Calling NC 211 after Helene passes: Lifeline helps with disaster response, resources

NC 211 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina and supported by local United Ways and public and private partners

North Carolina leaders mentioned the service as the western part of the state deals with flooding, no water, no power and no cell service in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

By calling 211 or visiting nc211.org, families and individuals can obtain free and confidential information on health and human services and resources in their community.

People trying to connect with family members can call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state. People can also call those numbers to report missing loved ones.

When an someone calls 211, a trained call specialist conducts a search based on the caller’s location to identify resources that meet the caller’s needs.

In addition to contact information for the resource, call specialists provide eligibility requirements, intake process information, hours of operation, any requirements for appointments and accessibility information, when available.

Red Cross also offers assistance

Red Cross Reunification teams are working as quickly as they can to make these connections. Please fill out the form for the state where the person lives that you are looking for, and provide as much detail as you can to assist us in potentially locating your missing loved one.

What roll does NC 211 play in the event of a disaster?

NC 211 is a member of the State Emergency Response Team and is part of the State’s Emergency Plan. In the event of a natural or public disaster, NC 211 serves as a public information portal providing residents with real-time information and resources related to the disaster.

Caller needs are also tracked to provide emergency managers with information on trends and situations that residents are facing. NC 211 call centers handled nearly 13,000 calls during Hurricane Matthew, more than 28,000 calls during Hurricane Florence, and 70,000 calls to date during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit the United Way’s website for more information.

How else can you help?

From donations to food drives, there are several ways North Carolinians can do to help western NC residents during Helene's aftermath.

Click or tap here to learn how you can provide assistance.

Facebook crisis response

If someone has cell service or internet service, they can mark themselves safe on Facebook using the social media platform's Crisis Response service.

Facebook's Crisis Response lets people affected by crises tell friends they're safe, find or offer help and get the latest news and information.