Media Contact: Katie Baratone Zwerk
Telephone: (404) 323-3923
Katie.zwerk@redcross.org

MACON, GEORGIA October 4, 2024 — It’s been just over a week since Hurricane Helene made landfall, and the American Red Cross is working 24/7 with dozens of partners to get help to people as quickly as possible. Helene’s destruction covers a huge area and it’s taking time to navigate damaged roads and reach communities that are cut off. 

“We have launched a massive relief effort to help people impacted by Hurricane Helene. We are working around the clock to help people and communities devastated by this storm,” said Alicia Doherty, Regional Executive for the Red Cross of Georgia. “Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected, and we want you to know that we are here for you. The Red Cross and our partners are working to provide shelter, food and comfort in the days, weeks and months ahead.” 

Across the Southeast, hundreds of people are still reported missing. Entire communities were destroyed by fast-moving water and tens of thousands of homes have been affected. People need shelter, water, food and health care.  

RED CROSS RESPONSE  Some 1,300 Red Crossers, including more than 300 disaster workers assigned in Georgia, are working tirelessly to provide safe shelter, food, water and support to people needing help. More than 200 Red Cross reunification staff across the Southeast are working to reconnect loved ones despite connectivity challenges. We've received some 4,000 requests for help and that number continues to grow. 

Since our efforts in Georgia began, the Red Cross has been coordinating relief services with local officials and community partners across the state. Together, we have opened shelters throughout Georgia and provided over 3,700 overnight stays for people seeking refuge from the storm. Also, here in Georgia with the help of our partners, we have served more than 86,000 meals and water to those in need. Red Crossers are also providing emotional support, basic health services and helping to replace items such as eyeglasses and prescription medications.  

Where it is safe to do so, emergency response vehicles are on the roads in some areas providing meals, water and supplies as families begin to clean up their homes.  

Affected communities are facing different struggles, and the timeline for recovery and what support they need will be different. While the current focus is on addressing the immediate needs of those affected, the Red Cross also plays a critical role in helping families and communities recover in the weeks and months after a disaster. 

HOW TO FIND HELP Many areas remain inaccessible. If you need assistance, please consider coming to a shelter. We know connectivity is difficult, but if you can, first download the Red Cross Emergency app to find service locations or visit redcross.org/helene. You can also find shelters by following your local Red Cross and local emergency officials on social media, or by monitoring local news. If you’re unable to access the information you need, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). 

If you're searching for a loved one affected by the storm, please complete the form at redcross.org/helene for the state where they live. Provide as much detail as you can. We realize this is an incredibly emotional time and Red Cross reunification teams are working as quickly as possible to help families reconnect. 

The Red Cross has disaster mental health workers available at many locations. If you or a loved one needs help, reach out through the Disaster Distress Helpline for free 24/7 multilingual support by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP People affected by Hurricane Helene need urgent help now, and we can’t do this alone. You can help by making a financial donation by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word HELENE to 90999. Financial donations for Hurricane Helene enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. 

If you would like to volunteer with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more about volunteer opportunities. 

Helene has led to the cancellation of blood drives across the Southeast, causing more than 2,500 blood donations to go uncollected. Those outside the affected areas are encouraged to schedule a blood donation appointment now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or using the Blood Donor App to help restock the shelves 

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.