Support Tropical Storm Helene Relief Efforts

Dear GBA and 24^th Judicial District Members,

As many of you are aware, Tropical Storm Helene has left a devastating impact on our neighbors in the western North Carolina region. In times like these, the Association’s commitment to service becomes even more vital. Our community needs us, and I know we are uniquely positioned to help. The Greensboro Bar Association Foundation will be meeting in the coming weeks to determine what, if any, financial support we can provide for the legal community in western North Carolina.

In response to the disaster, groups throughout North Carolina have organized several initiatives to support relief efforts and this is how we can help.

1. Resources for Survivors of Tropical Storm Helene: While this list of resources is in no way exhaustive, please share this information with friends, family, and colleagues in western North Carolina who are experiencing any effects from Helene.

• North Carolina State Board of Elections: Election Day is approaching, with early voting beginning on October 17^th in North Carolina. The NCSBE has created a website with helpful links to assist North Carolinians to exercise their right to vote in the 2024 national, state, and local elections. Displaced North Carolinians may request an absentee ballot here.
• Disability Rights North Carolina: The Disaster Distress Hotline is a toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service that is available to all residents of the USA and US territories who are experiencing emotional distress related ton natural or human-caused disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
• Pisgah Legal Services: FEMA Assistance Clinics
• Legal Aid of North Carolina: Online resources are located on their Tropical Storm Helene Disaster Assistance website. Services include, but not limited to, assistance in applying for FEMA aid, Disaster unemployment assistance, and long-term support. Individuals may also contact the NC Disaster Legal Services Hotline 1-866-219-5262.
• NC Disaster Legal Services Hotline: The primary hotline number to call for pro bono services for survivors of Tropical Storm Helene. Call 1-866-219-5262.
• NC Lawyers Assistance Program: The NC LAP is available to assist lawyers, judges, and law students who have been affected by Tropical Storm Helene and who need assistance with stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse issues, or any other mental health concern. All calls are completely confidential. If you or a colleague needs assistance, please call the NC LAP office at 919-719-9267.
• Lawyers Mutual Disaster Planning and Recovery Guide
• Western NC Helene Resource Guide
• North Carolina Department of Public Safety: Resources and information from the Department of Emergency Management.
• Youth Focus of North Carolina: Support group for college students displaced by Tropical Storm Helene to the Triad.

2. Pro Bono Legal Assistance: Many families and individuals will require legal support as they navigate issues like insurance claims, housing, and access to public benefits. If you are able, please consider volunteering your time for pro bono legal services. We will coordinate with local relief organizations to connect members of the community with the help they need.

• In conjunction with FEMA, the ABA Young Lawyers Division, the NC Pro Bono Resource Center, and Legal Aid of NC, the NC Disaster Legal Services Hotline is live to provide pro bono services for survivors of Tropical Storm Helene (1-866-219-5262). To sign up to volunteer pro bono services, fill out the volunteer form HERE.
• North Carolina State Bar: The State Bar has established a Disaster Response Team. While the NCSB cannot engage in direct aid to the victims of the disaster, the NCSB can support the organizations that are providing emergency legal services to victims. In addition, the State Bar can provide guidance, support, and resources to the lawyers who are dealing with lost or destroyed files, damaged law offices, court delays/suspensions, and generally disrupted law practices.
• NC Supreme Court Order Allowing Non-NC Lawyers to Provide Pro Bono Legal Services to Helene Victims and Amendment to Rule .0905
• North Carolina State Bar: Pro Bono Legal Services for Non-NC Lawyers Procedure
• North Carolina Judicial Branch: Court Closings and Advisories

3. Donation Drives: Several local businesses and non-profits are serving as collection points to gather essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and non-perishable food. Below is a list of items that are needed by relief groups in western North Carolina.

• What to donate: baby formula, baby wipes, bottle water, cleaning supplies, diapers (adult and children), feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizer, heavy duty work gloves, hydration packs (powder form), manual can openers, non-perishable food, pet food (dog and cat), plastic sheets and tarps, sanitizer wipes, socks, sport drinks and power packets, toiletries, toothpaste, trash bags (13+ gallon size), bug spray, sunscreen, cleaning supplies, socks (all sizes, unopened), batteries, battery operated lamps.
• Where to donate locally: YMCA of Greensboro (all locations), Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, Joymongers Beer, Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Northern Roots Coffee House, Chandler’s, Hidden Gate Brewing, Terra Blue & Boho Blu, The View, and many more!

4. Financial Contributions: For those who may not be able to provide direct legal assistance or donations, financial contributions to organizations like the Red Cross, local food banks, or disaster relief funds are also an excellent way to make an immediate impact. Please remember that this list is not exhaustive but please ensure your financial contributions are in fact going to assist our neighbors in western North Carolina.

• American Red Cross
• Pisgah Legal Services: Hurricane Recovery Fund
• Legal Aid of North Carolina Disaster Relief Efforts
• North Car0lina Bar Foundation Disaster Legal Services Fund
• Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC: Virtual Food Drive

Together, we can make a difference in helping our neighbors recover from this disaster. Let’s show once again that the legal profession is a force for good in our community, committed to service when it matters most.

Thank you for your generosity and continued dedication to service.

Sincerely,

Manisha P. Patel

President, Greensboro Bar Association

President, 24^th Judicial District of North Carolina