Helene
Community Day of Action
Wake Forest hosted a Community Day of Action in service of Hurricane Helene relief on Saturday, Nov. 16. Wake Foresters supported area nonprofits, including Second Harvest Food Bank, the Forsyth County Humane Society and the local diaper bank, as well as the N.C. Disaster Relief Fund.
- One-of-a-kind Wake Forest “Mountain Strong/Show Humanitate” T-shirts are still available through The Graphic Cow Company for $35. A portion of the proceeds will support the N.C. Disaster Relief Fund. Shirts can be ordered through Dec. 1.
- Donate directly to the N.C. Disaster Relief Fund here.
How to help
Visit this page to learn about Wake Forest-organized relief efforts and to find a list of local and national relief organizations and how to contact them.
Let us know
Share response efforts by your department, school or student organization/group in this form.
Contacted by another school asking for assistance? Coordinate with Julia Jackson-Newsom.
Financial support
The Chaplain’s Emergency Fund supports faculty, staff and students experiencing financial hardship. Ask for help or give to help others. Also, emergency scholarship grants are available through Student Financial Aid. Apply through Nov. 18.
From the President
“We recognize that many members of the Wake Forest family — our students, faculty, staff, alumni and their loved ones — are facing tremendous challenges in the storm’s aftermath,” said President Susan R. Wente. “Our hearts are with all those affected by this disaster as they work to recover and rebuild.”
Tribute
The Wake Forest marching band joined with NC State’s band on Oct. 5 to play “Amazing Grace” in tribute to those impacted by Helene. TODAY’s Hoda Kotb shared this video, ABC’s World News with David Muir also featured this clip, and it was highlighted in this story by Southern Living magazine.
Outreach to students
Campus Life has reached out to students whose families may have been affected by the hurricane. The effort was led by Matt Clifford, the associate vice president for Campus Life and dean of students, and Assistant Dean of Students, Community Response and Caring Outreach Zakiyyah Niang.
“Our students are feeling the weight of this disaster,” Niang said. “They’re not just worried about the present situation; they’re anxious about the lasting effects on their loved ones and communities. We are doing everything we can to provide help through University channels, and it’s reassuring to hear that many are finding comfort in the solidarity of their fellow students.”
Students who need help can reach out through We Are Wake.
Academic impact
Faculty and staff have been encouraged to extend grace, flexibility and understanding to the many impacted students. Undergraduate students are encouraged to find academic support through the Office of Academic Advising.
Messages:
- Oct. 17: How we ‘Show Humanitate’
- Sept. 30: Embracing Pro Humanitate after Helene
- Sept. 29: Supporting our students and community after Hurricane Helene
Campus Resources
The University is prepared to provide assistance to those coping with disasters:
We Are Wake:
336-758-CARE (2273)
we.wfu.edu
In addition:
- Office of the Chaplain (336.758.5210)
- Office of the Dean of Students (336.758.5226)
- University Counseling Center (336.758.5273)
- Students may find peer support through affinity and support centers.
- Faculty and Staff:
- Employee Assistance Program (336-716-5493, confidential)
- Human Resources (336-758-4700)
- Parents: Office of Family Engagement
- Alumni: Office of Alumni Engagement