ATLANTA — Helene devastated parts of the southeast United States for days, causing massive flooding, widespread outages and is being blamed for more than 30 fatalities.
Parts of the Peach State were impacted by the storm just hours after it made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida's Big Bend - just a few miles shy of Perry. Two hours away, it barreled into Valdosta, Georgia, bringing near-hurricane-force winds as it was downgraded into a tropical storm. Helene continued to bring powerful gusts and downpours across the state, leaving devastation in its wake.
Thousands of people have been impacted and left to rebuild in Helene's aftermath. Here's how you can help.
Ways to assist in Helene recovery efforts
With a disaster-ready design, DirectRelief works to expand access to medicine and healthcare in the wake of natural disasters. The group is working to help healthcare providers and deliver emergency medical supplies, hygiene kits and transportation support to impacted areas.
GoFundMe has launched an all-encompassing fundraiser to support those impacted by Helene. Funds will be donated to verified campaigns. People can also peruse fundraisers on its Hurricane Helene Relief hub.
The organization is launching a 12-month response to Helene with a goal of raising $2 million to support long-term recovery.
The organization is working to respond to urgent medical needs and deliver supplies to those hardest hit by Helene.
Help victims of Helene in Georgia
Nick and Hillary Marchi are working to rebuild after a suspected tornado demolished their Augusta home, according to an online fundraiser. The couple has a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old and now has to rebuild their lives. Click here to donate to their fundraiser.
Gabrielle Klopp has started a fundraiser to assist friends who are now without shelter after a tree fell on their Woodstock home.
Klopp did not name her friends but included photos of the devastation, showing a tree that pummeled through the home's roof and destroyed much of its kitchen. According to the online fundraiser, the residents have cats and a dog and are raising funds to find a home for rent. Support their search by donating here.
A mother is seeking assistance after Helene toppled a tree into her daughter's Douglas home.
"Luckily, everyone is okay, but the house needs to be fixed," Luba Gasparovic, the fundraiser's organizer wrote online. "The funds will be used to rebuild."
To help, click here.
Avid church volunteers and well-known in their community, according to the fundraiser's organizer, the Boatright family's home has been left in disrepair following Helene.
"The family gathered in the living room; this saved their lives since trees went through the roof," the organizer wrote online, describing the home as unlivable, adding their cars were also damaged by the storm. People can help them rebuild by donating here.
Around 5 a.m. Friday, a large oak tree plummeted into a Temple home while the Georgia family slept, according to the fundraiser's organizer. They said the damage done to the roof and interior was extreme and ruined a lot of belongings such as clothing, bedding, furniture and the home's insulation.
"My brother Stephen and his wife Ashley have 3 sweet, young girls living at home as well," the organizer, who identifies herself as Stephen's sister said. "This is going to be a challenging thing to get through as a family."
According to the fundraiser's organizer, the home is considered unstable because more than half of the structure was damaged.
"We're asking for not only funds, but also prayers," the fundraiser reads. "We appreciate everyone who reads about what happened to them this morning."
Brent Collins' teammates have organized a fundraiser for him and his family.
Collins' Bonaire home was severely damaged after a tree fell through the roof.
"Thankfully, his family is safe, and no one was injured," the organizer said. "This would be to cover food, hotel and clean up expenses."