Over the past several days, Hurricane Florence has seriously affected the Carolinas with severe flooding and storm surge. Unfortunately, thousands of North and South Carolina residents, both coastal and inland, need assistance in a wide variety of forms. For those that would like to assist in some way or get more information on how to help, we have provided a list of agencies and options to make it easier to help those in need.
FEMA Donation Suggestions
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicates that donations of cash offer the most flexibility for charities and nonprofits to address those with urgent needs. FEMA asks that people do not donate unsolicited goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, medicine or perishable foodstuffs at this time. FEMA also urges those wishing to volunteer to not self-deploy, as it could negatively impact first responders and their missions. Potential volunteers are asked to register with a volunteer or charitable organization. FEMA notes that unfortunately there will be volunteer needs for many months after the disaster, so those wishing to help should sign up now.
Note: this list is not completely inclusive and represents what we know to be available at the time and reported on by various news and media outlets.
- General information from the Federal Government: USA.GOV
- FEMA General information: up-to-date resources and information from FEMA
- North Caroline Florence victims: anyone in the designated areas can start applying for assistance online at gov or by calling 1-800-462-7585
- Charity Navigator: a resource that grades established charities based on transparency and financial health
- Donations for medications and medical products: org
- Food Banks for the Carolinas: direct donations to support those in need of fresh food
- North Carolina direct donations: Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina announced that the state itself was accepting donationsto help meet the immediate needs of people affected by the storm. Contribute online or by texting FLORENCE to 20222.
- South Carolina is soliciting donations for the One SC Fund, which supports nonprofits that help state residents recover from natural disasters.
- The Diaper Bank of North Carolina, is collecting donationsfor diapers and feminine hygiene products for people displaced by the storm. (You can also buy items on the group’s Amazon wish list.) The organization is also asking for volunteers and donations of diapers, wipes and sanitary pads
- GoFundMe: those interested in donating can also support the official GoFundMe Hurricane Florence Relief fund here. This is a “hub” that includes verified campaigns and individual fundraisers for victims.
This is just a shortlist of many Hurricane Florence relief/assistance options.
Unfortunately, in these situations, some unscrupulous people will try to take advantage of these disasters and create fraudulent charities for financial gain. If you suspect that an organization (not listed above) or an individual is engaging in fraud, you can report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud.
