Responding to Hurricane Helene
As the magnitude of the disaster generated by Hurricane Helene unfolds in the eastern U.S., the hardware and building supply industry is stepping up with physical and emotional support.
For many communities in Florida and especially Western Carolina, the damage appears to be unprecedented. The death toll is rising -- more than 100 dead across six states at the latest tally.
The Building Material Suppliers Association, the industry association whose territory includes North Carolina, offered an appeal on social media for the state to “stay strong.”
“It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation unfolding in Western North Carolina,” reads the statement. “The communities in this beautiful region, known for their resilience and tight-knit spirit, are now facing unimaginable challenges due to the recent devastation. Homes, livelihoods, and landscapes cherished by so many have been severely impacted.
“During times like this, it’s important to remember that every act of kindness counts."
Amid the devastation left in Hurricane Helene's wake, companies are stepping up to lend a hand.
Lowe's, which is based in North Carolina, where an estimated 430,000 people are still without power, has committed $2 million in relief funds. According to the company, the donation will assist its nonprofit partners and first responders, helping these organizations provide emergency shelter, food and water while also supporting long-term rebuilding and recovery.
In a press release, Lowe's shared more details about its relief efforts. This week, Lowe's stores will host relief events to distribute cleanup supplies in more than 25 communities across the affected regions. The company is also working closely with first responders to distribute relief supplies, such as water, chainsaws and generators.
Help is on the way
The Storehouse of World Vision, a leading disaster response organization, notes that millions have been affected by hurricane and flooding destruction, and many families are in dire need.
"Rebuilding after such a disastrous event takes time. Your company can make a significant difference over the long haul by donating building supplies and materials," the charity writes. "The need for supplies is still being assessed, but hearing from companies interested in donating product over the next 3-12 months can help us proactively build our response plan and reach as many affected families as possible."
To provide assistance to affected children and families in any of these ways, email Jack Laverty ([email protected]).
If you or others in your organization would like to make a personal donation, you can do so here.
Lowe's has already deployed more than 150 emergency response team members to support the hard-hit areas around Valdosta, Georgia; Lake City, Florida; and Western North Carolina.
Lowe's continues to provide assistance to help associates. The company deployed shower and laundry trailers, as well as portable toilets and handwashing stations to help its associates in areas currently without water in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Teams are also shipping meals, water and gas for associates.
Home Depot's response
The Home Depot Foundation is also committing up to $2 million in disaster relief to help communities affected by Helene. The company shares its response efforts:
- Convoy of Hope and Operation Blessing are establishing bases of operation across the Southeast to distribute food, water, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, meals and more to impacted communities.
- World Central Kitchen has been distributing meals in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, while the American Red Cross has opened shelters to support more than 9,000 people in hard-hit areas.
- Team Rubicon and Inspiritus are conducting damage assessments to determine where they can support with debris removal from roadways.
- ToolBank Disaster Services and its affiliates across Florida are supplying tools and equipment to local organizations to support cleanup efforts.
Team Depot, The Home Depot’s associate volunteer force, is donating relief supplies to nonprofits, first responders and government agencies, and volunteers will be on the ground in the coming days and weeks to help clean up in local communities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia, including in Home Depot’s hometown of Atlanta. According to Georgia Power, approximately 425,000 people are still without power in the state.
Meanwhile, The Homer Fund, Home Depot’s employee assistance fund, is providing immediate financial support to impacted associates in need of safe housing, food and clothing while displaced.
Click here for more information on how to help or where to donate.
