Supporting Each Other After Hurricane Helene

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This past week has been one of vast tragedy. Hurricane Helene cut a path of destruction through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and into Tennessee and beyond. Everyone is still numb as information about losses continues to come in.

I pray that you and your loved ones are all safe.

For all our farmers, special prayers and ongoing support. I’ve heard of chicken houses crushed, defoliated cotton that was broken like matchsticks, pecan groves flattened…these are generational losses. We want to support you for the long term however we can.

For everyone, a few thoughts. First, take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Get rest, keep up healthy eating and drinking water. Limit tv and social media—re-watching images of destruction and loss is traumatizing for you, and especially for your children

Second, if you experienced losses, please reach out to everyone who can help. At the bottom of this post I’ll have lots of links for resources and information. If there are things you can’t find or figure out, contact your Extension office. If all else fails, contact me and I’ll do my best to connect you with the person or information you need.

If you’re one of the fortunate ones who came through Helene relatively unscathed, please consider how you can help. Make a donation to an organization supporting those with hurricane losses, or volunteer at a local agency focused on helping hurricane survivors.

One of the things I love about the people of agriculture is their commitment to looking after each other. Please remember, the road to recovery will be a long one, but no one has to walk it alone.

Take good care everyone.

RESOURCES

Immediate Responses, Safety and Basic Needs

988 lifeline for talk or text 24/7

Disaster Distress Helpline Call or text 1-800-985-5990

Red Cross Disaster Relief Services

FEMA Assistance After a Disaster

Disaster Assistance.Gov including local resources

Farming Supports

FSA Disaster Assistance Programs

Farm Service Disaster Assistance Brochure

Farm Service Disaster Discovery Tool to see what you may qualify for

Mental Health Resources

UGA Extension Mental health after disasters

GA Disaster Mental Health

NC State Extension – Tips for Handling Family Stress After a Disaster

NC State Extension – Family Stress After Disasters

Colorado State Extension – Coping with Disasters

Arizona Cooperative Extension – Promoting the Health and Well-Being of Families During Difficult Times

Resources for Children