DISASTER RESOURCES
(THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION … ADDING AS RESOURCES BECOME AVAILABLE)
Artist Emergency Recovery - Money & Other Immediate Help
From Arts AVL -
WNC Creatives Needs Assessment Form - WNC Artists and Arts Organizations: WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU! Please let us know about your immediate and upcoming needs, so we can better support you.
$500 Emergency Grants - ArtsAVL launched an Emergency Relief Grant to meet the immediate needs of artists impacted by Hurricane Helene. The grant provides $500 relief stipends to arts professionals living in the 25 counties of Western NC impacted by Hurricane Helene. The grant is intended for individual artists working in craft, literary, media, performing, visual, and interdisciplinary arts. Click here to see full grant guidelines and apply.
Artist Disaster DIY Guide - Very simple, step-by-step guide from the amazing folks at Implement Legal. Including “6 Steps for Right Now” and links straight to what else you need to know/do.
FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program
This program includes disaster relief to artists and self-employed individuals.
FEMA Fact Sheet on Arts and Culture
Navigating Public Assistance for the Arts & Culture Sector video
View the application process
More FEMA Resources for NC
FEMA FAQ
NC Disaster Unemployment Assistance -
People in 25 counties have 60 days from October 1 to file an application for Disaster Unemployment Assistance at des.nc.gov. People in the above-listed counties who are unemployed as a direct result of Hurricane Helene may be eligible for unemployment benefits under the DUA program. Business owners and self-employed individuals affected by the storm may also qualify for benefits. The deadline to apply is December 2. DUA is available in these counties for weeks of unemployment effective Sept. 29, 2024, and may last for up to 26 weeks (or through March 29, 2025). Eligibility for DUA is determined weekly, and you must continue to be out of work as a direct result of the disaster each week to get unemployment benefits. Claims are filed through the DES website at des.nc.gov. If you are not able to file through the website, you can call the DUA Hotline at 919-629-3857 to apply for benefits.
NCAPER Rapid Damage Assessment Forms: If you were impacted or know artists and cultural institutions impacted for a disaster, please fill out one of the following rapid damage assessment forms.
With support from the Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF) and in collaboration with the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC), these new online assessment forms will help identify where assistance is sought, provide assistance where needed, understand critical needs, and inform recovery efforts moving forward. Learn more about these changes.
Disability and Disaster Hotline - The Partnership of Inclusive Disaster Strategy’s Disability & Disaster Hotline provides information, referrals, guidance, technical assistance and resources to people with disabilities, families, allies, and organizations assisting disaster impacted individuals with disabilities and others seeking assistance with immediate and urgent disaster-related needs. Led by disabled people, for disabled people before, during, and after disasters and emergencies. Open 24/7.
MusiCares Disaster Relief Grant - MusiCares offers an Emergency Financial Assistance Program providing financial grants for music people in crisis.
Mountain Bizworks Helene Business Recovery Fund - These loans will feature rapid loan decisions & funding and are designed to bridge to SBA, FEMA, insurance, or other long term recovery funding. Includes streamlined online application process, no credit score minimum, no closing costs or fees, no prepayment penalty.. Eligibility: For-profit established businesses, At least 6 months of operating history, Based in SBA-declared NC Helene disaster area, Fewer than 100 employees, Impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. Up to $100k loans with up to 6 year term, 1% rate and interest-only payments for the first 12 months and 6% rate with regular payments after year 1. Info.
NC
EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDS FOR ARTISTS/Businesses Generally
NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund - The NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund that is being run through the North Carolina Arts Foundation to provide funding and assistance to artists and arts organizations affected by Hurricane Helene. This fund is currently only taking donations. DONATE NOW When you donate enter the word “RELIEF” in the description for your gift. The grant application and disbursement process is currently being designed. If you would like to receive details about applying for assistance as soon as they become available, please fill out the Information Request Form.
WNC STRONG - REBUILDING TOGETHER GRANT FUND - Grant fund coming soon, taking donations now.
Craft Futures Fund - The Center for Craft is reactivating the Craft Futures Fund grant program for emergency relief so that we may direct essential resources to support and care for the artists and community of Western North Carolina. DONATE.
Check back for further details.
CERF - Craft Emergency Relief Grants - CERF+ can help you get back to doing what you do best. CERF+ offers $3,000 Emergency Relief Grants to craft artists who experienced a recent and substantially disruptive emergency or disaster. CERF+ Guidelines on what constitutes “craft” and other eligibility issues.
