Harrelson Center, New Hanover Disaster Coalition and NHC Emergency Management collaborate to assure humanitarian services after disaster
Just in time for the start of the 2025 hurricane season, the Harrelson Center, Wilmington’s campus of humanitarian nonprofits, has installed an industrial generator to serve New Hanover County’s faith and nonprofit communities in the event of a disaster. The generator’s 150kW will power the Center’s Vicki Dull Annex, including the 8k sq ft Plaza on Princess, allowing it to serve as a disaster coalition response center for faith-based and nonprofit organizations active in response and recovery. The New Hanover Disaster Coalition (NHDC) has a dedicated seat in New Hanover County’s emergency operations center and will coordinate the disaster response center at the Harrelson Center.
“This has been our vision since 2018 when the Harrelson Center served as a clearinghouse and connector for the many faith communities and nonprofits that worked together to support our community in the wake of Hurricane Florence,” said the Harrelson Center’s Executive Director Meade Van Pelt. The Harrelson Center, United Way of the Cape Fear Area and others established the NHDC in the wake of Hurricane Florence to better coordinate response and recovery. Today, the NHDC is a program of United Way of the Cape Fear.
About the Harrelson Center
The Harrelson Center is Wilmington, North Carolina’s campus for non-profit organizations. Founded in 2008, its mission is to advance, connect, and empower an integrated humanitarian nonprofit community. The Harrelson Center provides administrative resources and below-market rates for office suites fostering greater operational stability for its partner non-profit organizations. By sharing common ground and common purpose, the organizations at The Harrelson Center enjoy certain synergy in service, networking, volunteer recruitment, marketing and educational opportunities. The Harrelson Center has 21 on-campus partners and 20 off-campus associate partners with which it closely collaborates.
About the New Hanover Disaster Coalition:
The New Hanover Disaster Coalition’s mission is to connect residents with resources for disaster readiness, response, and recovery. They aim to build a more resilient community by educating residents on preparedness and improving community capacity in areas like donation and volunteer management, and communication planning. The NHDC is an inclusive coalition of community leaders, faith groups, nonprofits, and individuals dedicated to supporting all New Hanover County residents affected by disasters.