Alex Yastrebenetsky’s Post

As we witness the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and brace for Milton's impact, it's clear that these storms have left an indelible mark on the lives of many. Unlike previous storms, Helene unleashed unprecedented flooding, wind damage, and destruction across several communities, displacing families and devastating local infrastructure. Homes that once stood strong are now reduced to rubble, and countless individuals are grappling with the harsh realities of starting over. The emotional and financial toll is immense, and those affected need our support now more than ever. How Can I Help? Here are some trusted organizations directly supporting relief efforts for Hurricane Helene/Milton victims: 📌 American Red Cross: Providing emergency shelter, food, and critical support to those affected. Your donation can help them respond quickly to those in need. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eqeGhnWm 📌 GlobalGiving: This fund supports local organizations on the ground, ensuring aid reaches the communities that need it most. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eaEtWaen 📌 Feeding America: Working tirelessly to deliver food and resources to families impacted by the storm. Every dollar donated can help provide meals to those in need. 👉 https://lnkd.in/euvW9zaS 📌 Direct Relief: Delivering medical supplies and healthcare services to impacted areas, ensuring that communities have access to essential care. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eYKmKizj 📌 Team Rubicon: A veteran-led organization that mobilizes to provide disaster relief and rebuilding efforts in the wake of crises. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eMFHRJgK In addition to financial support, let’s also keep those affected in our thoughts and prayers. Your well wishes can bring comfort and strength to those enduring such difficult times 🙏. 💙 Please consider donating, sharing this post, and spreading the word. Together, we can help rebuild lives and restore hope 💙 #HurricaneHelene #HurricaneMilton #HurricaneRelief #EmergencyRelief #SupportEachOther #CommunityStrong #Hurricane #CompassionInAction #AidForAll #SupportSurvivors #HopeAfterTheStorm #DisasterRelief

Tossed and turned all night thinking about everyone affected by these devastating storms. My heart breaks for the people in Florida and North Carolina as Hurricane Milton approaches, and the loss, destruction, and lack of adequate government support is just overwhelming. In times like these, I’m reminded how important it is for us to come together. If you’re looking for ways to help, here are some incredible organizations on the ground providing resources and support: • Samaritan’s Purse: Offering emergency shelter, food, and recovery aid. You can donate or volunteer with their efforts: samaritanspurse.org • American Red Cross: Providing shelters, medical care, and relief supplies to those affected by hurricanes. Learn more here: redcross.org • GlobalGiving: Supporting grassroots relief efforts in hurricane-impacted areas. You can donate here: globalgiving.org • Team Rubicon: Veteran-led disaster response team providing aid and recovery assistance: teamrubiconusa.org • Feeding America: Delivering food and essential supplies to communities in crisis: feedingamerica.org Let’s continue to pray for protection, resources, and comfort for all those affected by these storms. If you’re able to, consider helping out in any way you can. 💔🙏 #HurricaneMilton #DisasterRelief #CommunitySupport #TampaBay #TampaFlorida #NorthCarolina #HurricaneHelene #PrayingForFlorida

As most of you know, Hurricane Helene has caused significant damage, particularly in Florida and North Carolina. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who checked in, and I feel fortunate to be outside the direct path of Helene and Milton. However, with Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall Wednesday evening as a Category 5 storm, my thoughts are with those tragically impacted just a few hours north of South Florida. While I’m uncertain of the weather we’ll face in Miami, I know there are many others who will need your thoughts, prayers, and support more than I will. If you’re looking for ways to help, here’s what FEMA recommends: Volunteer: Sign up with reputable organizations such as the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). They know where volunteers are needed and can ensure your efforts are effective and safe. Donate to relief organizations: Consider supporting groups helping hurricane victims in Florida and North Carolina, such as Caring For Others, Feeding America, Global Empowerment Mission, Ground Force Humanitarian Aid, Mercy Chefs, American Red Cross, and many others. Identify what is needed: Before donating supplies, check what’s actually needed. Unsolicited goods may not meet the needs of survivors. Avoid traveling to affected areas: While well-intentioned, unplanned travel can add strain on response efforts. Recovery lasts long after the media attention fades, and there will be opportunities to help in the coming months and years. Stay safe, let’s support those who need it most, and please share any other ways to help in the comments below! #Community #HurricaneHelene #HurricaneMilton #Florida #NorthCarolina #Volunteer #Donate

