We are heartbroken by the devastation and loss of life caused by Hurricane Helene, which has ravaged Southeast North Carolina and other parts of the Southeast. With more than 190 lives lost—over half of them in North Carolina—this disaster has left a trail of destruction that will forever change our communities. Entire neighborhoods have been wiped out by the fast-moving floodwaters, and hundreds of individuals remain missing. The pain is immense as families struggle to cope with this overwhelming tragedy, while authorities work to identify the dead.
Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones and those still anxiously awaiting news of missing relatives. The small businesses and communities served by Alliance members have been especially hard-hit. Many of these businesses, which have long been the backbone of their local economies, now face unimaginable challenges.
The floodwaters have not only destroyed physical storefronts but also shattered the livelihoods of countless entrepreneurs who provide essential goods, services, and jobs across Southeast North Carolina. As extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene become more frequent and severe, they further stress already inadequate housing, infrastructure, and health resources in our most vulnerable communities. This devastation underscores the urgent need to address climate change and its disproportionate effects on disadvantaged populations, while also highlighting the importance of access to capital, financial literacy, and resources that can help businesses build resilience in times of crisis.
Alliance members have long been committed to serving the most vulnerable communities, and now, more than ever, we are standing with them. As the full extent of Hurricane Helene’s impact continues to unfold, we call on all sectors to unite in supporting the people and businesses of Southeast North Carolina.
We remain resolute in our commitment to uplifting these communities. If you have been affected by the storm and need shelter or assistance, here’s a list of shelters. If you were impacted and reside in one of the impacted counties, you can now apply for assistance with FEMA by visiting disasterassistance.gov.
If you want to support those impacted, please visit disasterassistance.gov.
Be Steadfast!
Lenwood V. Long, Sr.
Chief Executive Officer
African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
