Eastern NC's rebuilding efforts receive $200,000 from Duke Energy

RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy is giving $200,000 to seven nonprofit organizations in eastern North Carolina to help with rebuilding efforts in the wake of Hurricane Matthew last fall.  

On Oct. 8, 2016, the hurricane hit the Carolinas as a Category 1 storm with North Carolina experiencing a total of 1.2 million power outages. At the peak of the storm, 12 counties in eastern North Carolina had 90 percent or more of their customers without power.

"Our neighbors in eastern North Carolina are still navigating through the destruction left by Hurricane Matthew," said David Fountain, Duke Energy's North Carolina president. "Nonprofit organizations are vital to helping families get back on their feet. Recovery and rebuilding efforts will take time, and Duke Energy is here to support these communities, not only in the days after the storm but also through the long haul."

In the wake of the storm, Duke Energy gave $100,000 to the Red Cross, with Piedmont Natural Gas, a Duke Energy business unit, giving another $25,000. Both donations went to disaster relief efforts in North Carolina, including support for more than 60 shelters that were set up in the eastern region.

New grants

North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund is receiving $50,000 as a 90-day challenge grant to support recovery efforts related to Hurricane Matthew. Individual donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Duke Energy Foundation up to $50,000. Those wishing to make a donation to the recovery efforts in eastern North Carolina can visit http://www.nccommunityfoundation.org/giving. Donations can be made online or by check. Please indicate that it's for "Disaster Relief."

NCCF is the single statewide community foundation serving North Carolina and has made $116 million in grants since its inception in 1988. Its Disaster Relief Fund was established to support mid- to long-term unmet needs.

Other organizations receiving grants are the following:

The Gate of Lenoir County – $5,000 to help flood-stricken families meet basic needs by providing meals and clean clothes. The grant will also help with counseling and educational services.  

United Way of the Cape Fear Area – $30,000 to support recovery efforts in Columbus County, including assisting with cleaning homes and restocking supplies and responding to other immediate needs. United Way is serving as the regional coordinating agency to support nonprofit recovery and rebuilding efforts.

United Way of Lenoir and Greene Counties – $20,000 to assist organizations helping families affected by the hurricane. United Way is working with community leaders and others to ensure donations are not duplicative and address areas with the greatest needs.  

United Way of Robeson County – $50,000 to distribute among three funds:

• $20,000 to the city of Lumberton's Disaster Relief Fund to assist those experiencing the greatest needs, including those displaced from their homes. Approximately 20 percent of Lumberton's residents were displaced.
• $20,000 to the Robeson County Disaster Relief Fund to assist a large portion of the remaining 600 families who lost their homes and possessions during the hurricane.
• $10,000 to the United Way of Robeson County Disaster Fund to expand support to individuals and families transitioning from temporary shelters and motels to permanent housing or moving back into their homes.

United Way of Wayne County – $25,000 to assist with rebuilding and recovery services. The county still has nearly 200 individuals who have not returned to their permanent residence. More than 6,000 FEMA claims have been filed by county residents.

Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry (WARM) – $20,000 to purchase supplies and coordinate volunteers needed in Pender County. WARM has identified 12 family residences with displaced children ready for immediate assistance. The homes have been gutted and are prepared for rebuilding.

"This grant will provide critical home repair services to the victims of Hurricane Matthew and get these families back in their homes faster," said Jeannie Cariker "JC" Skane, executive director of WARM. "The funds will be used to overcome barriers, such as meeting federal emergency requirements that are not currently funded by other grant programs." 

All grants are from the Duke Energy Foundation, which is funded by shareholder dollars.

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. The Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts. The Foundation's education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture.

Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders at a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on its legacy of community service. For more information, visit http://www.duke-energy.com/foundation.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at http://duke-energy.com. 

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Contact: Meghan Miles
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_MeghanM 

SOURCE Duke Energy

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