Standing Strong Together: WIKUS Saw Technology’s Heart Goes Out for Those Affected by Hurricane Helene At WIKUS Saw Technology, we are more than just a company—we are a community. Today, our hearts go out to those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. In the wake of this powerful storm, so many individuals, families, and communities are facing incredible challenges, and we want to express our deepest concern and support for everyone impacted. How You Can Help We encourage our customers, partners, and the broader WIKUS community to join in supporting the relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene. Here are some ways you can contribute: - Donate to reputable organizations like the Red Cross or local disaster relief funds. - Volunteer your time if you’re able to assist with rebuilding efforts or provide support for those in need. - Spread awareness by sharing resources, updates, and ways to help on your social media platforms. - Offer support to any neighbors, colleagues, or friends directly impacted by the storm. Looking Ahead with Hope As we look to the future, we believe in the strength and resilience of the communities affected by Hurricane Helene. WIKUS Saw Technology stands by you, not just as a business, but as part of a global community that deeply values compassion and support. Our thoughts remain with you all during this difficult time. #HurricaneHelene #CommunitySupport #WIKUSCares #StrongerTogether #ResilienceInAction

It's been over a week since Hurricane Helene made downfall and you no doubt have seen the devastation it has caused. But some things you may not realize: - This is the strongest hurricane to EVER hit Florida's Big Bend Region - Wreckage is being experienced from across 10 states and 800 miles - Entire communities were destroyed, millions are still without power, tens of thousands of homes have been affected, and hundreds of people are still reported as missing. - The American Red Cross has launched a massive relief response spanning 10 states, 1300 disaster responders, 100 emergency response vehicles and 70 shelters for 2,500+ people. More than 4,000 requests (and growing) have come in to the Red Cross for reunification help, and Red Cross staff are working closely with local utilities and emergency management officials to get help where it's needed. Please join this call to action for American Red Cross of Utah to reach $1 million in contributions by this weekend to aid relief efforts in this catastrophic disaster. I am so proud of how this organization "just shows up" when needed, but there is so much more help that is needed this time around. Please consider donating, whether it's to the Utah chapter or another near you! The urgency is now being driven by Tropical Storm Milton, which formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, is expected to become a hurricane today. The storm is expected to pose a major hurricane threat to Florida by midweek, just over a week after Helene pushed through the region. The current forecast includes a major hurricane—some models are predicting a Category 5—into Tampa, FL.  

As Hurricane Milton made landfall the night before last, compounding the devastation left by Hurricane Helene only 2 weeks ago, the urgency of our climate action mission was made painfully clear. Millions are grappling with the harsh realities of a changing climate, underscoring the importance of our collective efforts. Consider donating to groups on the ground that are coordinating support efforts to communities during this period of crisis. Below is a very short list circulating among trusted circles. I am sure that there are many more. Florida - Financial donations can be made to The Smile Trust at www.thesmiletrust.org and volunteers are being coordinated in 10 hubs throughout central and northern Florida to assist with canvassing/wellness checks, phone calls, data entry, sorting/packing and more. Southeast - Donate to the Southeast Climate and Energy Network (https://lnkd.in/eiik8-Q4) and add #Helene in the note. South Carolina - The Imani Group and OURS (Organizing, Uplifting, Resources, Strategies) - both USCAN members - are collecting donations to assist members in their respective communities to recover from Hurricane Helene. Donations to The Imani Group can be made via zelle (bjboseman@theimanigroup.org) or PayPal (TheImaniGroup).  OURS donations can be sent via cash app ($OURStrategies) or PayPal (OurStrategies). Tennessee and North Carolina - Appalachian Voices have compiled a resource guide for TN and NC, including shelter sites: https://lnkd.in/e_YF-76r Tennessee - The East TN Foundation is coordinating fundraising for on the ground groups impacted in East TN communities. Donate here: bit.ly/donateeasttn

