How You Can Immediately Assist Those Impacted by Hurricane Milton

Late Wednesday evening, Milton made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing devastating wind and rain along with it. According to the Associated Press, the storm cut power to more than 3 million people and churned out some 150 tornadoes across the state, portions of which are still reeling from Hurricane Helene, which impacted the state mere days ago. So far, it is being blamed for at least four deaths in the state.

“We will better understand the extent of the damage as the day progresses,” Florida's Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a press conference. “We’ve got more to do, but we will absolutely get through this.”

While the extent of the damage is still unknown, there are already wide calls for assistance throughout the state. Here's how you can help those in Florida today and for the weeks to come. 

Southern Smoke Foundation

Southern Smoke Foundation is always available to assist those in the food industry in need, but is particularly useful during times of crisis like these. Its mission is to take care "of our own by putting dollars directly into the pockets of food and beverage workers when it’s needed most." The nonprofit provides grants for individuals to pay for essentials, including groceries, clothing, and medications, along with covering rent, natural disaster damages, and lost wages. Those who work in the food industry for at least 30 hours per week for a minimum of six months can apply for funds here.

World Central Kitchen 

Once again, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is at the forefront of disaster response. The team is already in Florida, preparing to feed those in need for as long as they need it. You can assist in their continued response to this crisis (and many others around the U.S. and the world) by donating at the link above.

Feeding America 

Just like under Helene, Feeding America's vast network of food banks is mobilizing to provide emergency food relief in the wake of the storm, including local branches across Florida (via Feeding Florida). Those branches are actively distributing food and essential supplies, including water and hygiene products. You can choose to donate directly to the parent program or its local chapters or use its Find a Food Bank feature to donate goods directly.

The American Red Cross 

The American Red Cross, a primary responder to natural disasters around the U.S. and the world, is soliciting donations to assist with its immediate response to both Helene and Milton. Donations help volunteers set up shelters, distribute food, and provide life-saving medical care, and assist the group in providing long-term help, including mental health resources. 

The Florida Disaster Fund 

The Florida Disaster Fund is the state's official "private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster." It helps to distribute funds to service various organizations around the state that then assist on the individual level for a direct community response. Like the other charities on this list, all donations are tax-deductible. 

Baby2Baby 

Baby2Baby has also already mobilized and sent over 2 million emergency supplies to those across North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina in response to Hurricane Helene and will continue to do so in response to Milton. Those supplies, the organization explained, include diapers, formula, baby food, and blankets to ensure babies and children stay safe and fed. 

Greater Good Charities

Greater Good Charities is remaining on the ground in the south in response to both storms. It's continuing to provide food, water, and hygiene products to impacted communities, along with pet food to families with animals, to ensure everyone has a meal. 

Mercy Chefs

Mercy Chefs, a faith-based organization, is also providing chef-prepared meals to volunteers and first responders of both Helene and Milton. The group mobilized its kitchens in several Florida locations following Helene. As the charity notes, all donations are tax-deductible, and "just $3.50 can help deliver a hot meal to someone in need."