SBP rallies multi-state Hurricane Helene disaster response

(NEW ORLEANS) Oct. 1, 2024—SBP, the New Orleans-based disaster recovery organization, has rallied a multi-state disaster response to support communities hit by Hurricane Helene. The hurricane caused catastrophic devastation and unprecedented flooding in the southeastern United States across a nearly 600-mile path. 

At least 128 people are confirmed dead in multiple states and over 600 remain unaccounted for in North Carolina, according to U.S. Homeland Security officials. The impact of Hurricane Helene has been especially severe in northern Florida, western North Carolina, and South Carolina, with assessments still underway in areas that have been inaccessible due to landslides and flooding.

“This mega-disaster demands a full-scale, all-hands-on-deck response,” said SBP Chief Operating Officer, Thomas Corley. “SBP is mobilizing all the resources and expertise at our disposal to help communities recover. We are on the ground in the Big Bend region of Florida and we are deploying to western North Carolina and South Carolina. We’re committed to responding and helping communities rebuild as quickly as possible.”

SBP’s immediate disaster recovery plans involve four states:

Florida

• SBP is actively responding in Florida’s Big Bend region with muck and gut operations.
• SBP has launched free programs to help survivors submit FEMA applications and appeals in the 17 counties where a federal disaster was declared.
• SBP is supporting local officials with disaster recovery plans.
• SBP has been working in Florida since 2018, helping communities rebuild after Hurricanes Michael, Ian, Idalia, and Debby.

North Carolina and South Carolina

• SBP is actively assessing damage in western North Carolina and launching free programs to help survivors submit FEMA applications and appeals in 25 counties where a federal disaster was declared. 
• SBP is actively assessing damage in South Carolina and launching free programs to help survivors submit FEMA applications and appeals in 13 counties where a federal disaster was declared. 
• SBP has provided disaster recovery services in both North Carolina and South Carolina in recent years, including rebuilding homes, delivering technical assistance to local government officials, and strengthening the capacity of local partners

Georgia

• SBP is monitoring impact and needs in affected areas of Georgia and preparing to respond if a federal disaster declaration is approved by the President.

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. Our holistic programs help communities shrink the time between disaster and recovery by rebuilding homes, building resilience, and improving policies.

For households affected by the storm, SBP’s free resources provide guidance for navigating the first steps of the recovery process, including working with insurance companies, avoiding contractor fraud, and navigating the federal assistance process, where applicable. 

Please donate now to support communities affected by Hurricane Helene.

MEDIA CONTACT
Elizabeth Wright: [email protected].

ABOUT SBP
SBP is a national social impact organization dedicated to helping communities shrink the time between disaster and recovery by rebuilding homes, increasing resilience, and improving policies to better serve all Americans. To learn more, visit www.SBPUSA.org
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