Hurricane Helene's effects are still being felt as various organizations and lawmakers ramp up relief efforts across the affected states. With thousands displaced, agencies like the American Red Cross and crowdfunding initiatives are stepping up to provide much-needed support.
Just days before Hurricane Helene made landfall, the American Red Cross took proactive measures to prepare for the storm. Volunteers began deploying resources to affected areas to handle the expected influx of needs. "Even days before, as we were tracking and realized it was going to make its way up, we went ahead and started deploying volunteers on the ground," said Kara Byrd, executive director of the charity’s eastern South Carolina chapter, highlighting their preparedness efforts.
Hurricane Helene made its way across eight states, causing significant damage. The Red Cross has been managing shelters to accommodate those affected; it costs about $10,500 per night to run a shelter for 150 people, highlighting the financial strain of disaster recovery.
Beyond emergency shelters, the Red Cross is also addressing other aspects of recovery, including providing emotional support for those who have lost loved ones or lost homes. Byrd stated, "Across each community, the needs are different...and we’re going to hold the hands of those people across.” The organization is currently engaging in reunification efforts, reconnecting displaced persons with family members.
Meanwhile, on the legislative front, President Joe Biden has signed the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, which brings tax relief to individuals impacted by Hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Helene, and others. This new measure allows residents of federally declared disaster areas to claim disaster-related losses without the need to itemize deductions and makes settlement payments tax-free.
Florida Senator Rick Scott expressed pride at the passage of this legislation, stating, “After years of fighting, I am incredibly proud to see the passage of meaningful tax relief for families who faced devastation and loss from Hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Helene, Milton and other disasters.” His comments highlight the long-standing effort by representatives to secure aid for hurricane victims.
The House of Representatives showed overwhelming support for the relief legislation, passing it by a vote of 382-7. Rep. Greg Steube mentioned the broader impact of the disaster relief, stating, “The devastation caused by disasters doesn’t stop at state borders...This bipartisan effort delivers relief to communities across the nation.”
Steube, who was instrumental in pushing the bill through the House, pointed out how this relief legislation is not just about hurricanes but also helps communities recovering from tragedies like wildfires or train derailments. He emphasized bipartisan cooperation, saying, “This law means real help for families and businesses working to rebuild.”
Yet, concerns persist about the efficacy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) response. Rep. Byron Donalds has called for a thorough investigation of FEMA’s handling of Hurricane Helene's aftermath, criticizing the agency for its bureaucratic processes, which he argues complicate obtaining necessary assistance. He stated, “FEMA should be in the business of helping Americans, not denying coverage over red tape.” Donalds' scrutiny encapsulates frustration among lawmakers and residents alike over disaster response efficiency.
On the commercial front, American Express has launched its Small Business Saturday Giving Pledge, raising over $5 million for hurricane recovery. This program aims to assist small businesses disrupted by the storms, with grants providing financial relief. “We’ve heard first-hand from small business owners about the impact our initial grant funding had on their recovery,” noted Jennifer Skyler, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of American Express.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is collaborating with American Express to help distribute funds, with 1,000 small businesses expected to benefit from the initiative—an effort to address deteriorated local economies due to the storms. Small businesses can utilize grants for various recovery-related expenditures.
The situation remains dire for many, with the Red Cross highlighting continuing needs for donations and resources: Byrd stated, “We’re very fortunate to have people stepping up to give, and we do encourage people to give at this time, because the need is far and wide.” Another troubling consequence of the storms is the growing blood shortage across the nation, with approximately 2,500 units lost due to cancellations arising from the hurricane's impact.
Despite these challenges, resilience is evident among affected communities as they come together to support one another and rebuild what was lost. The collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local organizations reflect the dedication to recovery. With continued assistance from both governmental and philanthropic sectors, there is hope for restoring normalcy to regions afflicted by Hurricane Helene.
It remains clear: recovery from natural disasters is not possible without unwavering support, and as aid continues to pour in, the resilience of those affected shines through.
