Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ Post

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.

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.  

In need of some good news? Watch this piece from Atlanta about ToolBank USA and ToolBank Disaster Services. Thanks to WSB-TV for the shout out.

Based in North Carolina, our hearts are heavy with sorrow as we witness the unprecedented destruction Hurricane Helene has brought upon our western counties. Despite the valiant efforts of first responders, the National Guard, utility teams, and relief personnel, the most severely affected areas are still isolated, struggling to access necessities like gas, food, water, electricity, and cell service. The impact extends beyond our state borders, affecting communities in Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida with significant damage. Although our facilities were not damaged, many of us have colleagues, friends, relatives, neighbors, and clients who have suffered losses. Confronted with such immense hardship and loss, it can be challenging to identify how best to offer support. However, by coming together in solidarity we can create positive change. We encourage you to stand with Alcami by contributing to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to assist our neighbors on their lengthy journey to recovery. Alternatively if you already support a trusted non-profit known for their effective relief efforts consider donating directly to them or think about supporting the American Red Cross or Salvation Army. Let's keep these communities close in our thoughts and do everything within our power to support them through this difficult time. Support NC Hurricane Recovery ➡️ https://gag.gl/sMpO6L #SoutheastStrong #HurricaneHelene #disasterrecovery #alcamistrong

🚨 Situation Report 🚨 On October 9, Hurricane Milton struck Florida as a Category 3 storm, causing extensive damage. Tornadoes and flooding left over 3.3 million without power and at least nine dead, with 11 million at risk of further flooding. FEMA deployed over 1,000 management staff and 1,200 search and rescue personnel from other agencies. This hurricane follows Hurricane Helene, marking the shortest interval between major hurricanes in Florida’s history. CWS is actively engaging with local authorities and collaborating with fellow organizations. Additionally, individuals can contribute by making donations to support these efforts. follow this link to donate https://bit.ly/4dGww35

Looking for ways to support Hurricane Helene relief? Michelle Rodenburg from the Law Library has put together a resource guide of how to help. This Resource Guide is a collection of online resources intended to help the North Carolina community seek information on disaster relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene. An effort was made to include only those resources that are trustworthy, but please be aware that there are many unreliable resources on the Internet (fake charities, scams, unreliable construction companies, etc). New websites and relief efforts are continuing to develop. #CarolinaLaw #ServicetotheState https://lnkd.in/eMVjQjGx

On the heels of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, we know impacted communities face a long road of rebuilding and recovery. And for our neighbors experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, particularly for those who are Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, the path to recovery is faced with additional hardships and disparities. Philanthropy has an obligation to address the both/and of short-term needs to provide safety and protection for people who have been impacted and the long-term response aimed at rebuilding in ways that prioritize the needs of those who are left out of equitable access to recovery efforts. Funders Together is compiling responses and resources by and for those involved in the work for housing justice and intersection movements to inform philanthropy's work in supporting a just recovery: https://lnkd.in/gN7nqhyP

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

The images over the last few weeks from Hurricane Helene and the devastating impacts the storm has had on the communities of Western North Carolina, and the nearby states of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia have demonstrated the critical need for communities to support each other in times of crisis. As members of the transportation community, we regularly rise to the occasion when crises occur to our people or to the infrastructure that we maintain so people can go about their daily lives. In this time of great need in these states, we ask that you rise to the occasion again and consider contributing to organizations helping in the recovery and rebuilding of communities in Western North Carolina and all of the states experiencing the devastating events of the last few weeks. National relief effort organizations to consider donating to: American Red Cross https://lnkd.in/ezU7TXM Habitat For Humanity https://lnkd.in/exm_m7Zd United Way https://lnkd.in/g-sUsX7D

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