ATLANTA — The American Red Cross has launched a massive relief effort spanning hundreds of miles in response to the catastrophic damage in the Southeastern United States left behind by Hurricane Helene, including parts of Georgia.
The Red Cross is working closely with local officials, government agencies and other nonprofits to make sure people get the help they need as quickly as possible.
“Helene was the strongest hurricane to ever hit Florida’s Big Bend region and, at 420 miles wide, regions and communities are still facing its impacts across an enormous area of the country,” said Trevor Riggen, president of Red Cross Humanitarian Services.
Riggen said the Red Cross and its partners will be there to provide shelter, food and comfort in the days, weeks and months ahead.
"Tens of thousands of homes have been affected across an enormous area. Entire communities are unreachable, cut off by floodwaters and damaged roads and bridges. Some 1.7 million customers — about 5 million people — are still without power," he listed. "Each community is facing different struggles and the timeline for recovery will be different."
“Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected, and we want you to know that you are not alone," he added.
How you can support Hurricane Helene relief
More than 1,000 Red Cross disaster responders are working around the clock with partners to get help to those in need, according to the organization. The work to support affected communities across Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas has just begun, and, already, with the support of partners, the Red Cross said it has provided tens of thousands of overnight shelter stays, meals and snacks.
Red Cross emergency response vehicles, meanwhile, have been deployed from all over the country and are distributing meals, water and critical relief supplies in some of the hardest hit areas that are accessible.
People affected by Hurricane Helene need urgent help now. You can help by making a financial donation by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word HELENE to 90999.
Financial donations for Hurricane Helene enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.
If you would like to volunteer with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Information furnished by the Red Cross.
