by the floodwaters.
Jessica Thompson, AHAH’s Chief Executive Officer, who is currently on-site in Asheville, remarked, "We’re really witnessing a disaster within a disaster. There is no access to drinking water, no power, and no cell reception. Right now, we need to let emergency services, law enforcement, and search-and-rescue teams do their work before volunteer crews can step in. Once it’s safe, we’ll be there alongside homeowners, helping them start the long process of recovering their homes."
With nearly 20 years of experience in disaster relief, AHAH has responded to some of the most devastating storms in U.S. history, including Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Dorian. The organization is committed to long-term recovery efforts, having remained on the ground in Florida for two years following Hurricane Ian and leading a long-term recovery program after Hurricane Michael in 2018.
AHAH proudly holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest award for transparency and efficiency, for the tenth consecutive year. This rating assures donors that 95% of every dollar contributed goes directly toward global relief efforts.
The organization stresses the importance of public support in facilitating effective disaster relief efforts. Donations to AHAH’s Hurricane Helene Relief fund will directly address the immediate needs of those affected by the hurricane.
