Responding to Hurricane Helene
Across Western North Carolina, our students, faculty, staff and communities face significant challenges as they recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Here’s where you can find relief resources if you need them and how to support our relief efforts if you’re able. Photo Credit: Emily Thomas/EdNC
Give to Our Hurricane Relief FundHurricane Helene impacted nearly 74,000 NC Community College students and more than 6,000 faculty and staff. Colleges are currently working to support their communities, with many serving as emergency response locations while also working to reestablish campus operations.
The System is working with the Governor’s office, the Department of Public Safety/Emergency Management, and the General Assembly leadership regarding the hurricane’s impacts.
Relief Resources
Photo Credit: Emily Thomas/EdNC
Students
Your individual community college’s website and social media will have the most up-to-date information at this time. If you need help getting in touch with someone from your campus, use our college locator tool to find contact information quickly.
Businesses
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides disaster assistance to homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. Learn more about SBA loans and eligibility here.
If you're unable to work due to the disaster, you may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), even if you don't qualify for regular unemployment benefits. Apply here.
For personalized recovery support, connect with your local NC Community College Small Business Center to speak with a Business Counselor in your area.
Colleges
If your campus or off-campus instructional site has been impacted and you need to relocate instruction to another physical location or online, you can submit an Emergency Temporary Relocation of Instruction request to SACSCOC.
Refer to the Emergency Temporary Relocation of Instruction policy and address the six numbered items in a brief narrative. It is suggested to initially request up to 120 days (notification only required). If more time is needed, a follow-up request can be submitted for up to one year, which requires approval from the SACSCOC Board of Trustees.
You do not have to submit a request if your relocation will last less than two weeks.
Photo Credit: Emily Thomas/EdNC
