Hurricane Helene made landfall last week as a category 4 hurricane, causing catastrophic damage across the Southeast. This horrible storm’s impact was much larger than expected and left many without basic necessities.
According to a report from CBS News,
President Biden has issued major disaster declarations for Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, and people from those states can apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency at DisasterAssistance.gov.
According to USA Today, “more than 4.5 million people in six states… have lost power.” Massive flooding, power outages, loss of property, and devastatingly, loss of life, have all been reported.
Hurricane path as of 11 a.m. EDT, Sept. 27
GRAPHIC Janet Loehrke/USA TODAY
How many people have been killed due to Hurricane Helene?
In extremely devastating news, ABC News reports that the current death toll of Hurricane Helene is 132 people. Hundreds of people in the Southeast are still currently unaccounted for.
How can I help the victims and survivors of Hurricane Helene?
If you want to help those affected by the horrific storm, we’re right there with you. We’ve complied a list of places you can donate/ways you can help. Keep scrolling to find out the best place to help out.
1. GoFundMe
On GoFundMe, you can find tons of local causes looking for support due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. GoFundMe itself even organized a fundraiser where you can donate to help people out.
2. Mutual Aid Disaster Relief
If you’re looking for a grass-roots organization that’s on the ground helping people out, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief is a perfect place to donate. You can find out how to donate on their website here, and get updates on their Instagram, @mutualaiddisasterrelief.
3. Appalachian Helene Response Fund
Appalachia was hit extremely hard by Hurricane Helene, and if you’re looking to donate to the more northern/mountain areas that have been devastated by flooding especially, the Appalachia Funders Network is the perfect place to donate. Check out their instagram @appfundersnetwork for more information.
4. World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen works to provide food for anyone affected by natural disasters. They currently have many kitchens set up across the southeast, including Georgia of course. You can donate on their website here.
5. Save the Children
Save the Children focuses on providing essential items to those in need after disasters. They provide healthcare products, diapers, school supplies, hygiene kits and much more. They are currently working hard to provide relief to everyone affected by Helene. Donate to them on their website here.
6. Hurricane Helene – Individual Volunteer Survey
If you’d like to volunteer your time instead of money, there’s a survey you can fill out that will allow local agencies to reach out to you for support. You can choose from everything from mucking and gutting/removing debris to working in a call center or virtual/remote support. Sign up to help here.
7. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is currently on the ground, providing meals, drinks, emergency aid, emotional and spiritual care and long-term recovery services to those impacted by the storm. You can learn how to donate money or goods on their website here.
8. Americares
Americares is rushing emergency supplies and relief to those most affected by Hurricane Helene. You can find out more and donate on their website here.
If you need further assistance, head to Georgia’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency’s website here. There, you will be able to:
- Report damages
- Call for crisis cleanup
- Find emergency lodging near you
- locate loved ones who are missing/unaccounted for
Stay safe, Atlanta. And lend a helping hand when you can! Our hearts are with all those devastated by Hurricane Helene.