Hurricanes Helene and Milton came into Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina and caused damage never seen before to the areas. Happening during the months of September and October of 2024, this troubling experience has left most of Florida and Western North Carolina in ruin. 
Recovering from this devastating natural disaster has been not only troubling, but also extremely expensive. North Carolina got the worst of it as the western part of the state was hit for the first time in over 100 years.
“North Carolina’s budget office estimated recovery would cost some $53 billion to help repair more than 600 bridges destroyed, 7,000 sites of road damage, and more,” Solcyre Burga from TIME Magazine said.
Over 1,00 bridges, 1,400 landslides, 6,000 miles of roadway and 125,000 homes were destroyed in the path of the hurricanes. Finding ways to help people out during this dire and stressful time has been a struggle for many in the area, as finding a place to sleep in safety has been difficult. Thankfully, there have been resources such as the Red Cross which is more nationwide and also the more local food banks in most towns for the people in need.
“Two new insurance camps which are just south of Asheville will be open to aid those who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. These Insurance Camps allow us to work with the insurance industry on the ground to give storm victims direct access to their insurance companies,” Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said.
While North Carolina is in the process of rebuilding after its 3rd largest hurricane to ever hit the state, some in Florida aren’t so lucky to do so.
Housing assistance is crucial for those who have lost their homes in the hurricanes. While the aid provided is invaluable, families still need a stable place to live as they rebuild their lives, one step at a time. Those who weren’t affected can support these families by donating to local charities, such as the Red Cross.
Together communities can help those affected in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina to rebuild and come back even better than before.