Effective way to help Helene and Milton hurricane survivors: Send cash to people who most need it with no strings attached. How? Consider joining me in donating to GiveDirectly for direct cash transfers to hurricane-impacted people in NC and FL today. https://lnkd.in/eUMQQr_m Why? GiveDirectly specializes in direct cash transfers to low-income people in various countries; they have the expertise to deliver cash quickly, efficiently. People in affected areas are in the best position to decide what they need. When? Open now and for the next couple weeks. Note: These are my own views; I have no professional affiliation with GiveDirectly.

𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗲: 𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🌪️ Last week, Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury, leaving behind a trail of devastation that has deeply affected countless communities, including my family. As we process the magnitude of this disaster, it’s clear that our neighbors need our help now more than ever. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱: 𝟭. 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀:  If you’re in a safe area, consider lending your time to local shelters, food drives, or cleanup efforts. Many organizations need volunteers for various tasks, including administrative support and virtual help. 𝟮. 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀:   Businesses play a vital role in recovery. Whether through donations, supplies, or encouraging employee volunteering, every effort counts. Let’s rally behind local businesses stepping up during this crisis. 𝟯. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:   Use your platforms to spread the word about where people can find assistance. Your voice can connect those in need with essential help. 𝟰. 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗜𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆: Reach out to loved ones in affected areas. A simple message can provide comfort, and offering assistance can mean the world to them. 𝟱. 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁:  The recovery process will take time. Advocate resources for rebuilding efforts in your community, as long-term assistance is just as vital as immediate relief. In these challenging times, let’s come together with open hearts and hands. We have the power to help heal and rebuild our communities, including those close to us. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by Hurricane Helene. 💙🌊 #𝗛𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗲 #𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 #𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳 #𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗪𝗲𝗖𝗮𝗻 #𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗢𝗳𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 #𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

We have been closely monitoring the effects of Hurricane Helene across the Southeast and in particular western North Carolina. Many of us at the Foundation have deeply personal connections with this part of our state, and the devastation has been hard to process. We have been able to contact some community partners in the region, and they are in the process of performing a needs assessment for how best to provide support at this time. What we know: there are services on the ground that are tending to the immediate relief needs of those impacted. What we also know: recovery is going to be a months-long effort, at least. People and organizations are going to need our support in the coming weeks to ensure that residents of these areas are taken care of. As with any crisis or disaster that affects a part of our state or country outside our region, we rely on and refer to our community foundation partners that are best-equipped to know the nonprofits on the ground providing important relief and recovery efforts. As soon as supports are in place we will share them.

Over the past week, we’ve been heartbroken by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Families have been displaced, loved ones lost to the rising waters, and entire communities destroyed. It has been incredibly difficult to witness. Yet, amidst the heartbreak, we’ve seen people come together in remarkable ways. From the overflowing carts of water and essentials at Costco to the incredible donations pouring in from local businesses and organizations—it has been nothing short of inspiring. We’ve spoken with many who have traveled to the affected areas, and they’re blown away not only by the devastation but also by the overwhelming support and generosity. This recovery will be a marathon, not a sprint, but together, we can continue to uplift and support those in need. For a comprehensive list of organizations you can partner with—whether you want to be hands-on, give financially, or lend a helping hand, check out our latest blog post: https://lnkd.in/eGkGmHkz If you know of other organizations doing important work in the recovery efforts, please feel free to share them in the comments, and we’ll be happy to add them to the blog post! Let’s continue to work together, spread generosity, and help our neighbors in need. #HurricaneHelene #DisasterRelief #TogetherWeCan #SupportAndRebuild #CommunitySupport #VolunteerToHelp #HelpingHands #GiveBack #KindnessInAction #WeAreStrongerTogether #DisasterRelief #SupportandRebuild