UPDATE 10/16 -- 911 is now the sole number to call to register a missing persons report. 211 will redirect callers to 911 if they call them to make that report.
In a story published by WLOS on Saturday, Oct 12, 2024, reporters announced that FEMA will be taking over management of missing persons. In the article they named that there are multiple lists being managed by Asheville Police, Buncombe County and United Way.
The "United Way" being referred to in the article is United Way of NC.
United Way of NC operates NC 211, a statewide information and referral call center that, during statewide disasters, is called up by the Governor as a "non-emergency hotline".
United Way of NC and NC 211 staff ensure that the information that they receive from across a disaster zone is funneled to the appropriate local authorities, throughout the region. To request a welfare check or report a missing person, text PERSON to 40403. This will add the person to search and rescue efforts.
We wanted to clarify this important distinction for our community as United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, nor any other United Way in the regions impacted by Helene are involved with maintaining any missing persons lists at the local level.
We are all praying that every person in our communities across the region is found safe.
