How to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene: Resources, donations, government programs
ORLANDO, Fla. - Hundreds of thousands of Floridians have been impacted by Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc on the state's Gulf Coast with storm surge, flooding, and damaging winds, before making landfall in the Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said local, state, and federal agencies, as well as utility companies, have been working around the clock to restore power, clear and reopen roadways, and clean up debris from the storm.
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Whether you've been personally affected by Hurricane Helene or want to help, there are various resources available. We've listed a few below.
Hurricane Helene Recovery in Florida
FloridaDisaster.org
- Click here for the state's website on the latest recovery and relief efforts following Hurricane Helene.
- Active Hope connects Floridians with private sector, nonprofits, and government resources following a disaster. Need help? Click here to fill out the Hope Florida recovery form.
- County Emergency Management website: Click here to find and view your local county emergency management office.
Volunteer Florida
- Visit www.volunteerflorida.org for information on how to donate, how to volunteer, and other resources in wake of Hurricane Helene.
Florida State Assistance Information Line
- Call 1-800-342-3557 to reach the Florida State Assistance Line for information on resources. Available in English, Spanish, and Creole.
Disaster Legal Hotline
- Call 833-514-2940. Available 24/7.
- Available to discuss potential eligibility with FEMA and SBA assistance, insurance claims, contractor issues, eviction issues, home and title ownership related to a disaster. Legal assistance is free. Representation not guaranteed, per FloridaDisaster.org website.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Helpline
- Call or text 1-800-985-5990. Available in Spanish.
- Deaf or hard of hearing? Call 1-800-985-5990 directly from your video phone or click here.
American Red Cross
- Call 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED CROSS)
- Download the Red Cross Emergency app
Samaritan's Purse hotline
- 1-833-747-1234
- Free help for homeowners affected by the disaster.
Florida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance
- Call 904-253-0502 or text "Helene" to 27123
- Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.
- Volunteers may be able to assist with Storm Debris Cleanup, Temporary Roof Tarping, Chainsaw work and Muck outs
Crisis Cleanup number
- Call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline: 844-965-1386
Hurricane Helene: How to apply for FEMA assistance
- Visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4828
- Download the FEMA mobile app
- FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (reference: DR-4828-FL)
Hurricane Helene relief: How to donate
- Florida Disaster Fund (via Volunteer Florida)
- American Red Cross (via FOX Corporation)
- The Salvation Army
- Samaritan's Purse International
Florida Price Gouging Hotline: How to report scams after Hurricane Helene
- Call the Florida Price Gouging Hotline: 1-866-966-7226 (1-866-9NO-SCAM)
- You can also report price gouging or scams to the Florida Attorney General's Office at MyFloridaLegal.com or the No Scam app.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Hurricane Helene: Find volunteer opportunities around Florida
- VolunteerFlorida.org (click here to see current opportunities)
- American Red Cross
- Samaritan's Purse International