How to help: Hurricane Helene

On September 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm. Moving quickly northward, Helene unleashed massive destruction across much of the southeastern U.S. and southern Appalachia. These areas are not equipped for hurricane preparedness or response, making the impact all the more devastating. Historic winds and flooding have left many stranded without power, means of communication, and unable to take care of their basic needs. As waters recede and rescue efforts continue, death tolls are expected to rise. Federal major disaster declarations have been made for Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Immediate needs across all impacted areas include shelter, food and water, emergency supplies, debris removal, and the rebuilding of damaged homes and infrastructure. Full recovery will take many years.

Fidelity Charitable collaborates with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to identify organizations that are responding in times of crisis. The following organizations are highlighted because they can activate quickly, have the ability to incorporate a large influx of donations, and have an established record in disaster response.

We’ve prioritized funds and responding organizations currently operating in the impacted areas. As needs continue to emerge and more local organizations come back online, this list will be updated.