State Auditor Jessica N. Holmes on Western North Carolina

My thoughts & prayers go out to everyone impacted by catastrophic Hurricane Helene. The Office of the State Auditor has been in close contact with our Asheville office staff and are grateful to share that they are all safe and with their families.

Raleigh, N.C.

Oct 1, 2024

My thoughts & prayers go out to everyone impacted by catastrophic Hurricane Helene. The Office of the State Auditor has been in close contact with our Asheville office staff and are grateful to share that they are all safe and with their families.

As State Auditor, know that OSA will work vigorously to ensure that state and federal relief funds are properly distributed and that programs to support the victims are operating efficiently and effectively. We will follow the money and make sure it gets to the people and places in need. As someone born and raised in Eastern North Carolina, I know what it's like to lose everything due to flooding and to try to sweep flood water out of my home.

I extend my personal gratitude to the first responders, transportation workers, line workers, and volunteers from across North Carolina, many of whom are working around the clock to save lives and bring back vital infrastructure and resources to the area.

Western NC residents in need of water, food, and shelter are encouraged to call 211, a free phone-based referral service operated by United Way. This number can also be used for questions about roadways or other general non-emergency information.

Governor Cooper is on the ground in Western North Carolina. I have full confidence that he and his team are doing all they can to bring much needed support to Western North Carolina. His office has partnered with United Way to establish a disaster relief fund. If you are able, donations can be made online at nc.gov/donate

I encourage North Carolinians in joining the Governor's office and OSA in being as helpful as possible. This includes avoiding all non-emergency travel to Western North Carolina. Avoiding travel allows Transportation and emergency personnel the ability to carry out their recovery operations and prevents more lives being put in harm's way.

Jessica N. Holmes, J.D., State Auditor

[email protected]

(919) 807-7666