Musk Foundation Donates $2.4 Million to Support SBP’s Multi-State Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts in the Wake of Epic Destruction

Grant will support long-term recovery in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina

(NEW ORLEANS) Oct. 7, 2024—SBP, the New Orleans–based national disaster recovery organization, has announced a $2.4 million grant from the Musk Foundation to support the immediate and long-term recovery needs among communities ravaged by Hurricane Helene across the Southeast.

The full scale of damage is still being calculated, but Helene already ranks one of the five most destructive storms in U.S. history, and among the two deadliest to hit the mainland, second only to Hurricane Katrina, according to analysts. The scale of needs across the region is enormous. 

This generous gift from the Musk Foundation will help SBP rise to this historic challenge and rebuild homes for families whose lives have been devastated overnight. 

“We are deeply grateful for the Musk Foundation’s lead gift, which will enable SBP to launch disaster recovery programs where the needs are greatest,” said SBP CEO Tim Brady. “This funding will help us build the way home for Helene survivors who face a long, hard journey to recovery. The generous support of partners like the Musk Foundation is critical to ensuring they have a prompt, predictable path forward.”

The $2.4 million grant from Musk Foundation will support SBP programs that meet the needs of communities and individuals across every stage of the disaster recovery process, including repairing and rebuilding homes, helping survivors submit FEMA disaster assistance applications and appeals, and providing disaster recovery training to local officials and nonprofit partners to strengthen their capacity. 

SBP was founded in New Orleans in 2006 in response to Hurricane Katrina. Since then, the organization has built 6,300 homes for disaster survivors across 16 communities in the U.S. and The Bahamas, and deployed 150,000 volunteers. 

SBP is committed not only to equipping disaster survivors to recover in the short term, but also to increasing readiness and reducing risk for the long term. The organization’s holistic programs help communities shrink the time between disaster and recovery by rebuilding homes, building resilience, and improving policies.