(NewsNation) — As cleanup efforts continue after Helene tore through Florida, Georgia, and other states along the eastern seaboard, victims of the Category 4 hurricane that has since been downgraded to a tropical storm will begin to try to recover from the damage done by the storm.
As of Friday afternoon., officials announced that at least 30 people have died, and an estimated 4 million people are without power as Helene continues to track north after making landfall on Thursday in Florida. The storm has destroyed homes and businesses, leaving countless residents in four states where deaths have been reported to deal with the damage left behind by Helene.
Many areas remain under evacuation orders as roads have been deemed inaccessible due to levels of water and debris caused by the storm. As the cleanup effort begins, here is a list of organizations that are assisting in the effort to help victims of Helene and that are accepting donations to assist those affected by the storm.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has been on the ground in areas affected by the storm after moving teams of volunteers to regions in Helene’s path to be ready to assist storm victims. The Red Cross has partnered with local shelters, providing snacks and 45,000 ready-to-eat meals. The organization is also deploying emergency vehicles to assist storm victims.
How to help: Those wanting to make donations to Helene victims can visit Redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) to make a financial donation or schedule a blood donation appointment.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has mobilized teams and mobile feeding units, each of which is capable of providing up to 1,500 meals per day. The efforts began in Florida, but the organization said that assistance would also be provided to residents living in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Along with meal service, the Salvation Army said it is dispatching trained emotional and spiritual care personnel who will provide comfort and emotional support for survivors and first responders.
How to help: Those wishing to donate to the Salvation Army’s efforts to assist storm victims can donate by visiting the organization’s website.
United Way
The United Way offers assistance to residents affected by Helene and other natural disasters by providing evacuation assistance, shelter, food and clothing, and other volunteer-driven efforts.
How to help: Those seeking to make monetary donations to storm victims and survivors can do so by visiting the United Way of Florida Disaster Fund website.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities, which is the official domestic relief agency of the U.S. Catholic Church has launched a dedicated effort to assist those affected by Helene. All funds donated to the effort will be directed to those displaced or in need of assistance following the storm.
How to help: Those wishing to make donations through Catholic charities can visit the website set up to specifically provide financial help and other assistance to storm victims and survivors.
All Hands and Hearts
All Hands and Hearts provides immediate and long-term assistance to communities affected by natural disasters. The organization works alongside local residents and deploys teams of volunteers to help rebuild homes, schools, and other community infrastructure damaged or destroyed by storms.
How to help: All Hands and Hearts accepts financial donations through its website and also allows people to volunteer for teams sent to storm-effected areas to assist in community rebuilding efforts.
Florida Disaster Fund
The Florida Disaster Fund is the state of Florida’s official private fundraising arm for disaster relief. According to the organization, the fund provides financial help to communities devastated by storms in response to emergencies and to provide relief to local residents.
How to help: Those wishing to help out with the effort can visit the group’s information and donation website.
