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The full devastation of Hurricane Helene has yet to be fully tallied, but as of this writing on Sept. 30, 2024, 100 people across six states have died from the Category 4 storm.
Flooding from Hurricane Helene has been described as “biblical,” with areas that normally never flood seeing catastrophic levels of damage. Many in Asheville, North Carolina, are still without power, and recovery from the hurricane is expected to take years in some areas.
It’s easy to feel helpless when doom scrolling through images of what’s left in some cities of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, but if you’re wondering how to help Hurricane Helene survivors, the answer is relatively simple: Donate, but be smart about it.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends donating funds, not goods, explaining, “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.”
This means if you’re looking to use this as an excuse to unload a bunch of old T-shirts, for example, it is not the time. We’ve rounded up some of the most trusted organizations on the ground below.
Related: How to Make the Most of Your Charitable Giving
How To Help Hurricane Helene Survivors
1. Send Text Messages
FEMA
FEMA recommends texting rather than calling to check in on loved ones as a means of keeping lines open for emergency responders and people helping on the ground.
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2. Donate to National VOAD
You can donate to the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) or to VOAD chapters in affected states. Links are below for each (be sure to use the actual links, as URLs can vary widely from state to state):
- Alabama: Alabama VOAD
- Florida: Florida VOAD
- Georgia: Georgia VOAD
- Kentucky: Kentucky VOAD
- North Carolina: North Carolina VOAD
- South Carolina: South Carolina VOAD
- Tennessee: Tennessee VOAD
Related: 10 Best Resources for Caregivers
3. Donate to World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen has volunteers on the ground providing hot meals to those affected in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee.
4. Donate to Save the Children
Save the Children’s Children’s Emergency Fund helps support young survivors in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene and other disasters.
Related: ‘Be Strong and Courageous’—35 Powerful Prayers for Strength
5. Donate to the Humane Society
The Humane Society is alleviating local shelters, setting up mobile shelters and helping transport animals to make room for displaced animals who need help following Hurricane Helene.
6. Donate to Direct Relief
Direct Relief is helping to provide medical and healthcare to those impacted by Hurricane Helene across several states.
7. Donate to Americares
Americares provides medical aid, medical supplies and personal protective equipment to those impacted, as well as to medical facilities that may be overwhelmed or damaged.
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8. Donate to Greater Good Charities
Greater Good Charities are providing aid to survivors and those on the ground, including providing pet food for families in need. Purina will match donations up to $25,000.
Related: Viewers Declare Reporter a ‘Hero’ for Saving Woman During Live Coverage of Hurricane Helene
9. Donate to Feeding America
Feeding America works with local food banks and pantries to keep survivors and those in need fed. You can donate to state chapters and find local food banks for each below:
- Feeding America Alabama
- Feeding America Florida
- Feeding America Georgia
- Feeding America North Carolina
- Feeding America South Carolina
- Feeding America Tennessee
10. Donate to Mercy Chefs
Mercy Chefs have volunteers on the ground providing chef-prepared meals to survivors, first responders and volunteers in Asheville, N.C., and in several areas of Florida.
Related: ‘I Will Strengthen You and Help You’—45 Bible Verses About Strength to Turn to When You Need Encouragement
11. Donate to United Way
United Way established a special Hurricane Helene relief fund to provide resources to meet critical and immediate needs in the aftermath of the storm.
12. Donate to Operation Blessing
Operation Blessing offers food and supplies to those in immediate need.
13. Donate to Global Giving
Global Giving established a Hurricane Helene relief fund to help provide immediate and long-term relief in affected communities.
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14. Donate to All Hands and Hearts
All Hands and Hearts brings volunteers together in communities to rebuild infrastructure, schools, shelters and homes after disasters.
15. Donate to the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is providing immediate disaster relief to impacted areas following the destruction of Hurricane Helene.
16. Donate to the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is helping post-Hurricane Helene by providing survivors and rescue workers with emergency aid, food, drinks, emotional and spiritual care.
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