The Chamber of Catawba County is committed to connecting you with resources following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Find essential information and links to support services, recovery programs, and resources available to help small businesses and community members in Catawba County and our region. We will continue to update this page as additional information or resources become available, however, please keep in mind that this information is subject to change.
If you are a business in Catawba County that has experienced damage or loss due to Hurricane Helene, please contact Lindsay Keisler, President/CEO here. so that we can provide you with direct support and resources.
Local Information
Stay informed with the latest news and official updates on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Catawba County. Find information on emergency services, shelter locations, road conditions, and more. Visit the Catawba County Hurricane Helene Updates page for ongoing updates.
If you have been displaced and need immediate temporary resident information, visit our new resource page here.
Small Business Recovery
The US Chamber has resources for small businesses here. Access checklists on reopening your business after a disaster, learn how to apply for Federal Loans and Financial Assistance, access Mental Health resources, Insurance help, and Employee Assistance Programs.
The Chamber of Catawba County has set up a pop-up co-working space at our offices (1055 Southgate Corporate Park SW in Hickory) If you need a productive place to work this week with wireless internet access, please give us a call to schedule. Access is during regular business hours (8:30-5:00 pm); space based on availability. Questions? Call 828-328-6111.
U.S. Small Business Administration Loans – It’s helpful to start the process as soon as you are able. You don’t have to wait for insurance coverage determinations or claims denials to apply for SBA programs. SBA loans are geared towards helping survivors recover with very low interest rates compared to the regular lending market and easy repayment terms. Learn more.
Download the U.S. Small Business Administration Fact Sheet for North Carolina Disaster Loans here.
The Internal Revenue Service announced disaster tax relief for all individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. Taxpayers in qualified areas will now have until May 1, 2025 to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. More information here.
The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s National Disaster Help Desk can help businesses and organizations both in the impact area and looking to support the impact area. It can be reached at 888-MY-BIZ-HELP (or 888-692-4943). Additionally, they offer this online resource to help businesses take care of their employees’ needs, communicate the impact, address financial matters (e.g., insurance, disaster assistance), restore operations, and organize recovery.
Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina shares disaster recovery resources here. Available resources for small businesses, loans and grants, existing inudstry, tourism & hospitality, artist & arts organizations, etc.
Mountain BizWorks: WNC Strong Business Recovery Fund, launched October 7, allows eligible impacted small businesses to apply for loans up to $100,000 to help meet immediate needs and bridge to longer term relief resources. Details here.
Additional Resources
If you need a list of reputable businesses to call on, access our list of Emergency Resource & Local Service Provider here.
North Carolina Department of Public Safety
Access Crisis Cleanup hotlines, Emergency Declarations, Open Shelters, Power Outages, Disaster Distress Helplines, Report Price Gauging, Report Repair Scams, and access Individual Assistance resources here.
Resources to individual counties are also available for access on the NCDPS page here.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available in 25 Counties Following Hurricane Helene. Learn more here.
FEMA Individual Assistance Program – Homeowners and renters who have experienced displacement or uninsured damage due to Hurricane Helene can apply to receive federal financial assistance. You can apply online or call. More information here.
Click here for an updated list from Blue Ridge Public Radio on additional ways to donate and help flood victims.
Lake Hickory
Report a Displaced Boat as Found
-If you have located a boat that appears to be displaced, please use the following process to locate the rightful owner.
1. Call 833-950-0575
2. Select Option 2
3. Provide the boat registration number of the watercraft (sticker on the side) Example: NC-1234-WJ
Duke Energy encourages boaters to stay off the lake to avoid floating debris and creating wakes that impact neighbor properties. Report non-emergency floating debris by calling 1-800-443-5193 or by emailing lake services@duke-energy.com
Volunteer Opportunities
Catawba County United Way is in need of volunteers to assist at donation collection sites. Contact volunteers@conovernc.gov and someone will contact you as soon as possible.
Samaritan’s Purse – Assist homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene
Local Donation Collection:
The Catawba County United Way has reached capacity and will not be accepting donations for the Hurricane Helene relief efforts after Wednesday, October 9.
As we move toward longer-term recovery for our region, material distribution to those in need in Western North Carolina will be increasingly handled by state and federal resources.
Individuals and groups wanting to help are encouraged to consider donating financially toward these efforts locally at Catawba County United Way and statewide at the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.
For more information, call 828-327-6851.
There are numerous other privately organized efforts through individuals, business and churches. If you would like for us to include your collection site in this list, please email Kathy Austin at kaustin@catawbachamber.org. Thank you for your generosity to aid our neighbors in crisis!
Financial Contributions:
North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund here.
American Red Cross North Carolina – To Make a financial donation, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or text HELENE to 90999. Visit here to donate.
The Salvation Army of the Carolinas- Donate to the Salvation Army Hurricane Helene Relief here.
United Way of North Carolina –Donate to the UW Helps NC Helene Recovery Fund here.
Samaritan’s Purse – Donate to the Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts here.
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is accepting donations to help with community and business relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s impact on the High Country. Gifts can be made at this link and The Chamber will distribute funds locally to businesses and community efforts as needs are further assessed throughout Watauga County over the days and weeks ahead.
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce (501(c)(6) and McDowell Chamber Community & Business Impact, Inc (501(c)(3) are non-profit organizations supporting this cause. Donations will support those affected by the storm, providing critical relief such as shelter, medical care, food, water, and rebuilding efforts in the hardest-hit communities in McDowell County. Donate here.
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Donations will support Asheville and Buncombe County’s businesses. Email payments@AshevilleChamber.org and note that the funds are for Hurricane Relief. The address for checks is Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1010, Asheville, NC 28802. Please note: Hurricane Relief on check.
North Carolina Community Foundation
Community foundations know the organizations on the ground and can direct dollars to them. Click here to contribute to various local funds.
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
The Emergency and Disaster Response Fund supporting hurricane relief efforts is accepting contributions and making grants to frontline nonprofits. Give or apply for funding here.
