The Center for Disaster Philanthropy Issues Guidance for Donors after Helene and Milton’s Devastating Impact on Communities Across the Southeast

Oct. 23, 2024

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CDP urges donors to support long-term recovery alongside immediate critical needs

Washington, D.C. (Oct. 23, 2024) – After back-to-back hurricanes brought severe winds, heavy rain, massive storm surges and tornadoes, causing historic flooding, extensive damages and a rising death toll across southeastern states, survivors are grappling with urgent needs while navigating what lies ahead on their long road to recovery. Because of the devastating impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) today calls on donors to take the long view, as communities will need continued support now and in the future.

“Hurricanes gain attention in the days leading up to and immediately following impact, but affected communities face the challenge of rebuilding long after a storm leaves the headlines. In these moments, philanthropic support is critical to fund long-term recovery efforts,” said Patricia McIlreavy, president and CEO of the CDP. “We recognize that it is the support that happens before, during and, in the case of Helene and Milton, in the immediate aftermath of a storm that helps make long-term recovery possible.”

CDP offers the following guidance for donors as they explore ways to support communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton:

• Give for the now and the future. 80% of individual donations occur within the first week after a storm, and six months after a storm, all giving stops. For communities devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, recovery will take years. Support immediate relief efforts, such as shelter, emergency care, and water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as programs that address long-term needs necessary for communities to rebuild stronger than before the storm. These include housing, health care, emotional and spiritual care, economic recovery, and disaster preparedness.
• Cash is best. Financial donations are the best way to continue to support affected communities. Cash is nimble and supports the local economy. Additionally, the storms destroyed roads and vital infrastructure, making sorting, storing and distributing donated goods incredibly challenging.
• Address the specific needs of marginalized communities. Rural communities, older adults, non-English speakers, low-income residents, and other marginalized and at-risk populations are harder hit than others because of pre-existing vulnerabilities from inequitable access to opportunities and resources. Back-to-back disasters before a community has had the chance to rebuild stronger make long-term recovery even harder. Seek out organizations and initiatives, including the CDP Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund, explicitly prioritizing communities with the greatest need. Local organizations serving affected communities are critical partners in recovery.

Donors may support the long-term recovery of communities devastated by Hurricane Helene through the CDP Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund. Find out more at disasterphilanthropy.org.

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