How to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene: Resources, donations, government programs

Hurricane Helene Aftermath: Governor DeSantis held press conference in Bradenton Beach

Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference in Bradenton Beach Saturday in regards to Hurricane Helene aftermath.

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.

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