It’s been just days since the South and large areas of Appalachia were ravaged by Hurricane Helene. Though still devastating, hurricane season is to a certain extent a “fact of life” for states like Florida.
However, the storm blindsided an unprepared mid-South, devastating mountain communities in western North Carolina and into Tennessee and beyond. The photographs are heartbreaking.
The immediate question is how to help and how to get involved – especially if you’re currently states away from the epicenter of the storm’s damage.
Red Cross: If you’re searching for a missing family member, the Red Cross’s reunification services encourage you to fill out this form. Their teams are working as quickly as possible to reunite families and loved ones.
The Red Cross is providing several options for financial donation. You can help by making a financial donation by visiting redcross.org, calling 1.800.RED.CROSS (800.733.2767) or texting the word HELENE to 90999.
The Red Cross is urging those outside of the disaster zone to give blood in an effort to replenish regional supplies. Those who are able to travel and volunteer can find more information about doing so here. Numerous opportunities are available, from shelter volunteer to blood donor ambassador and more.
FEMA: Though there are no direct volunteer opportunities through FEMA (FEMA.gov notes the staff and personnel in excess of several thousand networking across the effected states to provide aid), their site does link to NVOAD, the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. The NVOAD website showcases volunteering and donation information for interested parties.
United Way: Though no specific volunteer opportunities are noted on the hurricane relief page for United Way, interested parties can search for more information under the “Get Involved” tab. The United Way site does offer several monetary donation options via state-specific funds for Florida, North and South Carolina and Tennessee which can be accessed here.
If you’re interested in donating directly toward something like food relief for the hungry, there are several operations like celebrity chef José Andrés’ World United Kitchen and the faith-based nonprofit Mercy Chefs (among others) that are addressing those needs and would benefit from donations and volunteers. There are also state and county-level food banks like Feeding Florida.
A word of caution before stepping into any aid opportunities: beware of scams. Do thorough research and make sure that each entity is verified and legitimate.
Let’s reach out and help our friends in the South as they pick up the pieces and begin the long process of rebuilding.
by Andy Haman
