Burkina Faso
Over 2 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to extremist violence.
HURRICANES HELENE AND MILTON RELIEF
ShelterBox USA has committed a $100,000 match grant to the Rotary Zone 33 and 34 Disaster Recovery Fund to enable the delivery of essential aid—water, shelter, and hygiene kits—directly to the hardest-hit areas.
What is Happening in the Southeast United States?
Watch now to see an update on our response.
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, communities across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas are facing unprecedented challenges. Tens of thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed, leaving families displaced and without power. The death toll has tragically surpassed 200, making this one of the deadliest hurricanes to strike the U.S. mainland in the last 50 years.
The devastation caused by these hurricanes has profoundly affected lives and livelihoods, leading to urgent needs for shelter, food, water, and essential supplies. As the impact of these storms continues to unfold, families find themselves in desperate circumstances, highlighting the need for immediate assistance and support.
How is ShelterBox USA Assisting?
At ShelterBox USA, we are dedicated to providing emergency relief to communities in crisis. ShelterBox USA is an affiliate of ShelterBox who is Rotary’s official disaster relief partner.
Rotary International Zones 33 and 34 have mobilized a crisis management team in District 7670 to lead local relief efforts, leveraging their network and resources for effective assistance. They are on the ground in Western North Carolina, assessing the situation to identify the most urgent needs for shelter, clean water, heating, and other life-saving supplies.
To support their response efforts, ShelterBox USA has committed a $100,000 match grant to the Rotary Zone 33 and 34 Disaster Recovery Fund. This will enable Rotary to deliver essential aid—water, shelter, and hygiene kits—directly to the hardest-hit areas.
Rotary Club members are well-positioned to help communities recover from disasters because they are part of the communities they serve. They volunteer their skills to help coordinate disaster response activities and support long-term recovery projects. ShelterBox USA’s support of Rotary in Zones 33 and 34 will help assist with some of the immediate needs of communities facing the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Helen and Milton.”
Kerri Murray
Additional support
In addition to the $100,000 matching gift grant to the Rotary Zone 33/34 Disaster Relief Fund, ShelterBox USA is providing extensive emergency supplies. These include 600 solar lights with battery power banks, 200 ShelterBox bags for supply distribution, 250 zero-degree thermal sleeping bags, 110 portable cook stoves, 600 water filters, and 800 warm comforters through our partnerships with Amazon Disaster and Berkshire Blankets. These critical resources will help ensure affected families have reliable access to light, clean water, cooking capabilities, and warmth during this challenging time. This comprehensive response demonstrates the strength of collaboration between ShelterBox USA, Rotary, and our corporate partners in supporting communities in crisis.
SOLAR LIGHT
Luke Light is a best-in-class, solar-powered task light specifically designed for people living without electricity.
SOLAR BATTERY & POWER BANK
Weighing less than a pound, this power bank will charge a cell phone, tablet, or a fetal heart monitor with the power of the sun.
SHELTERBOX BAG
This large soft-sided bag enables the packaging, storage, and distribution of critical aid items.
MIDI TENT
Our innovative “Shelter within a Shelter” solution provides privacy and dignity within communal shelters or serves as a temporary shelter during home repairs.
WATER FILTERS
These powerful filters remove 99.9% of bacteria and parasites, providing a family with clean, safe drinking water for months.
*illustrative of types of aid provided
ZERO-DEGREE THERMAL SLEEPING BAG
Specially designed for extreme conditions, these sleeping bags offer crucial warmth and protection during freezing nights for displaced families.
*illustrative of types of aid provided
WARM COMFORTER
High-quality, insulated comforters offering essential warmth and comfort to those who have lost everything.i
*illustrative of types of aid provided
COOK STOVES
Enabling families to prepare warm meals safely, these efficient stoves provide both nourishment and comfort during this challenging time.
*illustrative of types of aid provided
How Can You Help?
Support Rotary Zone 33 and 34 Hurricane Helene Relief and Recovery
By donating to ShelterBox, you help us fulfill our commitment to provide emergency relief worldwide, including our pledge to contribute $100,000 to hurricane relief and to supply solar lights and power banks to impacted families.
Donate to ShelterBox USA
Has ShelterBox Responded in the United States Before?
ShelterBox has previously responded to major disasters in the United States, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we provided emergency shelter and essential supplies to families devastated by catastrophic flooding in Louisiana. Our aid included tents, blankets, cooking sets, and other vital items that helped families regain stability during a chaotic time.
During Hurricane Harvey, which caused widespread flooding in Texas, we collaborated with local Rotary clubs to support recovery efforts. ShelterBox distributed emergency supplies, including tents and hygiene kits, ensuring families had the essentials needed to begin rebuilding their lives.
As we address the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, our commitment to helping families rebuild and restore hope remains steadfast. Together, with your support and the strength of our partnership with Rotary, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected.
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Learn more about Hurricane Beryl’s path, our response and who is affected.