UNC System offers support to storm-impacted western campuses

The UNC System is working closely with leaders at Appalachian State University, University of North Carolina Asheville and Western Carolina University, as well as the North Carolina Arboretum and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics-Morganton, to provide aid and support in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Support for campuses in the western part of the state has poured in from across the UNC System, with additional staff and supplies being deployed to affected institutions.

“Our emergency response was underway even before the storm hit,” said UNC System President Peter Hans. “I want to especially thank the campuses across our state that have provided mutual aid and much-needed support to their sister universities in the mountains. The scale of this disaster is tremendous, and the recovery is going to be long and difficult.”

UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee H. Roberts wrote a message to campus Monday morning about the University’s efforts.

“Serving others is part of who we are, and there will be many ways you can contribute to the effort,” Roberts wrote. “We will come together with those affected to support them in getting through the immediate and long-term impacts of this natural disaster.”

In the past few days, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and Winston-Salem State University sent emergency managers and law enforcement personnel to UNC Asheville to assist with recovery operations. NC State University sent a team of student affairs professionals, counselors, and facilities crews and equipment. East Carolina University sent two food trucks that have given Bulldogs staff and students hot, nutritious meals. The System Office has deployed IT experts to UNCA to work with MCNC on restoring internet service.

Support teams from North Carolina Central University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of North Carolina at Pembroke and University of North Carolina Wilmington are scheduled to assist UNC Asheville throughout this week and next.

To support App State, UNC-Chapel Hill sent an environmental safety team to help assess facility concerns. All UNC System institutions will provide mental health support to any displaced students, as well as other aid to western institutions in the coming days and weeks.

Classes remain suspended at Appalachian State, NCSSM-Morganton, UNC Asheville and Western Carolina as those communities work to restore basic services. Students are safe and being provided with food and water, though communications in many places remain limited. First responders continue to work to clear roadways and restore infrastructure in surrounding areas.

The affected universities are already collecting funds to aid students, faculty and staff directly impacted by the storm, and they’ll be working with local agencies to coordinate volunteer opportunities and serve the wider region.

“I want to thank the faculty and staff who have worked tirelessly since last week to keep our students safe and provide aid to surrounding communities,” said UNC Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy. “I’m heartbroken for those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods to Hurricane Helene. We will get through this together, and the UNC System will always support the mountain towns that have long been home to our universities.”

How to help:

• Appalachian State University Disaster Relief Fund
• North Carolina Arboretum giving website (Select “The ONE Fund” designation)
• NCSSM-Morganton Helene Recovery Fund
• UNC Asheville giving website (Select “UNC Asheville Fund” designation)
• Western Carolina University Emergency Fund
• North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund

Read the release from the UNC System.