What to do — and what to avoid — to help those affected by Hurricane Helene

Over the weekend, Hurricane Helene pummeled the Southeast, causing sweeping devastation to areas of the country unaccustomed to such disasters. The storm destroyed homes, businesses, and roadways, left millions without power and cell service, and stranded people in western North Carolina in the midst of  several feet of floodwater. More than 130 deaths have been reported across six states, including Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina.

Supplies are being airlifted into impacted areas of North Carolina and the National Guard has been deployed to assist in rescue efforts. As relief continues, many across the country are looking to offer their support.

Here are some ways you can help the burgeoning relief effort and what to avoid in order to not hinder emergency and rescue crews on the ground in these pivotal early days.

What you can do right now

In the immediate aftermath of the storm, do not send donations or supplies that have not been specifically requested by state and local organizations, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. In a statement on X, TEMA said it is not accepting volunteers or donations “until the life safety mission is complete.” 

While well-meaning, donating supplies can “further burden a community that is already in crisis,” according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If you are local to the areas impacted by Helene, connect with established local or national charitable organizations to ensure you’re donating exactly what is needed and in the necessary quantities (usually in bulk). Used clothing is never necessary, per FEMA.

North Carolina Emergency Management advised against traveling to western North Carolina in order to keep roads cleared for rescue and utility crews. If you have a trip planned to an affected community in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, consider delaying or canceling your trip: tourists may complicate search and rescue efforts. The state also asks that people do not send physical donations and volunteers.

The best way to offer your support after a disaster is to donate money, according to FEMA. “Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which supports economic recovery,” the agency’s website says.

Here are some organizations where you can donate funds:

• A fund with the East Tennessee Foundation supports local nonprofits and agencies dedicated to rescue and recovery.
• Local chapters of the national coalition Voluntary Organizations Active In Disaster are asking for only cash donations for recovery efforts in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
• The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund helps with the “unmet needs of hurricane victims.”
• The Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities in the state.
• Donations to the Salvation Army will go to the distribution of emergency aid, food, and critical supplies to survivors and rescue workers in impacted states.
• Donate to the United Way, where funds will be distributed to local chapters for recovery efforts.
• Feeding America is collecting funds to provide meals and supplies to impacted areas.
• Donations are being accepted at Americares to deliver medicines and supplies to victims of the storm.
• GoFundMe is organizing its own fundraiser for disaster relief efforts.

To avoid charity scams, research organizations you plan to give to and avoid donating to ones that have obvious red flags such as rushing you into making a donation or asking you to donate via gift card or by wiring money. Give.org and Charity Navigator provide trustworthiness ratings for many charitable groups. 

When your help is needed in the weeks and months ahead

Do not go to a disaster area to volunteer. Until a disaster area has been declared safe to enter and volunteer needs are identified, stay home and donate instead. Volunteers should only come once they have been given an assignment with an established organization that has asked for assistance.

Volunteers will be needed in the months following a disaster, according to Voluntary Organizations Active In Disaster, so be patient. You can check for opportunities at the National Voluntary Organizations Active In Disaster, which coordinates disaster response across a number of organizations nationwide.