Escambia County is sharing resources for individuals who wish to help with recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene's impact in Florida's Big Bend region Thursday, Sept. 26. Hurricane Helene made landfall just after 10 p.m. on Thursday in Taylor County as a category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.
Citizens are encouraged to only donate to reputable organizations. Monetary donations are the best way to help after a disaster as they can help meet immediate needs and aid recovery in the days and weeks ahead.
Those wishing to donate items should only give through a disaster relief organization or the government, and follow this guidance:
- Only give items when they are requested.
- Only give items that are on the list of requested items.
- Do not send items directly to the affected area.
Additional guidance about how to help after a disaster is available at USA.gov.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management is also reminding everyone to stay out of impacted areas as search and rescue missions continue in response to Hurricane Helene. Only those who are part of a designated organization or group with a mission assigned by the state should deploy to provide assistance. Self-deployed volunteers can inhibit first responders and rescue operations.
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. In partnership with the public sector, private sector and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities. The Florida Disaster Fund distributes funds to service organizations that will serve individuals within their communities with disaster response and recovery.
- Visit volunteerflorida.org to make a monetary donation.
- Volunteer Florida has established resources for individuals and groups who would like to support Floridians affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit volunteerflorida.org to find a volunteer opportunity.
- For more information about the Florida Disaster Fund or Volunteer Florida, please call 850-414-7400 or email info@volunteerflorida.org.
American Red Cross:
- The American Red Cross is working with partners in the Florida Panhandle, around the capital area in Tallahassee, and in northeast Florida to make sure people have support if and when it is needed. To make a monetary donation, text HELENE to 90999.
- Sign up to volunteer with American Red Cross by visiting redcross.org/volunteer.
United Way:
- United Way assists in disaster-related evacuations, shelters, food and clothing distributions, volunteer opportunities, and other resources. Monetary contributions can be made to the United Way of Florida Disaster Fund. Click here to donate.
The Salvation Army:
- The Salvation Army operates mobile feeding units, emergency disaster warehouses and other relief efforts. Citizens can call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) to make a donation by phone, text STORM to 51555, or visit the Salvation Army's website.
Additional volunteer resources:
- Samaritan's Purse hotline: 1-833-747-1234
- Volunteers may be able to assist with removal of personal property and furniture, flood cleanup, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work, debris cleanup, and temporary roof tarping.
- Florida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance: 904-253-0502 or text HELENE to 27123
- Volunteers may be able to assist with chainsaw work, debris cleanup, temporary roof tarping and muck-outs.
Visit floridadisaster.org/updates for additional volunteer opportunities and storm information.
