How Houstonians can help those affected by Hurricane Milton in Florida

HOUSTON – As Florida prepares for another powerful hurricane, many are still recovering from the impact of Category 4 Hurricane Helene.

Florida residents will not only need help before the arrival of Hurricane Milton—but also the storm’s devastating aftermath.

As many Houstonians can understand, the aftermath of a hurricane can be more devastating than the actual storm as supplies may run short and many will deal with power outages, such as Hurricane Beryl, which left millions without power for days.

RELATED: Texas deploying additional resources to help Florida residents bracing for Milton

Texas officials have already deployed an additional emergency response personnel to Florida. At Gov. Greg Abbott’s direction, Texas has deployed nearly 200 first responders to support hurricane response and recovery efforts across the southeastern United States.

Here’s how you can help

Donate blood

The need for blood donations is more critical than ever in times of widespread devastation. Severe weather can lead to blood drive cancellations, resulting in shortages that put hospital patients at risk.

RELATED: Where to donate blood in the Houston area ahead of Hurricane Milton

By donating now, you can help ensure that blood supplies are ready to assist those in need when the storm hits.

• Red Cross

Schedule a blood donation appointment today by visiting the American Red Cross Blood Services site, using the Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

• Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center

Blood donations are always in high demand, especially following a disaster. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center has several locations throughout the Houston area, making it easy to donate and make a difference.

READ MORE: New FDA guidelines expanding eligibility for those who want to give blood

Donations

• American Red Cross: The American Red Cross is setting up and maintaining shelters for those displaced from their homes. To support their efforts, you can make a financial contribution or schedule a blood donation by visiting their website. You can also donate by texting the word HELENE to 90999.
• Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is offering relief services, including food distribution and emotional and spiritual support. To contribute, you can visit their website and make an online donation.
• Florida Disaster Fund: The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with the public sector, private sector and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities.
• Americares: Americares is organizing the delivery of medications, relief supplies, and emergency funds to bolster health services. Visit their website to donate and help further their mission.
• FEMA: Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible and most effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which supports economic recovery.
• YMCA: Your gift will go to YMCAs affected by Hurricane Helene, helping them repair and rebuild, providing support to their staff as they deal with the crisis both at work and at home, keeping programs running for their community, and providing additional support like emergency childcare or food distribution.
• Astros Foundation Hurricane Relief Drive: The Astros Foundation and Cotton Holdings are hosting two hurricane relief drives in the Greater Houston area to support those affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The drives are as follows:

- Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. @ Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77498

- Friday, Oct. 10, 2024, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. @ Minute Maid Park in front of Union Station, 501 Crawford Street Houston, TX 77002

Donations needed

- Generators

- Extension cords

- Gloves

- Water

- Non-perishable food

- Diapers

- New phone chargers

- Cleaning supplies

- Buckets

- Mops

- Shovels

- Flashlights

- Bug spray

- Pet food

- Tarps

- Fuel cans

- Batteries

- Shovels

- Large trash bags

Volunteer

• If you have time to volunteer in support of a nonprofit, email the FEMA Donations Unit.
• The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster has listed trusted organizations and additional information about how to help.