Florida Hurricane Relief

The southeastern United States experienced extensive destruction in the wake of Hurricane Helene, leaving numerous communities in dire need of assistance. The storm's path of devastation stretched from southwest Florida through the Tampa area and into the Big Bend region, inflicting severe damage along Florida's Gulf Coast. However, the hurricane's impact extended far beyond state lines, causing catastrophic conditions in Georgia, Western North Carolina, and other areas. In the aftermath, many affected communities require various forms of aid. For those looking to contribute, whether through volunteering, financial donations to relief efforts, or for individuals seeking help themselves, here is a compiled a list of resources to address these diverse needs:
   

Volunteer

Volunteer Florida

A list of Volunteer opportunities for Hurricane Helene compiled by Volunteer Florida.

Rebuild SWFL

Organizes local cleanup efforts in southwest Florida.

Tampa Bay Debris Derby

A water-based, volunteer trash collection initiative on Oct. 5th hosted by Tampa Bay Waterkeeper.

Samaritan’s Purse

Currently operating and offering volunteer opportunities in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Donation options available as well.

Operation BBQ Relief

Operation BBQ Relief relies on volunteers to help share the healing power of BBQ. Check out their Instagram for updates on time/locations for free meal events or to volunteer.

World Central Kitchen

Delivering free meals to areas affected by Helene. You can make a donation or volunteer to support their efforts. Stay tuned to their Instagram for evolving volunteer opportunities.

Mercy Chefs

Delivering hot, chef-prepared free meals to areas affected by Helene. Volunteer opportunities available in Newberry, FL or Asheville, NC.

 

Donate

Florida Disaster Fund

The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster.

The Collaboratory

Southwest Florida Community Foundation collecting donations for the North Florida Hurricane Relief Fund.

American Red Cross

Donate to the American Red Cross to support their disaster recovery efforts in response to Hurricane Helene. Or check out their Instagram for other information about their efforts with Helene response.

Convoy of Hope

Has teams throughout Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, removing debris, providing cleanup efforts, and supplying survivors with relief.

Habitat For Humanity

Rebuilding homes and providing shelter for Helene victims across over 150 impacted H4H communities.

 

General Resources

FloridaDisaster.org Helene Page

Disaster updates page from the Florida Department of Emergency Management.

FDEM Twitter Page

Real-time updates from the Florida Department of Emergency Management, including distribution sites, media updates, assistance resources, and more.

FDEM Distribution Sites

Interactive map showing distribution sites throughout the state of Florida from the Florida Department of Emergency Management.

FDEM “Operation Blue Ridge”

FDEM is currently assisting with Helene response in Western North Carolina. If you or any Floridians you know need evacuation from North Carolina, complete the form here.

Florida Now

Visit Florida’s hub providing up-to-the-minute travel conditions and important social media information from Florida’s city/county pages.