Gottlieb Foundation - Funding is available to painters, printmakers, or sculptors who have been working for at least 10 years and have recently undergone an unforeseen catastrophic event, such as a fire, flood, or medical emergency.
National Independent Venue Association is offering relief grants for arts venues and promoters.
Entertainment Community Fund offers emergency grants for performing artists of all types.
Have questions? Don’t know where to start? These organizations provide free consultations with people who can help you navigate these resources and provide general business counseling.
LEGAL SUPPORT
Pro Bono Legal Services from Implement Legal - Implement Legal is offering pro bono legal services to artists and arts institutions impacted by the disaster. Things we can do: FEMA claims, Insurance claims, Government benefits, Consignment issues, Document replacement, Income protection. Landlord/tenant and real property issues. School enrollment for displaced families, and advice on all other matters related to home, studio, equipment, and income. If you need help, please fill out the form below. Implement Legal Services Inquiry Form>>
Pisgah Legal Services - Pisgah Legal Services is built to help folks through hard times, as we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of people will again be depending on us for essential aid that includes, but is not limited to: housing assistance (for both renters and homeowners), health insurance and Medicaid, disaster employment benefits, consumer scams and applying for FEMA assistance and other local and/or state aid. Reach out/apply.
Legal Aid of NC - Legal Aid of North Carolina can help immediately after the storm: Provide survivors with information about their rights, Answer questions about insurance and claims, Advocate for people when they are applying for recovery fund assistance and appealing decisions, Benefits and Appeals / FEMA. Access assistance. Appeal decisions, Recoupment, etc. They encourage you to call the Legal Aid NC Helpline at (866) 219-5262 to learn more about how we may be able to assist you with disaster recovery. Find additional help online at www.legalaidnc.org/get-help
SMALL BUSINESS CONSULTATIONS
These organizations offer free small business one-on-one consultations on issues such as unemployment, SBA loans, options for small businesses moving forward and more:
SBTDC - The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) has helped North Carolina businesses grow and create new jobs since 1984. We provide management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses. Most of our services are free of charge, and all are confidential. By providing entrepreneurs with the tools they need to build and grow successful businesses, the SBTDC positively impacts NC’s economy.
Small Business Center Network - Most community colleges have Small Business Centers, including Buncombe’s office at A-B Tech. Check in to see when they reopen for business.
EDPNC Small Business Advisers - Our team is ready to answer your questions about business licensing and permitting, legal structures, forms, tax requirements, financing resources, and more. They are a great first stop in learning about NC government programs and rules. Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. PHONE 800.228.8443 Or EMAIL
sbadvisors@edpnc.com.
FEMA 24/7 Counseling - Call or text the Disaster Distress Hotline at 800-985-5990 for immediate help and support.
LIST OF WNC Pro Bono Health Providers - To help meet the need for mental health services, the the National Association of Social Workers North Carolina in conjunction with the NC Psychological Association, North Carolina Psychiatric Association, the National Register of Health Service Psychologists, the NC Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and the Licensed Clinical Counselors of North Carolina has complied a list of mental health providers willing to offer free or sliding-scale fees for individuals affected by the hurricane.
NAMI Helpline - NAMI NC provides mental health advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families can build better lives. Everyone who needs help or seeks help deserves to receive it. The NAMI NC Helpline is here to provide helpful resources and a compassionate ear. Call 800-451-9682 or Text 919-999-6527. Email: helpline@naminc.org. Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm. You can also check out the above link for additional resources and information about mental health.
Art Conservation - How to save your damaged artwork
“Save your Treasures” guidance from NC Humanaties.
Members of the public and individual artists who have questions about saving family heirlooms and personal collections can email the National Heritage Responders at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org.
Contact the Cultural Resources Emergency Support Team who helps provide technical assistance, assessments, and recovery for North Carolina’s museum and archival collections in the aftermath of disaster.
Replacement of Lost Instruments - ReString Appalachia is an initiative from American Songcatcher supported by over 125 musicians, festivals, venues, artists, actors, non-profits and media outlets to give the gift of music back to Appalachia. Info to apply for instruments. Info to donate instruments.
ARTS ORGANIZATION EMERGENCY RELIEF
Appalachian Funders Network Helene Response Fund - Taking donations. Support coming.
More coming ….