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.
The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for
journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and
videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online
destination for stories about remarkable people, innovations, and
community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into
the past and insights into the future of energy.
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Facebook.
Contact: Meghan Miles
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_MeghanM
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SOURCE Duke Energy