In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, Wells Fargo has pledged more than $1 million to address urgent community needs, including shelter, supplies, and ongoing support for residents affected by the storm. This funding will be allocated to the American Red Cross and several local nonprofits, such as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Central Carolina Community Foundation, United Way of the CSRA, North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, and Volunteer Florida through the Florida Disaster Fund. These organizations are crucial in strengthening their capacity to assist those impacted or displaced by the hurricane.
Darlene Goins, president of the Wells Fargo Foundation, emphasized the importance of collective efforts for recovery. “With the widespread destruction brought by Hurricane Helene, we need to come together to help communities recover,” she stated. The donation aims to replenish resources for relief organizations already mobilized on the ground, serving families, individuals, and small businesses during this emotional time. Wells Fargo plans to continue monitoring the hardest-hit areas to identify opportunities for long-term support.
In addition to the $1 million donation, Wells Fargo contributes annually to Team Rubicon’s Ready Reserve Fund, enabling its volunteers to respond quickly to disaster-affected communities. Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization actively involved in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, focusing on route clearance, debris removal, roof tarping, mucking out flooded homes, and other critical support tasks.
Wells Fargo customers can also participate in relief efforts by donating to the American Red Cross at Wells Fargo ATMs nationwide (excluding Washington, D.C.) until October 16, 2024. There are no fees associated with this service, and 100% of the donations go directly to the nonprofit. Customers can also donate through the American Red Cross website at redcross.org.
To further support employees, Wells Fargo offers the We Care Fund, which provides financial grants to employees facing unforeseen expenses due to disaster or financial hardships.
For customer support, Wells Fargo encourages those affected by the hurricane to reach out for assistance. Customers can call 1-800-219-9739 to discuss their financial needs. Commercial account customers are advised to contact their relationship manager or client service officer directly. They can also call Global Treasury Management Services at 1-800-AT-WELLS (1-800-289-3557).