Hurricane Helene, a category 4 storm, has caused devastation across the Southeast, resulting in nearly 100 deaths in six states. Rescue operations are ongoing in North Carolina, where hundreds remain unaccounted for, and regions including Asheville, where at least 30 fatalities occurred, are without power. While Florida, where Helene initially made landfall, has restored power to 99% of the state according to Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida National Guard has been deployed to assist North Carolina.
As images of the aftermath circulate, many seek ways to assist. FEMA recommends that monetary donations to verified relief organizations are the most effective way to help after a natural disaster. FEMA explains that “Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which supports economic recovery.”
Here are some organizations engaged in relief efforts:
The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) works to unite community-serving organizations during disasters. Donations can be made to state VOAD chapters in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper encourages contributions to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, established to aid storm victims. Funds will be managed by United Way of North Carolina, directing the money to nonprofits addressing the immediate needs of storm victims, cleanup efforts, and emergency supplies.
All Hands and Hearts
All Hands and Hearts, an organization established in response to the 2015 Nepal earthquake, aims to address both immediate and long-term needs in disaster-stricken areas. They are initiating a 12-month response to Hurricane Helene, focusing on long-term recovery efforts.
American Red Cross
Nearly 1,400 Red Cross disaster personnel have been deployed, with more on their way. The organization collaborates with partners to establish and support hundreds of shelters for thousands of displaced individuals, providing meals and supplies to affected communities.
The organization also encourages unaffected communities to donate blood, as the storm disrupted numerous blood drives across Georgia and the Carolinas.
World Central Kitchen
Chef José Andrés’ nonprofit global food relief organization World Central Kitchen started serving meals within 12 hours of Helene’s landfall in Steinhatchee, Florida, a town severely impacted by the storm. They have teams operating in four states, providing meals and assessing food requirements for local communities. You can donate .
Save the Children
is working with local organizations in Florida to provide support to children and families heavily impacted by the hurricane. The organization is working to provide hygiene kits, diapers and baby wipes—along with classroom cleaning kits to schools and child care centers. Save the Children is also collaborating with partners in the communities to help restore child care and early learning centers and provide mental health support for children and caregivers.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army’s rapid response team was mobilized on Friday morning to provide meals in Florida. The to continue its response efforts beyond initial relief—aiming to provide emotional and spiritual support for survivors and first responders as they recover.
