How to Help Hurricane Helene Victims Right Now

Latest Statistics as of October 4, 2024

Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida on September 26, 2024, as a Category 4 storm, has caused catastrophic damage across the Southeast. Over 200 people have lost their lives, with 150,000 households seeking FEMA assistance. As of October 3, 19,882 households in Florida remain without power, while Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina also report widespread outages affecting over 950,000 customers. The disaster has devastated entire communities in Western North Carolina, particularly around Asheville (The Boston Foundation) (POLITICO).

National Organizations

• American Red Cross: Provides shelter, food, and reconnecting families. Text "HELENE" to 90999 or visit their website.
• Salvation Army: Offering food services, emotional support, and disaster relief. Donate here.
• Americares: Delivers medical supplies and health services. Donate here.
• World Central Kitchen (WCK): Serving hot meals in disaster-stricken areas. Donate here.
• Baby2Baby: Distributing essentials like diapers and formula. Donate here.
• Save the Children: Providing relief for children and families. Donate here.
• Mercy Chefs: Serving hot meals to victims and first responders. Donate here.
• Humane Society: Rescuing and providing care for displaced animals. Donate here.

State-Specific Relief Funds and Organizations

North Carolina

• North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund: Helping local nonprofits provide emergency food, water, and supplies. Donate here.
• Samaritan’s Purse: Assisting with relief in Western NC. Donate here.
• World Central Kitchen: Operating mobile kitchens in Asheville. Donate here.

Florida

• Florida Disaster Fund: Supporting local organizations with disaster response and recovery. Donate here.
• World Central Kitchen: Serving meals in Clearwater, FL. Donate here.

Georgia

• Send Relief: Providing meals, water, and roofing assistance. Donate here.
• Georgia Emergency Management Agency: Coordinating volunteer and donation efforts. More info here.

South Carolina

• One SC Fund: Directing disaster relief donations to local nonprofits. Donate here.

Virginia

• Virginia Disaster Relief Fund: Helping organizations with recovery in affected areas. Donate here.

Food Banks Responding to the Disaster

• Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina: https://foodbankcenc.org/helene
• Manna Food Bank (NC): https://mannafoodbank.org
• Feeding Tampa Bay (FL): https://feedingtampabay.org
• Second Harvest of Central Florida: https://www.feedhopenow.org
• Second Harvest of South Georgia: https://www.feedingsga.org
• Lowcountry Food Bank (SC): https://www.lowcountryfoodbank.org
• Feed More (VA): https://feedmore.org
• Feeding America: Coordinating support across the affected regions. https://www.feedingamerica.org

Operation Connect Carolina: Restoring Communication Infrastructure

Operation Connect Carolina is providing critical communication infrastructure to restore cellular and internet service in Western North Carolina. This project, supported by Day One Relief, deploys portable cell towers to help aid workers coordinate and enable victims to connect with loved ones.

For more information, to donate, or to volunteer, visit: Operation Connect Carolina Website Follow them on LinkedIn: Operation Connect Carolina LinkedIn

Beware of Scams

Unfortunately, disasters also bring out scammers looking to exploit charitable efforts. Here’s how to ensure your donation reaches legitimate causes:

• Research charities: Look for the organization's name along with "scam" or "fraud" in search engines.
• Check trusted sources: Verify charities through Charity Navigator, BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance, Guidestar, or CharityWatch.
• Be cautious of unsolicited requests: Stick with well-known organizations or those you’ve researched independently.

This guide compiles vetted organizations and resources to support victims of Hurricane Helene. Each contribution helps rebuild lives and provide crucial assistance to those affected by this devastating disaster.

Author?

Laura Kenner is a cybersecurity content marketing consultant and founder of BootstrapCyber.com, the only community for cybersecurity business pros (Sales, Recruiting, Operations, Marketing, Customer Success, and more!). Join us!

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