As Florida faces catastrophe in the wake of Hurricane Milton, communities across the southeastern U.S. are still devastated by Hurricane Helene — one of the deadliest storms in the nation’s history, underscoring the urgent need for hurricane relief efforts.

Scientists are directly linking the unprecedented intensity and frequency of these storms to warming waters in the Gulf of Mexico caused by global climate change. These researchers have stated that climate change from burning fossil fuels has made storms like Hurricane Helene and Milton more than twice as likely.

“As extreme storms hit back-to-back, there is little time to prepare or recover. We’re seeing a crisis within a crisis that is hitting vulnerable communities the hardest. People with limited incomes, mobility constraints, and language barriers preventing access to lifesaving information are most at risk,” said Earthjustice President Abigail Dillen in a statement.

“We commend the first responders providing lifesaving care along with local aid groups distributing essential disaster relief today and in the weeks to come. Climate change is here, and we must do more to protect health, wellbeing, and safety, especially in our most vulnerable communities.”

In midst of these disasters, Florida, North Carolina, and other southeastern U.S. communities need our support. If you would like to learn more about other organizations in the region doing good work, and how you can support them, check out the list of resources and links below to support hurricane relief efforts.

Florida Hurricane Relief Efforts and Environmental Organizations

Environmental Groups

  • Florida Rising: Organizes multi-racial movements to expand climate justice and democracy.
  • Sierra Club Florida: A chapter of the national Sierra Club, Sierra Club Florida is made up of volunteer leaders and civic activists working to protect the natural and threatened places in Florida.
  • Florida Wildlife Federation: Protects Florida’s unique natural environment and quality of life.
  • Waterkeepers Florida: Waterkeepers Florida is a regional entity working in the State of Florida to protect and restore water resources across over 45,000 square miles of watershed.

Read the full article about hurricane relief efforts at Earthjustice.