helene recovery & Rebuilding
NCOREC as a not-for-profit coalition is collaborating and combining forces with industry partners, individuals, and non-profit partners on multiple efforts in the aftermath of Helene in Western North Carolina. Here are the first:
Recovery in Winter: Outdoor industry partners and friends are able to donate NCOREC new, premium clothing suitable for winter, as temps have already begun to drop.
NCOREC, The Wilderness Society, and partners are coordinating a supply chain so that these donated clothes go precisely where they are needed most, efficiently and quickly to people in the WNC area.
We already have 15,270 donations delivered into the disaster zone from the following companies:
Industry suppliers able to donate coats, jackets, warm pants, socks, and footwear should send email to clothes@ncorec.com to start the process.
We also need cash donations for this effort, to fund the supply chain to get the gear to the end user (and plan to pay WNC locals that have lost their jobs). Send email to clothes@ncorec.com and we’ll respond with how best to send funds.
Rebuilding Trails, Parks, Playgrounds, and other Outdoor Recreation: NCOREC is working with Rebuild Black Mountain as they gather cash donations to build back the assets lost to the storm — assets unlikely to be funded by FEMA or others.
This community fund is taking a long-term view of rebuilding, and is already collaborating with other organizations to minimize duplication and confusion.
Rebuild Black Mountain is accepting online cash donations here, with plenty of information and also taking email inquiries at info@RebuildBlackMountain.org.
Grant Program: We’ve spoken to more than 100 business owners in the disaster zone who have made it clear: taking on more debt is not an option. Direct cash grants will serve as a critical lifeline for those hardest hit, providing immediate relief and restoring hope during these incredibly challenging times. NCOREC encourages charitable donations to the “WNC Strong: Rebuilding Together Grant Fund” (donate here), which supports cash grants for impacted businesses.
Direct Financial Support for WNC Fly Fish Guides: NCOREC is collaborating with the Blue Ridge Guide Association to manage a dedicated fund to replace the lost income of flyfishing guides, in the wake of Helene and the practical matter that the rivers will not support fishing for months to come.
If you’ve enjoyed our rivers, or plan to, you may want to support these professionals as they endure the complete collapse of their livelihood. To donate, click here and push funds to this dedicated fund. To learn more, email Guides@ncorec.com.