Hurricane Helene's Death Toll Climbs to 224. Here's How to Help Relief Efforts

Mar. 15, 2025

A main street in Tarpon Springs, Fla. on Friday morning.Photo:Joe Raedle/Getty

Joe Raedle/Getty

Helene was a Category 4 storm when it made landfall around 11:10 p.m. local time near Perry, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 26. In just a matter of hours, Helene delivered damaging wind gusts as well as “catastrophic, life-threatening, [and] record-breaking” flooding in many areas, especially the higher terrains of the southeastern Appalachians.

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North Carolina Gov. Roy Coopersaid in a letterto state lawmakers on Wednesday, Oct. 23, that at least 96 people were killed. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agencyreported17 deaths as of Monday, Oct. 21, with no one missing.

PEOPLE has reached out to authorities in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Virginia for an update.

Capt. Chad Arnold, who is part of the team rescuing people in the mountains of North Carolina, previously told PEOPLE that the situation is “heartbreaking.”

“It’s hard to describe. It’s a biblical event, something you would never expect to see or witness,” he added. “The devastation is so bad.”

Members of law enforcement use a special vehicle in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 near Steinhatchee, Fla.Sean Rayford/Getty

Sean Rayford/Getty

Here are some organizations working to support victims of the hurricane.

United Way of Florida

Described on its website as an independent organization that works to “improve the quality of life in their communities,” the UWOF is currently raising money for itsDisaster Recovery Fund, which will assist all of the impacted communities in Florida across the state. Donors can also specify if they would like their funds to be sent to a specific location or county.

Florida Disaster Fund

TheFlorida Disaster Fundis described as “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 Fund partners with both government organizations and other groups to support the state’s local communities during natural disasters. Organizers are searching for financial donations, which can be givenonlineor via mail.

Red Cross

Red cross volunteers arealready on the groundto help with recovery efforts, and a spokesperson told ABC affiliateWAPTthat their focus is currently on helping people find shelter. Those interested in donating can do so atredcross.org.

North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund

The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund was set up to “help provide for immediate unmet needs through reimbursements to nonprofits working with disaster survivors.” All contributions will go directly to nonprofits helping their communities. Donations can bemade onlineorvia mail.

World Central Kitchen

José Andrés' nonprofitWorld Central Kitchen(WCK) has alreadysent five 6,200-gallon water trucksto Asheville, N.C. —located in Buncombe County, where at least61 people have died— and they’re also working in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. Additionally, they’re partnering with a number of local food trucks and restaurants to offer free meals. Those interested in donating can do sohere.

The One SC Fund

TheOne SC Fundis a statewide initiative that is focused on supporting local nonprofits that are providing disaster relief and recovery in South Carolina.

Samaritan’s Purse

source: people.com