We are feeling very lucky at Self-Help Credit Union this week. On Monday, we were able to re-open two of our branches – in Kinston and Windsor, NC – that were closed temporarily last week because of damage from Hurricane Matthew. Thanks to many dedicated staff and vendors, both branches are again up and running.
But we are painfully aware that many communities in eastern North Carolina and elsewhere have not been so fortunate. Many people continue to face hardships from storm damage and flooding. Significant parts of NC are underwater, and several thousand families are still living in shelters or trying to get by without essentials such as clean running water.
Do you need help recovering from Matthew?
Many Self-Help staff, members and friends are asking how they can help. Below we offer a small sample of organizations that are seeking donations and hands-on volunteers. We hope it will be a useful resource.
Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity: Donations and volunteering to help Habitat homeowners rebuild in downtown Fayetteville.
Lumbee Tribe: The Lumbee Tribe’s Hurricane Response Headquarters is at the Pembroke Boys and Girls Club at 120 Youth Drive, Pembroke.
To volunteer contact Tribal Security at 910-374-9880. To donate to the City of Lumberton’s relief efforts, go here.
The Red Cross of Eastern NC: Seeks donations and volunteers to help manage shelters, deliver food and answer phone calls.
NC Disaster Relief Fund Donations: Donations to support long-term recovery efforts to repair and rebuild homes damaged or destroyed in central and eastern NC.
Donate through website, mail or text NCRECOVERS to 30306.
NC State University: Contact Brittany Hunt, MSW, Assistant Director of NCSU’s Multicultural Affairs and Native American Student Affairs to get information about donations to Native American tribal communities.
NC Volunteer Organization Active in Disaster: Help volunteer organizations aid flood survivors through monetary and supply donations.
North Carolina Community Foundation, Disaster Relief Fund: Supports nonprofits with programs that can help hurricane victims in areas of central and eastern NC.
Salvation Army: The group’s Fayetteville branch is housing evacuees in its community center gymnasium and is asking for donations of travel-size toiletries, including soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, and also pillows, blankets and trash bags. Items can be dropped off at the community center at 220 E. Russell St.
To donate money, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or text STORM to 51555. Donations can also be sent via mail to P.O. Box 1959, Atlanta, GA 30301.
UNC Relief Efforts: Students, faculty and staff at UNC organize to provide assistance to victims of the hurricane through different resources by donating time, money and needed items. Efforts include:
- American Indian Center (help affected NC tribal communities)
- Carolina’s Disaster Relief Fund (relief trips to affected areas and monetary donations)
- UNC Pembroke CARE Resource Center (On-campus food pantry and clothing closet)
- UNC Food for All (food drive)
More resources and ways to help here. Note that many local religious organizations are coordinating volunteers and offering assistance, too.