One Year After Hurricane Helene: The Long Road to Recovery

One year ago, on September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm, carving a path of destruction across the southeastern United States. It was a storm of devastating scale, marked by its rapid intensification from a Category 1 to a Category 4 hurricane in less than 24 hours.

Helene unleashed catastrophic inland flooding, record-breaking rainfall, and extreme winds that left a lasting scar on communities in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and beyond. With roughly $80 billion in estimated damages and the tragic loss of over 250 lives, Helene became one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in recent U.S. history. 

The storm’s impact was uniquely severe. Its fast forward motion and immense size brought hurricane-force winds far inland, while its slow crawl over the southern Appalachian Mountains resulted in historic rainfall—over 20 inches in some areas. This led to catastrophic flooding and landslides that inundated entire towns, destroyed homes, and shattered infrastructure. 

One year later, while the headlines have faded, the work of rebuilding continues, and for countless communities, the journey to recovery is far from over. Critical infrastructure still awaits restoration, and countless families remain without permanent housing. When we asked one of our dedicated partners to describe their community a year on, their powerful response resonated deeply: “Resilient, Rebuilding, Resolute.” These words capture the unwavering spirit and determination of those bravely confronting ongoing challenges, forging ahead with hope as they tirelessly work to restore their communities. 

Good360 Impact Snapshot 

In the year since Hurricane Helene made landfall, Good360 has been committed to supporting the affected communities by partnering with local nonprofits on the ground. By distributing critically needed goods, we help ease the financial burden on families and empower our partners to focus their resources on long-term recovery programs. 

• Nearly $71 million in total value of donations distributed to assist communities 

• Approximately 426,000 total lives impacted 

• Partnered with 29 nonprofits in response to Hurricane Helene 

Empowering Communities Through Trusted Partnerships

Effective disaster recovery hinges on collaboration. At Good360, we believe in the power of working with trusted organizations that are deeply embedded in the communities they serve. These local partners understand the real, evolving needs on the ground and are best positioned to fill critical gaps, ensuring that the right goods get to the right people at the right time. 

Our work would not be possible without our incredible network of nonprofit partners who have been tirelessly serving their communities since day one. 

• Caring for Others, Inc. has been a beacon of hope, organizing numerous distribution events that have reached thousands of families across three states and twenty-six communities. Through their Caring Convoy initiative, with Good360’s support, they delivered vital truckloads of essential goods, offering comfort and relief to families who lost everything. Their compassionate work continues, steadfastly supporting those navigating difficult situations. 

• Hands in Service, Inc. has focused on rebuilding efforts in Hendersonville and Asheville, North Carolina. With donations of insulation, flooring, and dishwashers, they have supplied critical materials to help families return to their homes faster. Their work is a testament to how targeted, needs-based donations can accelerate the rebuilding process. 

• High Socks for Hope has actively supported recovery in North Carolina and Virginia, assisting dozens of households in refurnishing their homes. By providing essentials like mattresses, kitchenware, and cleaning supplies, they help restore a sense of normalcy and dignity for families piecing their lives back together. 

These are just a few examples of the incredible work being done every day. From Mission Christmas Inc. delivering supplies across 14 North Carolina counties to New Life Missions providing temporary shelter and building materials in Black Mountain, our partners are the heart of the recovery. Their dedication reminds us that true impact is achieved when we listen to and empower local leaders. 

Carolina Mountain Strong: A Community United 

This past weekend, on September 27th, the spirit of resilience was on full display in Burnsville, NC, at the Carolina Mountain Strong event. Commemorating the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, this gathering brought together community members and partners committed to ongoing recovery in Western North Carolina. 

As part of Mercy Chefs’ ongoing commitment, the event provided nourishing meals and much-needed encouragement to 1,500 families impacted by Helene and 500 first responders. The event was a powerful collaboration with Rebuilding Hollers. As a local Good360 partner, Rebuilding Hollers has been focused on restoring homes and critical infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene. Good360 was honored to support this day of recovery by providing home goods, small kitchen appliances, hygiene items, and children’s toys—ensuring that families feel supported as they rebuild their lives.

Moments like these remind us of the strength found in community and the collective impact we achieve when we come together with compassion and resolve. 

The Path Forward: A Commitment to Long-Term Recovery 

As we mark this one-year anniversary, we are reminded that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. The road ahead is long, especially for underserved communities that are disproportionately affected by disasters.

The need for rebuilding infrastructure, rehoming displaced families, and restoring livelihoods remains urgent. 

Good360 is dedicated to advancing long-term disaster recovery efforts across the country. Our path forward is guided by a deep commitment to collaboration, adaptability, and equity. Sustained support is essential to helping these communities not just rebuild, but build back stronger and more resilient than before. Together, we can continue to deliver hope and help families restore their lives with dignity. 

Link to Original Article: https://good360.org/general/one-year-after-hurricane-helene-the-long-road-to-recovery/