HURRICANE HELENE 2024
UPDATED FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2024 9:55 AM
Matthew 25: Ministries is responding to Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a category 4 storm with winds of 140 MPH on September 26 near Perry, Florida. As the strongest hurricane on record to strike Florida’s Big Bend, Helene caused over 200 fatalities and widespread devastation across the southeastern United States. The storm surge reached 15 feet in coastal areas, and rainfall topped 15 inches in several states, with some parts of North Carolina seeing up to 30 inches, resulting in catastrophic flooding. At the peak of the disaster, over 4 million households were without power across the disaster region.
In collaboration with Procter & Gamble and Walmart, we deployed our Disaster Response Team to impacted areas in Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The team provided critical services, including completing over 2,000 loads of laundry and providing more than 200 showers, along with essential supplies such as personal care and first aid kits, baby products, paper goods, insect repellent, cleaning supplies, batteries, and portable chargers. Our Disaster Response Team was deployed for over three weeks assisting tens of thousands of people across dozens of communities.
To support relief efforts in North Carolina, Matthew 25 conducted 18 airlifts to eight isolated locations, delivering vital supplies to communities cut off from assistance. We also deployed a medical team to help provide medical care and food to hurricane victims, volunteers, and first responders. Additionally, Matthew 25 is supporting an ongoing medical clinic in the disaster area to offer emergency and basic care to affected communities.
So far, we have shipped over 40 truckloads, totaling more than 850,000 pounds of relief aid to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Matthew 25: Ministries remains committed to these ongoing relief efforts for as long as the need exists.
“This is a hurricane of tremendous size and destructiveness,” said Tim Mettey, CEO of Matthew 25: Ministries. “I have been with our teams on prior disaster deployments and have seen the incredible damage these storms can cause. I have also seen the remarkable resilience of people after disasters. Their courage and determination is immense. With the help of our generous and caring partners, we are once again committed to bringing hope and providing the critical services and supplies needed to help these communities heal and rebuild.”
DISASTER RELIEF RESOURCES
If you or someone you know has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, check our online Disaster Relief Resource Map for resources in your area.
RECENT UPDATES FROM THE TEAM
WAYS TO HELP
Matthew 25 is requesting donations of the following types of items to supplement existing supplies, for restocking during their response and for future disasters:
Monetary donations:
- Donate online or mail checks to Matthew 25: Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242 (100% of donated funds designated for the 2024 Hurricane Helene will be used for the purpose intended).
Product donations – The following items will be accepted at our facility located at 11083 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242:
- Cases of bottled water: 12 and 24 count
- Personal care products: Antibacterial soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, lotion, etc.
- Cleaning supplies: Laundry detergents, general cleaner, sponges, bleach (powdered form is preferred), mops, scrub brushes, buckets, rubber gloves, etc.
- Paper products: Toilet paper, paper towels, etc.
- Baby and infant supplies: Diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment, baby wash, baby shampoo, baby lotion, etc.
- First-aid items: Bandages, gauze, pads, first aid tape, antiseptic creams, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, latex gloves, instant cold packs, etc.
- Candles and flashlights: If necessary, please include the appropriate size batteries with any flashlight donation
- Clean-up supplies: Protective eyewear, work gloves, trash bags etc.
