If you feel despondent watching the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, there are ways to help.
On Sept. 26, the category 4 hurricane made landfall in Florida, before hitting five other Southeastern states: North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. The storm has destroyed roads, homes and entire communities, leading to a current death toll in the hundreds, according to NBC News.
While President Biden has authorized federal resources to victims, you might be wondering: How can I help families? Who needs what? And, where can I contribute?
Here are a few ways to help victims of Hurricane Helene.
How to help with diapers and formula
You can help children who survived the hurricane obtain formula, diapers and clothing through the national nonprofit Baby2Baby.
“Baby2Baby is currently focused on responding specifically to the needs of babies and children who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene,” Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof, co-CEOs of Baby2Baby, tell TODAY.com via email.
The statement continued: “Baby2Baby immediately sent over one million emergency supplies including diapers, formula, blankets and hygiene products, but we are only meeting a fraction of the requests for critical items for … children who have lost everything.”
How to help pets
Help care for pets and other animals hit by the hurricane by supporting the “Animal Rescue Team” through The Humane Society of the United States’ Emergency Animal Relief Fund.
“Humans and animals alike are reeling from Hurricane Helene,” Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, tells TODAY.com via email. “We are on the ground in Florida and Tennessee offering veterinary care, supply distribution, transportation of adoptable animals out of impacted regions, and field assessment. In just our first day up and running, we were able to distribute much-needed supplies to over 3,400 animals — this wouldn’t be possible without the support of our donors.”
Block says people and their pets need donations, foster pet parents and supplies. You don’t need to take in a pet from the hurricane area to help, she adds:
“Even if you are far from an impacted region, fostering for your local shelter can create a ripple effect that reduces the capacity challenges shelters struggle with following a disaster.”
How to help feed people
World Central Kitchen, which provides food to people in crisis, is serving hot meals to hurricane victims in North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and Georgia.
“Five full WCK tanker trucks of drinking water are on the way to families in Asheville, North Carolina, providing much needed relief after Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic impact on the Appalachian community,” the organization said in an update on its website.
A spokesperson from World Central Kitchen tells TODAY.com in an email that it is operating 35 food trucks, working with 16 restaurants and establishing high-capacity “Field Production Kitchens” in Clearwater, Florida and in Asheville, North Carolina.
The spokesperson adds that World Central Kitchen is flying multiple helicopters over Florida and North Carolina to assess where the need for help is greatest. “We visit communities, talk to leaders and look ourselves to see where to send food,” says the spokesperson.
People can make a donation on the World Central Kitchen website.
How to help schools
The nonprofit Save the Children is rehabilitating schools and childcare centers hit by the hurricane, while stocking them with supplies.
“In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Save the Children is working with partners to meet the needs of children and families in the path of the powerful storm,” Jeremy Soulliere, a spokesperson for Save the Children, tells TODAY.com in an email. “With emergency supplies pre-positioned ahead of the hurricane, Save the Children is helping ensure essential, child-focused supplies are getting into the hands of children and families hardest hit by the storm — including hygiene kits, diapers and baby wipes — as well as classroom cleaning kits to schools and child care centers.”
Soulliere adds that Save the Children has a “psychosocial support team” and is planning long-term recovery support for the mental health needs of children and caregivers in the devastated areas.
People can contribute to the organization’s Children’s Emergency Fund on its website.
How to help people’s mental health
The hurricane put many people in harm’s way not only physically, but mentally. The aftereffects of a disaster like a hurricane or flood can include stress, trouble sleeping, depression and post-traumatic stress, according to the American Psychiatric Association.
The American Red Cross offers the services of Disaster Mental Health volunteers, a group of 3,000 mental health professionals ready to listen and help.
“Many people are grappling with repetitive trauma and loss due to Hurricane Helene,” Daniel Parra, a spokesperson for the Red Cross, tells TODAY.com. “The challenges they face can feel overwhelming, and it is normal to experience fear, grief, and anger. With the help of our partners, the Red Cross provides survivors of disasters with recovery services, including mental health and spiritual care.”
To find disaster resources, including mental health and spiritual care resources, you can visit resources.redcross.org.
If you’re a mental health professional, you can volunteer or simply donate to the American Red Cross.
Parra adds, “We encourage people to make a financial donation by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).”
Help with relief at a comfort station
“Comfort stations” — where people can rest and recharge — are popping up in hurricane-stricken places like Florida and Georgia.
In Florida, for example, Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa opened six comfort stations.
“The comfort stations offer showers, restrooms, ice, washers and dryers for laundry, and charging stations for phones, laptops, and other communications devices,” says a press release on the official website of Hillsborough County, Florida. “Hot food or boxed meals will be available at lunch and dinner time.”
A spokesperson from Hillsborough County tells TODAY.com that people interested in donating can call its hotline at (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676. “Needs change every day, so it would help if they call first to make sure they are matching the donation to the need,” says the spokesperson.
While not all comfort stations accept donations, some can redirect people to other resources. For example, a spokesperson for Pasco County, Florida, which opened two comfort stations, tells TODAY.com in an email that people willing to help can visit the Red Cross or other charitable giving sites.