Habitat’s Hurricane Helene Relief Fund

Dear Habitat leaders, 
 
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s damage across six states, Habitat for Humanity is working to assess the damage from rain, flooding, damaged or destroyed roads and bridges, and fallen trees in roughly 150 communities. Habitat for Humanity International is collecting reports from local Habitat organizations to determine the extent of the impact to affiliate team members, Habitat homeowners and their communities, and beginning to support them through the recovery process. 
 
Like so many of you, I have seen the photos and footage from affected communities and share your desire to help. Here are some ways your affiliate can assist the local Habitat organizations reeling from the massive storm: 
 

• Fundraising for Habitat response: If your affiliate, individuals, partners or news media in your area ask how to support Habitat's response, feel free to direct them to Habitat’s Hurricane Helene relief fund. Some impacted affiliate support organizations and affiliates have set up statewide campaigns; please feel free to also support them directly.  

• Take stock of what resources, supplies and support services your affiliate could provide: Please do not deploy resources, services or volunteers without the permission or confirmation of affected affiliates. In order to streamline resource offerings, you may use this online form to share how you can assist affiliates working to recover from Hurricane Helene, and HFHI will coordinate with ASO and affiliate leaders on these offers throughout recovery. Keep in mind, it is not certain your available contributions will be needed by an affiliate. As we know, affected affiliates are dealing with many aspects of recovery and assessing needs; I kindly ask that you do not overwhelm these leaders during this time with direct outreach. 

 
Our colleagues and their communities face a difficult road ahead but will have Habitat’s support, especially in the long-term recovery of the disaster-stricken areas, following the immediate response. Long-term recovery is an intense challenge, particularly as communities work to ensure that the most vulnerable community members who Habitat serves are not left behind, and can be an underfunded part of disaster response and recovery. 
 
If you would like to direct your supporters to contribute to Habitat’s response to Hurricane Helene, or donate directly, you can do so at habitat.org/hurricanehelene. If you have any additional questions or need assistance, please contact the Affiliate Support Center at ussupportcenter@habitat.org. 

I hope you will join me in continued prayers for those communities in the affected areas. 
 
In partnership, 

​

Adrienne Goolsby
Senior Vice President, U.S. and Canada
Habitat for Humanity International