Hurricane Helene brought widespread damage across the South, leaving more than 100 people dead, thousands without power and many without access to food and water.
Aid groups started working over the weekend to help in multiple states, including Florida and North Carolina.
Here is a guide for those looking to support those affected by this natural disaster.
North Carolina
North Carolina was among the states that sustained widespread damage from Helene’s fierce winds and heavy rainfall.
More than three dozen people died in North Carolina, some roadways were washed out, and hundreds of people needed to be rescued from floodwaters.
Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina said on Sunday that one of the best ways to help his state was to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.
Donations will go to nonprofits working to help victims with food, water, cleaning supplies and other needs, according to the governor’s office.
Another way to help those in the state: donating to North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, which has a list of vetted disaster relief organizations.
Florida
Florida took a direct hit from Hurricane Helene, which left widespread damage and more than a dozen dead. The hurricane reached Florida as a Category 4 storm, with winds of up to 140 miles per hour, and caused significant flooding in some areas.
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida activated the Florida Disaster Fund to help those affected by the hurricane. The fund helps people across Florida get help after an emergency or disaster.
Georgia
Georgia also saw significant damage from Hurricane Helene, and there were more than a dozen storm-related deaths.
Send Relief, a nonprofit in the state, deployed resources to areas with the highest need. The organization was also working with national organizations to coordinate help.
National support to multiple states
A number of national organizations were accepting donations to help states affected by the hurricane.
Those organizations include the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross and Americares.
Other tips
The Federal Emergency Management Agency said that giving money was better than donating materials like clothing. Organizations on the ground can put financial contributions to use where they are needed most.
The agency also recommended making a donation to trusted organizations.
For those unsure where to donate, Charity Navigator rates charities based on their cost effectiveness and efficiency.
The post How to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene appeared first on New York Times.
