Six Months Later: Hurricanes Helene and Milton Response Update

Last fall, severe hurricanes devastated the Southeastern United States, resulting in over $200 billion in damage. Together, the storms killed more than 460 people, displaced thousands, and left large swathes of the population without power, clean drinking water, and access to basic supplies.

Hurricane Helene struck in late September of 2024, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that Hurricane Helene was among the costliest climate disasters of 2024, with damages estimated at $79.6 billion.

Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Milton struck the same area. The storm made landfall in Florida, bringing catastrophic flooding and severe wind damage. Approximately 125 homes were destroyed, and over 3 million buildings lost power.

Within 24 hours, World Vision was on the scene providing food, emergency water, and medical supplies. The impact of these storms continued to unfold as the weeks passed, but we remained committed to ensuring that communities had the support needed to rebuild their lives.

Through local partnerships with churches and other organizations, World Vision was able to reach thousands in the hardest-hit areas.

The response focused heavily on North Carolina for Helene, where critical infrastructure had been destroyed, including water systems, homes, and schools. In Florida, for Milton, teams coordinated disaster relief efforts, including the distribution of Crisis Relief Boxes (fresh food boxes).

The rebuilding phase began soon after the immediate cleanup, focusing on restoring homes and essential infrastructure. World Vision’s partnerships with organizations like Swannanoa Church, Asheville Dream Center, Conduit, and Operation Blessing have enabled the efficient distribution of building materials, tools, and other supplies to begin rebuilding efforts.

World Vision has also offered educational support, supplying over 7,000 books, Classroom Well-Being Kits, and school supplies to children impacted by the disasters.

While the work is ongoing, these collaborations laid the foundation for the long-term recovery needed to restore normalcy to affected communities.

We thank you for your generous support on behalf of those still recovering.

SIX-MONTH ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Thanks to our generous corporate partners and financial supporters, World Vision has partnered with local churches and community organizations to provide relief to displaced families and transition to helping rebuild communities. Highlights include:

• Supported more than 70,000 survivors across four states, assisting communities in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina with relief distributions.
• Began restoring over 150 homes, partnering with local organizations to support reconstruction, with 50 homes completed to date.
• Distributed 57 truckloads of relief supplies, including food, water, clothing, hygiene kits, and tools.
• Provided more than 73,000 pounds of food and 18,000 gallons of water to communities in need, helping thousands of survivors.
• Partnered with five key organizations to promote long-term recovery, collaborating with local churches and community groups to place resources for rebuilding efforts.
• Awarded $362,000 in grant funding to partner organizations for cleanup and rebuilding projects.
• Distributed more than 20,000 toys and 7,000 books through eight family events during the holidays.

REBUILDING COMMUNITY

Jim and Allie Bourdy woke up at 5 a.m. September 27, 2024 when their white noise machine stopped humming. “We were expecting to lose power . . . but not ready [to fight for our] lives,” says Allie.

The couple decided to monitor the situation from inside of their home, but by 9 a.m., the water had risen so high that a truck stalled out at the end of their driveway. The window for escaping in their car had passed, and they began discussing whether it was safe to remain at home. As they were speaking, the refrigerator began to float, then slammed to the ground. It was time to go.

Jim grabbed some foam exercise blocks to use as flotation devices and they made it to the roof of a neighbor’s house, where they were rescued by two Good Samaritans in a kayak. When they later returned to the home, they were shocked to find a chair hanging from a chandelier among overturned furniture and mud covered walls. The couple’s dismay multiplied when they were informed that their homeowner’s insurance wouldn’t cover the damage.

But all was not lost. One night as Jim and Allie were getting a hot meal at a local church, contractor Chris Cronin offered to help them rebuild their house as part of a project coordinated by partner Swannanoa Church using building materials procured by World Vision from corporate partners.

Chris hopes that with the gift of these items, they’ll be able to stretch their FEMA award to cover more than construction. “If . . . they’re able to hold on to more of their FEMA money, [they will be able] to buy . . . furniture and dishes and . . . laundry units,” he says. “Because, I mean, they lost everything.”

LOOKING AHEAD

We’re proud of the progress made alongside our partners in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, but there is still much work to be done.

As we move into the next phase of rebuilding, our immediate goals include:

• Partnering with non-profits, corporations, and other organizations to get families back in their homes by restoring 150 residences by the end of the year.
• Assessing and addressing ongoing needs while strengthening our partnerships with Swannanoa Church, Operation Blessing, Asheville Dream Center, and Conduit to ensure effective, long-term recovery.
• Supporting communities as they rebuild and recover, helping them emerge stronger and more resilient.

THANK YOU

The communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton have faced incredible hardship, but with the help of our dedicated partners, we’ve made significant strides in the recovery process. Your support has been crucial in bringing relief and hope to those who need it most. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to rebuild lives and restore communities.

Find out how your company can play a part in rebuilding lives and restoring hope after disasters. Click here.