Hurricane Florence recently devastated the Southeastern states. The storm caused at least 47 deaths and left over 300,000 homes without power. Although the initial hurricane has passed, flooding continues to damage many communities. While the true effects of the storm will not be known until the flood waters completely recede, communities in the area continue to struggle with meeting residents’ basic needs.  

There are many dedicated organizations sending resources to the region to ensure recovery and restoration are possible. Below are some groups that we have learned are providing direct support to those in need. As you look for ways to help, we wanted to share the organizations the Schultz Family Foundation supported in hopes that it will inspire others to give to the organizations below as well as the other excellent organizations providing assistance:  

Immediate Relief for Flood Victims

• North Carolina Community Foundation (NCFF): NCFF reactivated their Disaster Relief Fund, which supports local nonprofits that support long-term and unmet needs of hurricane victims in affected areas of eastern North Carolina.
• Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina (FBCENC): FBCENC works with a network of more than 800 non-profit partners to ensure the more than 600,000 people in its 34-county service area have access to nutritious food and resources.
• World Central Kitchen: founded by renowned chef José Andrés, known for serving nearly 4M meals in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, has served over 300,000 to victims of Hurricane Florence from five kitchens and ten foods trucks in North Carolina, including Wilmington and Raleigh.
• Direct Relief: Direct Relief has been working with local health centers and free clinics to deliver requested medicines and supplies as they work to treat patients impacted by the storm, in shelters, mobile clinics and inside facilities across the coast.

Animal Recovery

• Charleston Animal Society (CAS): CAS evacuated animals before the storm hit and continues to provide emergency shelter for animals. In addition, CAS is a hub distribution center working with HSUS and Greater Good to meet the needs of the affected areas
• American Humane: American Humane continues to send teams of boats and critical rescue equipment to flooded areas of North Carolina to save pets in danger.

Rebuilding

• SBP: SBP is a national disaster resilience and recovery organization created in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. They have deployed two teams to NC and SC to do mucking, gutting, and mold remediation work where needed, and will support long-term recovery by rebuilding homes. To date, SBP has rebuilt homes for more than 1,500 families in 9 disaster-impacted communities.

Additionally, North Carolina Governor Cooper launched the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund for temporary housing, basic needs and replacement of personal property.