Duke Energy Foundation Allocates $500,000 for Hurricane Recovery in North Carolina
In a significant move to support recovery efforts in western North Carolina following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, the Duke Energy Foundation has announced $500,000 in grants allocated to 20 local nonprofits. These funds are aimed at addressing essential community needs as residents rebuild their lives and infrastructure.
Funding Breakdown
The foundation's initiative will provide $25,000 grants to each selected nonprofit. The organizations are tasked with meeting a range of pressing community needs including:
- - Home and infrastructure rebuilding: Helping families repair or build new homes and restore crucial community infrastructure.
- - Storm debris removal: Assisting property owners in clearing away debris left in the hurricane's wake, particularly for those who do not qualify for traditional disaster assistance programs.
- - Mental health services: Addressing the psychological effects of the storm and providing support for those coping with loss and trauma.
One notable recipient, the Mountain Strong Yancey and Mitchell County Relief Team, played a vital role post-storm by establishing a field hospital. They are now focusing on long-term community needs, such as repairing access roads damaged by flooding. Carol Tyler, the group's president, emphasized the essential nature of infrastructure in ensuring residents can reach vital services like grocery stores and medical clinics. "Reliable infrastructure is the backbone of a resilient community," she stated.
Another grant recipient, Asheville-based GreenWorks, is stepping in to assist homeowners unable to clean up their properties due to a lack of resources. Eric Bradford, the director of operations at GreenWorks, noted, "Duke Energy's support will help fill that gap and meet the needs of many residents who suffered damage from Hurricane Helene."
Continuing Commitment
As the region continues to recover six months post-Hurricane Helene, Duke Energy remains committed to rebuilding infrastructure and ensuring the reliability of the electric grid. Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina president, expressed admiration for the resilience and teamwork displayed by the mountain communities.
"In the face of Helene's historic damage, we have been in awe of the resilience and teamwork of our mountain communities," Bowman said. He reassured that the company would keep working alongside nonprofit partners to assist with recovery efforts.
List of Grant Recipients
The following organizations received $25,000 grants:
- - All Souls Counseling Center
- - Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity
- - Asheville Greenworks
- - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina
- - Camp Grier
- - Community Housing Coalition of Madison County
- - Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina
- - Friends of the Land of Sky Regional Council
- - Haywood Waterways Association
- - Henderson Housing Assistance Corporation
- - Mountain Aid Project
- - Mountain Housing Opportunities
- - Mountain Strong Yancey & Mitchell County Relief Team
- - Riverlink
- - Rutherford Housing Partnership
- - Transylvania Habitat for Humanity
- - United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County
- - United Way of Haywood County
- - Western Carolina Rescue Ministries
- - YMCA of Western North Carolina
About Duke Energy
Duke Energy, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of America's largest energy holding companies, serving over 8.4 million customers across multiple states. The Duke Energy Foundation annually provides over $30 million in philanthropic support aimed at meeting the diverse needs of communities within its service region. As part of its commitment to sustainability, the company is heavily investing in cleaner energy solutions and infrastructure modernization. For more information, visit
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