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A Letter from SPESA
While SPESA represents a global network, our roots are in North Carolina.
Late last week, our neighbors in the western part of the state experienced a catastrophic event when Hurricane Helene brought historic flooding to the region, leaving many communities destroyed. For nearly one million people who reside in these beautiful mountain towns, the recovery process has barely begun.
To assist in relief efforts, SPESA has compiled the below list of resources and organizations doing work to support the people and communities impacted by the storm.
As a way to say thank you for your support:
For anyone who donates $200+ to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, SPESA will give you one free registration to a future Advancements Conference ($275+ value).
For anyone who donates $500+, SPESA will give you one free registration to a future Executive Conference ($650+ value).
We will have QR signage at our upcoming SPESA Executive Conference with information on how to help.
Ways you can support Western N.C.:
Operation Airdrop: Pilots and volunteers will deliver essential supplies and food to disaster-stricken areas in the mountains.
The state or regional chapters of such national organizations as American Red Cross, United Way and Salvation Army.
World Central Kitchen, led by Chef José Andrés, was one of the first teams on the ground to feed people in need.
Our Governor, Roy Cooper, said that one of the best ways to help was to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.
Hearts with Hands, a North Carolina nonprofit founded after Hurricane Andrew hit Florida in 1992, posted supplies it urgently needs, such as pull-tab canned goods, hygiene kits, and pet food.
Another way to help those in the state: donating to North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, which has a list of vetted disaster relief organization
The UNC System is working closely with leaders at Appalachian State University, University of North Carolina Asheville, and Western Carolina University, as well as the North Carolina Arboretum and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics-Morganton, to provide aid and support in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. System leaders shared the following funds, where donations can be sent to support affected students, faculty, and staff:
North Carolina Arboretum giving website (Select “The ONE Fund” designation)
UNC Asheville giving website (Select “UNC Asheville Fund” designation)
We invite you to reach out directly to the SPESA team about supporting relief efforts in Western N.C. Thank you for all that you do!
Were you or your business impacted by the storm? If so, please let us know. SPESA is here to help.
Yesterday, NCTO provided guidance on resources available:
Business Support: "We received guidance for companies interested in accessing disaster loans through programs administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that are open to all impacted companies regardless of size. Please review the documents linked here and here for more information, and feel free to share these resources with others in your network. We were also informed that the SBA Field Office is a valuable resource available to companies who need help navigating their available options and receiving guidance to apply for assistance. You can find contact information for SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center East here.
Worker Support: "In addition, we were directed to a program that many disaster impacted workers may want to explore in more detail called the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). FEMA administers the IHP as a way to help workers find temporary housing, repair or replace their homes, and with many other disaster-caused expenses and serious needs. Program details and information individual eligibility and how to apply are available online here."
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