Ways to Support Communities Devastated by Hurricane Helene

Flooded area resulting from Hurricane Helene. (photo by Florida Fish & Wildlife via Flickr)

Hurricane Helene has caused catastrophic damage across multiple states, including Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia, leaving communities in dire need of assistance. The hurricane’s aftermath has left thousands displaced, with homes destroyed, power outages, and shortages of basic necessities such as clean water, food, and medical supplies. Western North Carolina has been particularly hard hit, facing extreme flooding, landslides, and widespread power outages.

In the aftermath, it’s more important than ever to come together to support those affected, and to continue advocating for commonsense climate policy that can help curtail catastrophic weather events such as Hurricane Helene from becoming a more common occurrence in the future. Here’s a list of organizations you can support who are providing immediate relief in areas affected by Hurricane Helene.

Please note: This list is not exhaustive, and some of the organizations below operate according to a religious worldview; if you are uncomfortable supporting those particular charities, that is okay and you should not donate your time or resources to them if it goes against your principles. However, we felt it was important to include as many organizations as possible because some of these organizations—even religious ones—are providing much-needed assistance at this time.

Organizations

One of our local groups, Humanists of Tallahassee (https://www.humaniststlh.com/), is partnering with Tallahassee Food Not Bombs (https://www.instagram.com/fnb_tally/) to distribute meals and hygiene products in Taylor County, Florida, for those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Learn more about what they’re doing and support their work here.

World Central Kitchen (https://wck.org/) is a philanthropic organization started by Chef José Andrés. According to their website, “WCK responds to natural disasters, man-made crises, and humanitarian emergencies around the world. We’re a team of food first responders, mobilizing with the urgency of now to get meals to the people who need them most. Deploying our model of quick action, leveraging local resources, and adapting in real time, we know that a nourishing meal in a time of crisis is so much more than a plate of food—it’s hope, it’s dignity, and it’s a sign that someone cares.”

Read about what WCK is doing to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts and support their work here.

Operation Airdrop (https://www.operation-airdrop.com/) is a Texas-based nonprofit dedicated to providing rapid relief to communities impacted by natural disasters. They mobilize volunteer pilots and a diverse fleet of aircraft to deliver essential supplies to areas cut off from traditional air routes. They partner with local charities and organizations to ensure that vital resources, such as food, medical supplies, and more, reach those in need within hours — not days.

Read about what OA is doing to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts and support their work here.

Move for Hunger (https://moveforhunger.org/) is a nonprofit organization that operates a network of socially responsible relocation companies that provides their customers, clients, and residents with the opportunity to donate their food when they move. They’re currently providing transportation for full truck loads of food and drink to communities in the Southeast, and are working with local nonprofits to distribute these resources across Florida, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.

Read about what MFH is doing to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts and support their work here.

American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to people affected by disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. They are currently providing shelter, food, water, and medical support to hurricane survivors. Your donation will directly support these relief efforts, helping provide essentials such as blankets, food, and emergency kits.

The American Red Cross has already launched a massive relief effort in response to Hurricane Helene. Read more about what they’re doing and how you can support their work here.

East Tennessee Foundation’s Neighbor to Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund (https://easttennesseefoundation.org/) focuses on helping local nonprofits and agencies in East Tennessee respond to and recover from disasters, ensuring donations go directly to where they’re most needed. Donations to this fund help with immediate needs such as food and water, as well as long-term rebuilding efforts.

North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund (https://www.nccommunityfoundation.org/) supports disaster recovery in North Carolina. Your donation helps provide food, water, shelter, and other essential services to North Carolina communities affected by the hurricane.

Feeding Avery Families Inc. (https://feedingaveryfamilies.org/) is a nonprofit Christian organization in Avery County, NC, dedicated to eliminating hunger by any means possible. They’re currently working with the National Guard to deliver food to folks in Avery County devastated by Hurricane Helene.

Wine To Water (https://www.wtw.org/) is a global nonprofit that helps preserve life and dignity through the power of clean water. WTW is mobilizing relief efforts for Western North Carolina, and all donations go directly to providing food, water, and shelter to those affected by Hurricane Helene.

While this list is not exhaustive, we hope that it provides folks with a good starting place if they want to support ongoing relief efforts. If you choose to support one of the above organizations, or another organization, remember that financial contributions are often the most effective way to support relief efforts, as they provide the flexibility to purchase essential items and services. Organizations are also often looking for volunteers to help with sorting donations, distributing supplies, and providing support at shelters.

As with any charitable giving, always be wary of scams. In times of disaster, scammers often try to take advantage of people’s generosity. Make sure you donate to reputable organizations like the ones listed above, or verify them through resources like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.

While the immediate response to Hurricane Helene focuses on providing food, water, and shelter, the long-term recovery process requires sustained support; organizations and local community foundations will continue to provide assistance long after the initial response helping families rebuild their homes and communities. Your support, whether financial, material, or through volunteering, can make a significant impact in helping communities find relief. Please support these recovery efforts if you’re able to do so.