Helene Survivors Receive More than $45 Million in Federal Assistance as Critical Response Efforts Continue Across the Southeast

WASHINGTON -- While lifesaving and life-sustaining efforts remain top priorities in states affected by Helene, local and state governments, the private sector, faith-based groups and nonprofits continue working with the federal family to meet survivors' immediate needs and distribute critical items. As of today, FEMA has granted more than $47 million in disaster assistance and urges those impacted by the storm to apply for disaster assistance.

In addition to the coordinated efforts, President Biden has approved federal disaster assistance in six states affected by Helene. This opens up federal help for survivors in designated areas in Florida, GeorgiaNorth Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Survivors may apply for assistance in three ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or on the FEMA App.

Survivors may receive upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across affected states impacted by Helene.

Marion, N.C. - (Oct. 3, 2024) - Volunteers and Marion residents prepare lunches at Baptists on Mission's NC Disaster Response Ministry at Grace Community Church on Thursday, October 3, 2024, in Marion, McDowell County, North Carolina. The nonprofit organization is providing free meals, water and laundry services to survivors of Tropical Storm Helene. Augusta, Ga. - (Oct. 2, 2024) - Nathan Devey, a FEMA DSA crew leader listens to a Hurricane Helene Survivor at the Henry Brigham Community Center in Augusta, GA. The shelter is being run by the Red Cross. Patsy Lynch/FEMA Keaton Beach, Fla. - (Oct. 3, 2024) - President Biden tours Keaton Beach, FL in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. President Biden was accompanied by FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks and FEMA Field Coordination Officer John Brogan. Asheville, N.C. - FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell visits a Disaster Recovery Center to talk with FEMA staff and survivors to make sure people are getting the assistance they need. Greenville, S.C. - (Oct. 3, 2024) - FEMA's Disaster Survivor Assistance team in attendance at the Insurance Village Outreach event to help the people affected by Hurricane Helene.GREER, South Carolina - A firefighter with the 169th Civil Engineer Squadron from the South Carolina Air National Guard cuts downed trees to assist with debris removal. (SOURCE: U.S. Air National Guard)

FEMA's Disaster Multimedia Toolkit page provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages. In addition, FEMA has set up a rumor response web page to reduce confusion about its role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response | FEMA.gov.

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