From the Field

Delivering hope: Hurricanes Helene and Milton disaster relief

In September and October 2024, the Southeastern U.S. was struck by two powerful hurricanes, Helene and Milton, causing widespread destruction. The storms left communities in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and beyond struggling with the aftermath: destroyed homes, disrupted lives, and severely damaged or completely destroyed infrastructure.

In these critical moments, World Vision’s swift and steadfast response has made a significant difference. Partnering with 20 local churches, we distributed essential supplies like clean water, generators, diapers, personal care items, and more, ensuring that people in the hardest-hit areas readily accessed the basics they needed.

Rev. Louis M. Murphy, Sr., of Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Florida, shared his gratitude: “To be able to partner with World Vision, a worldwide organization that has that local touch as well, is incredible.”

Our commitment to supporting these communities extends beyond short-term relief to long-term recovery and rebuilding.

A woman wearing a World Vision vest with a long ponytail stands with her back to the camera, facing a group gathered inside a gym.
World Vision staff and volunteers from St. John Baptist Church in Arden, North Carolina, organized the distribution of Hurricane Helene disaster relief supplies on October 5. (© 2024 World Vision/photo by Tom Costanza)

“World Vision’s mission is not only to be among the first to respond when disaster strikes, but also to stay long after the headlines fade,” World Vision’s National Director of U.S. Programs, Reed Slattery said. “That’s what we mean by being ‘first in, last out.’ Our commitment is to help families not just survive the immediate impacts of the storm but to thrive long-term by rebuilding their homes. We’re honored to be the Lord’s hands and feet during the most difficult times in the lives of storm survivors.”

Your immediate support and ongoing impact

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the partnership of churches, faith-based organizations, and community organizations, we’ve distributed 57 truckloads of aid, bringing relief to communities across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

As of September 2025, World Vision’s response has supported 90,914 people in the hardest-hit communities. Through 20 church partnerships, we delivered:

  • Over 83,800 pounds of food, including 4,366 Crisis Relief Boxes and 1,100 turkeys for holiday meals
  • 19,248 gallons of clean water
  • More than 20,000 toys, books, items of clothing, and holiday gift items to families in need
A woman in a World Vision shirt and hat stands with her arm around a woman who wipes her eyes.
Pastor Gwen Jones from St. John Baptist Church in Arden, North Carolina, and Catherine Brazinski, senior area director of Philanthropy at World Vision, during a World Vision–supported distribution of Hurricane Helene disaster relief supplies. (© 2024 World Vision/photo by Tom Costanza)

Pastor Gwen Jones from St. John Baptist Church called World Vision’s response “an answer to prayer.”

A future of hope and restoration

We’re continuing to focus on post-storm clean-up and rebuilding as we move into the recovery phase. Our long-term commitments include supporting our partnerships to rebuild 150 homes with building materials such as lumber, drywall, appliances, and more. Long after other organizations have often left, we will continue to stand by these communities, dedicated to helping them rebuild and restore their lives with dignity and hope.

Hands rest on the back of a woman wearing a black T-shirt in a gesture of support during prayer.
During a World Vision–supported distribution of Hurricane Helene relief supplies in Arden, North Carolina, Pastor Gwen Jones from St. John Baptist Church (shown in the center) is surrounded by prayers and the dedicated efforts of staff and volunteers, offering hope and help to impacted families. (© 2024 World Vision/photo by Tom Costanza)

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