IMPACT REPORT:

Hurricanes Helene & Milton

 

Two catastrophic, historic disasters.

Hurricanes Helene and Milton have devastated the southeastern United States, causing widespread destruction and casualties from Florida to the Appalachians.

EAF and our Fund Partners responded immediately to ensure that direct financial assistance reaches impacted people and families quickly and efficiently, filling a void in traditional disaster response. 

 

Measurable relief.

Together with our Fund Partners, we worked to ensure financial assistance reached those in need.

Making a direct, positive impact.

In response to these disasters, EAF launched a People First Fund for Hurricanes Helene and Milton. As with every disaster we respond to around the world, donations to this fund provide direct cash grants to those impacted and help cover self-identified essentials, from temporary shelter to food and clothing.

In addition to the financial assistance awarded through our 350+ employee relief funds, the launch of our latest People First Fund allows us to expand our reach and further our commitment to helping as many people in need as possible.

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In their own words.

Below are some first-hand stories from individuals who received grants.

"The storm left us without power for five days and downed hundreds of trees, creating widespread devastation. Your generosity helped us overcome these hardships, allowing our community to begin rebuilding and healing. Without your assistance, this would have been an even greater struggle, and I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and support during this difficult time.
 
Your support can made a profound difference in the lives of those affected by disaster. When storms strike, they leave communities devastated, as we’ve experienced firsthand. In our area, this hurricane knocked out power for five days and brought down hundreds of trees, leaving families struggling to recover. Thanks to a generous grant, I was able to recover during this difficult time. Thank you once again!
"

-Robert, Grant Recipient

"I applied after Hurricane Helene devastated my town. This grant has made such a huge difference.  Of all the aid I applied for - insurance, FEMA, etc. - this relief fund was the first to provide help. It helped me get a generator when I was had no power for two weeks. It helped me with cash to buy food. It helped me with temporary lodging until I could get a generator. I thank everyone who donated to the fund. 

When Helene hit, the eye of the storm passed directly over my area.  I had no power for a couple weeks. All the perishable food spoiled because of the power outage. There was no internet; it was all wiped out. My only communication line was 2 bars of LTE about 5 hours day.  The relief fund’s team worked with me to get a generator so I could at least get power back. Cell service eventually improved, but is not back to normal. I bought a Starlink terminal and now have reliable internet, because I didn't have to worry about spending limited funds on power.  I am able to work again now due to the assistance that was provided."

-John, Grant Recipient

"We lost power and water from Hurricane Helene. Due to thealso had to stay with family members out of state until we had power and water back. Applying for the grant helped replace food lost and cover the cost of traveling. We were able to replace food we lost. We were also able to cover the cost of traveling out of state that we wouldn't have been able to recover from due to loss of work and pay. It allowed us not to fall behind when we would have otherwise.
 
In a time of need when you really need help it was nice to know that help was possible from all the people who are able to donate to the fund. It helps with relieving stress without jumping through hopes to get funds. My family truly appreciate the people who made it possible to help so many in a time of need."

-Rachel, Grant Recipient

"We were directly affected by Hurricane Helene. The grant has been a small lifeline during an incredibly challenging time. It has helped ease some immediate burdens in the aftermath. We've had to spend money we simply don’t have to deal with the damage, and every little bit helps when you’re trying to stay afloat. For others in similar situations, this fund could make a significant difference. It might not solve every problem, but it can provide some relief to those who are struggling to recover from the aftermath of the disaster. Even a little support can go a long way in helping families get back on their feet and begin to rebuild their lives.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who donated to the fund. Your generosity has made a real difference in our lives during this difficult time. While the challenges we face are significant, knowing that there are people out there who care and are willing to help gives us hope. Your support not only provides immediate relief but also shows us that we’re not alone in this journey. Thank you for standing with us and for all the others who are also in need. Your kindness truly matters."

-Rodney, Grant Recipient

"I am located in the Tampa/St. Petersburg Florida area and needed to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton. This grant made it possible for us to evacuate safely, ahead of the storm landfall so that we would not be in danger. We were able to purchase gas to be able to drive north to Georgia and out of the path of the storm. We were able to afford accommodations for my family of 4, purchase food for us and some cold weather clothes that we had neglected to pack.

Our neighborhood was without power for 6 days and we did not have to worry about returning before it was safe because we had the money to remain where we were. I only had to miss one work shift on the day we drove out of state and was able to work remotely for the rest of the time. We are SO very thankful for the relief fund. We will continue to contribute so we can help others in the future. Simply would like to say “thank you”. This money made the critical difference in our finances,  so we could prioritize our safety rather than worry about loss of work or how we would pay for unplanned expenses."

-Chastity, Grant Recipient

 

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