Cary, NC -- Today marks the one year anniversary Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina. In honor of this tragedy, United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) President and CEO Brittany Pruitt Fletcher commented:
"Today marks one year since Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina. I hope you will join me in thanking those that have worked relentlessly over the last year to restore their communities. When the storm hit, we activated 211, our information and referral line, connecting thousands of people to shelter, food, and other vital resources. We didn't wait for the perfect conditions; we didn't wait for someone else to step in. We activated quickly, we showed up, we listened, and we responded. We've shown what it means to be UNITED: In action, in purpose, and in heart. I want to thank every single Local United Way, donor, partner, and team member that made the recovery possible. Your work has restored homes, reunited families, and rebuilt hope. And to the communities that are still healing, know this: United Way is here for the long haul. We're not going anywhere and we look forward to seeing how you all recover in the years to come."
Like she says, there are still many communities and its members who are still recovering and need resources to get them to that point. United Ways and partner agencies are, still to this day, working hard to raise money to provide the food, housing, and resources for those in need. It will take several years to get the affected areas of Western NC "back to normal" but United Ways are not going anywhere -- we're here to help.
To support the continued recovery, please consider donating to the UW Helps NC Fund, which directs funds to the Local United Way of your choosing so they can put those funds into their community recovery efforts.
To learn what Local United Ways are doing for their North Carolina communities, visit the NC United Way Directory.
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About United Way of North Carolina
United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. For almost 50 years, United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) has been a statewide organization, partnering with 47 local United Ways to co-create solutions to people’s most pressing challenges. We take a comprehensive approach, listening and responding to statewide needs, including but not limited to, strengthening local resilience and advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security in our state. UWNC bridges and mobilizes people, local United Ways, and resources so individuals, families, and communities thrive in North Carolina. We are committed to four core areas of work: Member services, NC 211, Disaster Response, and Advocacy.
About NC 211
NC 211 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina and powered by local United Ways of North Carolina. Families and individuals can call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 to receive free and confidential information on health and human services within their community. To learn more, visit NC211.org.