Hurricane Helene Recovery

By Andrea Smith, PVF’s Program and Communications Associate 

As Hurricane Helene continues to impact communities, many are left in urgent need of assistance. If you’re looking to help those affected, here are several effective ways to offer your support:

Donate to Relief Organizations: Consider donating to reputable organizations that are actively providing aid to Hurricane Helene victims. Organizations like the American Red Cross, Direct Relief, and local community foundations are often on the front lines, offering shelter, food, and medical assistance. You can check that your chosen organization is reputable and transparent about how they use donations by looking them up on Charity Navigator and/or Guidestar.

• The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund with assistance from the United Way of North Carolina, will help provide immediate unmet needs through reimbursements to nonprofits working with disaster survivors. If the scope of the disaster requires long term recovery work the grants committee will ensure that all remaining donations are distributed to nonprofits that can best serve unmet needs in affected communities.
• Baby2Baby is a national nonprofit that has been serving families in need since 2011. They are currently collecting donations of diapers, formula, and blankets for families impacted by flooding in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. These essential items are vital for families with young children who have been displaced or affected by the hurricane.
• World Central Kitchen is a longstanding disaster relief organization dedicated to providing food and water aid in times of crisis. They are actively working with communities across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, utilizing water tanker trucks capable of delivering up to 100,000 gallons of water daily. They partner with local restaurants and food trucks to ensure that those in need receive nourishing meals.
• The American Red Cross plays a crucial role in disaster response by opening and supporting shelters for those who have evacuated their homes. They mobilize disaster workers and send supplies to affected areas. By donating to the Red Cross, you can help ensure that families have a safe place to stay and access to essential resources.
• Americares is coordinating the delivery of medicines, relief supplies, and emergency funding to support health services in affected areas. Their teams are on the ground, working tirelessly to ensure that medical care is available to those in need. Your contribution can help facilitate these vital services.

Stay Informed and Spread the Word: Follow reliable news sources and local organizations to stay updated on the situation. Sharing information about relief efforts and resources on social media can help mobilize more support and encourage others to contribute.

The impact of Hurricane Helene is profound, and the need for support is immediate. By donating to these organizations, you can help ensure that families receive the essential resources they need to recover. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference. Together, we can stand in solidarity with those affected and helping them rebuild their lives in the aftermath of this disaster. We thank you for your generosity and support.