No matter what the cause, there’s one thing that the RV industry and its patrons know how to do best – rally. Now, more than ever, communities throughout the southeastern U.S. are pulling themselves up by the bootstraps and starting the long healing process of rebuilding after the wrath of Hurricane Helene in late September 2024. In the aftermath of one of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes in modern history, many of us are left wondering how to help Hurricane Helene survivors, including here at RVbyLIFE. We’ve taken out the guesswork for you and rounded up a list of organizations that are boots on the ground, helping to regain some normalcy for the communities and people affected by this tragedy.
Please consider donating your time, money, or other resources to one of the vetted organizations below. No donation is too little. All donations will help.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has been helping with the relief efforts since day one in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The organization has over 1,400 volunteers actively working to distribute resources and supplies to those affected and in need. The Red Cross also supplies over 40% of the nation’s donated blood. Donations can range from monetary, starting at $10, and are entirely tax deductible, to blood donations and vehicles.
EmergencyRV
Founded after the 2018 wildfires in California, EmergencyRV is a volunteer-based organization that provides temporary shelters in donated buses and RVs to survivors of natural disasters and first responders, and their pets. Often, disaster resources and temporary housing overlook pets, but with EmergencyRV’s offerings, survivors do not have to separate from their beloved animals. Consider a cash donation, volunteering your time, or donating a new or used RV. Note, RV donations that are $5,000 in value or greater will require an appraisal. See the organization’s website for additional information.
National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster)
Formed by seven disaster response organizations in efforts to better coordinate relief efforts, National VOAD now consists of over 70 organizations. It also partners with hundreds of other relief organizations. Currently, National VOAD is working alongside FEMA and the CDC.
World Central Kitchen
Founded by chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen provides meals to survivors and first responders of natural disasters, and in war zones around the world. The organization has teams on the ground in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Donations range from single monetary donations, to monthly donations, to cryptocurrency, to stock, and more.
For those looking to make a difference to communities affected by the recent events of Hurricane Helene, please consider contributing to any of these organizations. Your goodwill will be greatly appreciated. Together, we will grow stronger and build back our communities that we know and love.
