How To Help After Hurricane Helene

Watching an unfolding disaster can often be heartbreaking for those outside of it, and absolutely devastating for anyone living through it.

Here’s how you can help victims of Hurricane Helene as the full impacts of the storm become clear in the coming days.

Remember That Cash Is King

While donations of clothing, food and bottled water inevitably rush in, aid organizations say they can create logistical nightmares. A financial contribution to a reputable organization, on the other hand, can be funneled to wherever and whatever need is greatest.

Know Who You’re Giving To

Charity scams abound amid devastating weather events and other disasters. Just a few minutes of research can make sure you’re giving to a trusted organization. Check Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, the Charity Navigator, Charity Watch or GuideStar for the best information.

A Short List Of Where To Donate

A​merican Red Cross

As Hurricane Helene made landfall, the American Red Cross deployed hundreds of trained disaster workers and assisted thousands of people in shelters. Their work will continue through cleanup and recovery. Learn more or donate by visiting redcross.org or calling 800-RED-CROSS. You can also make a significant impact as a future Red Cross volunteer or by signing up to give blood.

U​nited Way

The United Way assists in disaster-related evacuations, shelters, food/clothing distributions, volunteer opportunities and other resources. You can make monetary contributions and find local chapters on their website unitedway.org.

S​alvation Army

The Salvation Army operates mobile feeding units, emergency disaster warehouses and other relief efforts. You can call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) to make a donation by phone, text STORM to 51555 or use the Salvation Army Hurricane Helene Relief webpage.

C​ARE

A​mericares

A​mericares has set up a donation page in response to Hurricane Helene. This organization focuses on urgent medical needs in the aftermath of a disaster, as well as long-term recovery projects.

Florida Disaster Fund

The Florida Disaster Fund is the state of Florida’s official private fundraiser for disaster relief. The fund provides financial assistance to communities as they respond to and recover from emergencies or disasters like Hurricane Helene. Visit The Florida Disaster Fund website for more information and to contribute.

T​he Community Foundation of Western North Carolina

T​he Community Foundation of Western North Carolina is a non-profit that serves 18 counties of western North Carolina with unrestricted charitable funds. Contributions can be made at their website.

E​astern Tennessee Foundation

T​he state of Tennessee has set up a fund to assist recovery in the eastern part of the state. The Neighbor-to-Neighbor Disaster Relief fund operated through the Eastern Tennessee Foundation will help non-profit organizations across a 25-county region. You can donate here.

A​ppalachian State University

A​ppalachian State University will be closed through October 4 after sustaining damage during Helene. The university says both its Boone and Hickory campuses were impacted and roads in the mountain area have been severely damaged or washed out. It has set up a fund to help students and faculty who have lost homes and transportation, donations can be made here.

Weather.com reporter Jan Childs covers breaking news and features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment and everything in between.