I-DIEM Response to Hurricane Helene Equity FUND – An Urgent Call for Equitable Recovery Across the Southeast

Late on September 26th, Hurricane Helene made landfall on the coast of Florida as a devastating Category 4 storm, bringing 140 mph winds and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The strongest storm on record in this part of Florida, Hurricane Helene’s massive size and rapid speed caused widespread devastation across multiple states, affecting millions in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Homes, businesses, and infrastructure have been torn apart, with entire communities left without power, shelter, and basic necessities.

As the recovery process begins, the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM) is deploying its Equity Response Teams (ERTs) to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind. Our mission is clear: provide equitable access to disaster relief and recovery resources for marginalized, underserved, and under-resourced communities. I-DIEM is the only nonprofit focused solely on diversity, equity, and inclusion in disasters.

The Urgency of the Situation

Hurricane Helene’s ferocity has caused catastrophic damage. Power outages have left millions without electricity, flooding has displaced thousands, and many are grappling with the loss of homes, businesses, and livelihoods. The storm has also triggered cascading impacts, from severe infrastructure failures to a lack of access to healthcare, food, and clean water.

While these challenges are daunting for everyone, the impact is even more severe for marginalized groups. Low-income families, rural communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, elderly populations, and those with disabilities or access and functional needs face compounded challenges in recovering from disasters. The systemic inequities that already exist—like limited access to emergency services, financial aid, and recovery resources—become more pronounced in the wake of storms like Helene. In addition, many of the groups have limited or no insurance to fully recover from this disaster.

The Role of I-DIEM’s Equity Response Teams

At I-DIEM, we believe that every individual and community should have access to the resources and support they need to recover from disasters like Hurricane Helene. Our Equity Response Teams (ERTs) are dedicated to making that happen by ensuring equitable disaster recovery in the regions hardest hit by the storm.

Here’s how we do it:

• Direct Engagement with Underserved Communities: Our ERTs work directly with vulnerable populations, including rural, low-income, LGBTQIA+, elderly, and disabled individuals. We engage with community-based and faith-based organizations to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard in disaster recovery processes.
• Connecting Communities to Critical Resources: We provide individuals and families with access to Certified Emergency Managers who help them navigate state and federal recovery resources. This includes technical assistance with applying for FEMA aid, securing shelter, and accessing healthcare and food resources.
• Building Long-Term Resilience: Recovery doesn’t stop when the storm passes. We work to build the resilience of communities by offering ongoing training, education, and resources to help them better prepare for future disasters.

The Challenge Ahead

Hurricane Helene is a stark reminder of the growing intensity of storms driven by the climate crisis. For many communities in the southeastern U.S., major hurricanes are becoming more frequent, leaving little time to recover before the next one strikes. The vulnerability of these populations is exacerbated by systemic inequities in disaster management policies and practices, which often fail to address the unique needs of marginalized groups.

In Florida alone, millions of people—many from rural, low-income, and marginalized communities—are already facing the compounded effects of recurring disasters. For these individuals, disaster recovery is not just a matter of rebuilding homes and businesses; it’s about addressing the underlying inequities that leave them more vulnerable in the first place.

Our Solution: Equity in Disaster Response

I-DIEM’s ERTs are uniquely positioned to address these challenges head-on by ensuring that underserved communities receive the support they need both in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene and in the long-term recovery process.

This project aims to:

• Provide Immediate Relief: We ensure that the hardest-hit and most vulnerable communities have immediate access to recovery resources, including shelter, food, water, and healthcare.
• Expand Access to Resources: By working directly with marginalized groups, we ensure they can access public, private, and nonprofit disaster recovery services.
• Promote Long-Term Engagement: Our ERTs build resilience through ongoing community engagement, providing education and training that empower individuals and families to prepare for and respond to future disasters.

A Long-Term Impact for a More Resilient Future

The long-term impact of this project goes beyond the immediate response to Hurricane Helene. By prioritizing equity in disaster management, we are building stronger, more resilient communities better equipped to withstand future storms. Access to recovery resources will be faster, more efficient, and more inclusive, helping to reduce recovery times and improve outcomes for all.

In the long run, our efforts will help lift people out of poverty, reduce the risk of future disasters, and promote greater equity in emergency management practices. Stronger communities are more resilient communities—and by focusing on equity, we can ensure that no one is left behind.

How You Can Help

We cannot do this alone. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we need your support to expand the reach and impact of our Equity Response Teams. Your donations and advocacy will help us provide critical resources to the people and communities who need them the most.

Join us in ensuring that every individual—regardless of their background or circumstances—has the support they need to recover and thrive after Hurricane Helene. Together, we can build a more equitable and resilient future for all. Learn more on how you can support our mission.