How to Help the Victims of Hurricane Milton

Mar. 15, 2025

An aerial view shows destruction at the Spanish Lakes country club in Fort Pierce, Florida.Photo:John Falchetto/AFP via Getty

John Falchetto/AFP via Getty

Hours afterHurricane Milton’s made landfall late on Wednesday, Oct. 9, Florida residents are taking stock of the damage — and welcoming help in the wake of the storm.

As the Category 3 hurricane moved ashore, it carved a swath of devastation and resulted in multiple fatalities in a region still reeling from the effects ofHurricane Helene, which made landfall in northern Florida’s Big Bend region late on Sept. 26, destroying businesses and homes and killing at least 230 people.

In the immediate aftermath of the latest hurricane, at leastfive people have diedin Florida, although that number is expected to grow, and more than 3.3 million people remain without power in the state, according toPowerOutage.us.

“I’ve never seen flooding like this," Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister toldCNN.

Neighborhoods are inundated in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton in Lake Maggiore, Florida.MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty

MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty

Meanwhile in St. Lucie County, where multiple tornados struck, causing significant damage, Sheriff Keith Pearson told CNN that “well over 100 homes” were damaged.

“I’m not just talking about a broken window or a couple of shingles – I’m talking about total loss houses,” added Pearson.

For ways you can help in relief efforts, here are a collection of organizations working to bring aid and recovery to the region.

CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty

Salvation ArmyVisit helpsalvationarmy.orgto fill out a donation form and check the option for Hurricane Milton. One-hundred percent of the donation will go to relief efforts. You can also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

Florida Disaster FundThe state’sofficial private fundassists 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.

Tampa Bay Times/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

A car is flooded in an apartment complex in Clearwater, Florida, following Hurricane Milton.BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP via Getty

BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP via Getty

Metro MinistriesTheorganizationoffers services for at-risk and homeless families in underserved and impoverished communities.

source: people.com