Here's how you can help the victims of Hurricane Helene

The death toll has risen to at least 175 across the Southeast since Hurricane Helene hit Florida as a Category 4 storm last week, and hundreds of people are still missing due to the historic flooding.

Power connections are being restored, but about 1.3 million energy customers are still without power from Florida to Virginia. People who were evacuated could return to unprecedented destruction in their communities, particularly in hard-hit North Carolina, and many will find their homes destroyed.

Here you will find ways to support them.

National support

The following national organizations are accepting donations to assist affected states.

• American Red Cross: The American Red Cross is opening and supporting shelters for people who have evacuated their homes. Make a financial donation or schedule an appointment to donate blood by visiting the website. You can do that too Text the word HELENE to 90999 to make a donation.
• Salvation Army: The Salvation Army provides aid, food, and emotional and spiritual care. You can donate online by visiting the website.
• Americares: Americares teams coordinate the delivery of medicines, supplies and emergency supplies to support health services. Visit the website to donate and contribute to its efforts.

North Carolina

Entire communities in North Carolina were destroyed. At least 90 people are known to have died in the state.

President Joe Biden directed the Defense Department to deploy up to 1,000 active-duty troops to bolster the North Carolina National Guard and help deliver supplies, food and water to isolated communities.

• North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund: Governor Roy Cooper encourages those who wish to donate to contribute to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund. His office said donations will go to nonprofit groups that address the immediate needs of storm victims, such as food and water, cleaning supplies and other emergency supplies.

Florida

Florida has reported 14 deaths following its direct impact, with some areas experiencing significant flooding and winds of up to 140 miles per hour at landfall.

• Florida Disaster Fund: Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Disaster Fund to support communities. The fund distributes money to service organizations that assist in disaster relief and recovery.

Georgia

The state has reported 25 deaths, with the city of Valdosta suffering a direct hit that left the community in ruins.

• Send Relief: Send Relief is a nonprofit group in Georgia that has activated relief sites in affected regions. Donations to Send Relief provide these sites with meals, water, temporary roofing and flood rescue supplies.

Other resources

It's important to note that the Federal Emergency Management Agency says monetary donations to local organizations are most effective.

FEMA recommends visiting the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster for a list of trusted organizations and additional information on how you can help.

If you're still unsure about the best place to donate, use Charity Navigator, a resource that evaluates charities actively working to provide relief and recovery.