close
close

Yiamastaverna

Trusted News & Timely Insights

How to help survivors of Hurricane Helene
Duluth

How to help survivors of Hurricane Helene

The remains of Roys after Hurricane Helene in Steinhatchee, Florida, on September 27, 2024. Photo credit – Sean Rayford – Getty Images

NAt least 100 people died in at least six states as a result of Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm that left a path of destruction as it ripped through the Southeast in recent days. Rescue efforts are underway in North Carolina as hundreds of people remain missing and regions including the city of Asheville, where at least 30 people died, remain without power. In Florida, where Hurricane Helene first made landfall, power has been restored in 99% of the state, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis; and Florida’s National Guard was authorized to send resources to North Carolina.

As pictures and videos of the aftermath make the rounds, many are looking for ways to help. FEMA said that while many people make well-intentioned donations of goods, providing cash to vetted relief organizations is the best way to help after a natural disaster. According to FEMA: “Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often purchase in bulk at discounts, and, when possible, purchase through businesses near the disaster area, supporting economic recovery.”

Here are some organizations supporting relief efforts:

The national voluntary organizations that are active in the event of a disaster

The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) helps bring nonprofits together during disasters. The organization is currently seeking monetary donations to state VOAD chapters in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.

North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is encouraging donations to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, established to help residents recover from the damage. The funds are administered by United Way of North Carolina. The money will go to nonprofit organizations that address the immediate needs of storm victims as well as cleanup and emergency relief.

All hands and hearts

All Hands and Hearts, an organization founded in response to the 2015 Nepal earthquake, aims to address the immediate and long-term needs of areas struck by natural disasters. The organization is launching a 12-month response to Hurricane Helene and hopes to raise $2 million to support long-term recovery.

American Red Cross

Nearly 1,400 Red Cross disaster responders are deployed to assist with disaster relief, and more are on the way. The organization is working with partners to open and support hundreds of shelters for thousands of people who have evacuated their homes, and to provide meals and supplies to affected communities.

The organization is also encouraging unaffected communities to donate blood, as the storm caused numerous blood drives to be canceled across Georgia and the Carolinas.

World Central Kitchen

Chef José Andrés’ nonprofit global food relief organization World Central Kitchen began serving meals less than 12 hours after Helene landed in Steinhatchee, Florida, a city hit hard by Helene. They have teams in four states serving meals and assessing the food needs of local communities. You can donate here.

Save the children

Save the Children is working with local organizations in Florida to support children and families hit hard by the hurricane. The organization works to provide hygiene kits, diapers and baby wipes, as well as classroom cleaning kits for schools and daycare centers. Save the Children also works with community partners to support the recovery of childcare and early learning centers and to provide mental health support to children and carers.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army Rapid Response Team began mobilizing Friday morning to provide meals in Florida. The organization plans to continue its relief efforts beyond the initial emergency response – with the goal of providing emotional and spiritual support to survivors and first responders as they recover.

Write to Simmone Shah at [email protected].

LEAVE A RESPONSE

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *