TAYLOR J KOVAR – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Hi Taylor – I’m eager to help the people struggling in the aftermath of Helene, but I’m seeing mixed reviews on the best ways to do that. I trust your opinion, so can you offer any guidance? – Stephen
Hey Stephen – That’s great that you’re thinking about those in need and how you can help during a really hard time. It’s a scary thing to live through these catastrophic events and any kind of support can go a long way. You’re also doing the right thing in researching your options; the best kind of assistance comes from informed people who are able to provide support without distracting from relief efforts. Here’s what I’ve learned through reading and personal experience.
–1. Donations. Donating money or resources is the fastest way to provide relief. Lots of families will set up a personal GoFundMe or another means of contributing to the cause, and that’s a great option if you know or can verify who the people are. For general contributions, the organizations on the ground prefer cash to credit card donations because the funds can be used more quickly and locally. If sending cash isn’t an option, finding out what’s needed on the ground is the next best bet.
–2. Volunteer. You don’t want to show up as an unannounced volunteer when there’s already a coordinated effort underway. FEMA directs people toward nvoad.org—National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster—as a way to find out what kind of help is needed. If you know people in the affected area and are able to communicate with them, that’s another way to directly assist. Most importantly, you don’t want to show up and start asking busy people what you can do to help. Go through the proper channels so you can make sure you’re aiding in the best way possible.
–3. Stick with it. As the world moves forward, it’s important to remember that those impacted by Helene will be facing a lengthy recovery process that could span months or even years. Your help is needed now and it will still be needed a little later this year, so don’t feel like you’ve got a narrow window in which you can be of service. Maybe you can make a cash donation now and then find time in a month or two to volunteer on a specific project like rebuilding homes or clearing blocked roadways.
If there’s any silver lining to a natural disaster, it’s that people come together and show the best parts of our humanity. I think it’s great that you’re looking to help and I’m sure you’ll find a way to bring some relief to people in need. Thanks for the question!
