How to help the victims of Hurricane Helene and where to donate

The sight of a looming disaster can often be heartbreaking for those on the outside and absolutely devastating for anyone witnessing it.

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

Remember that cash is king

While donations of clothing, food and bottled water inevitably arrive, aid groups say this can lead to logistical nightmares. A financial donation to a reputable organization, on the other hand, can go to where and where the need is greatest.

Know who you are giving something to

Charity fraud often occurs during devastating weather events and other disasters. Just a few minutes of research can ensure you’re donating to a trustworthy organization. For the best information, check out the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar.

A short list of where you can donate

American Red Cross

When Hurricane Helene made landfall, the American Red Cross deployed hundreds of trained disaster responders and helped thousands of people in emergency shelters. Their work continues through cleanup and restoration. Learn more or donate by visiting redcross.org or calling 800-RED-CROSS. You can also make a meaningful contribution as a future Red Cross volunteer or by signing up to donate blood.

United Way

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

Salvation Army

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

WORRIES

A​mericares

A​mericares has launched a fundraising page in response to Hurricane Helene. This organization focuses on urgent medical needs after a disaster as well as long-term recovery projects.

Florida Disaster Fund

The Florida Disaster Fund is the state of Florida’s official private disaster relief fundraiser. The fund provides financial assistance to communities responding to and recovering from emergencies or disasters such as Hurricane Helene. Visit the Florida Disaster Fund website for more information and to make a contribution.

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina is a nonprofit organization that provides unrestricted donations to 18 counties in Western North Carolina. Contributions can be submitted on their website.

East Tennessee Foundation

The state of Tennessee has set up a fund to support reconstruction in the eastern part of the state. The Neighbor-to-Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund, administered by the Eastern Tennessee Foundation, will assist nonprofits in a 25-county region. You can donate here.

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University will remain closed until October 4th due to damage sustained during Helene. The university says both its Boone and Hickory campuses were affected, and roads in the mountain area were severely damaged or washed out. A fund has been established to help students and faculty who have lost their homes and transportation. Donations can be made here.

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