United Way and Community Foundation offer ways to support Hurricane Florence relief

The United Way of Central Alabama and the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham have identified several ways Birmingham area residents can support Hurricane Florence recovery efforts.

Here are their options:

United Way is stepping up

The United Way of Central Alabama is collaborating with a vast network of United Ways, 2-1-1 Call Centers and disaster relief organizations in the areas that are expected to be severely impacted by Hurricane Florence.

2-1-1

Our local United Way 2-1-1 is prepared to help residents of South Carolina and North Carolina fleeing from the devastating affects of the hurricane and subsequent flooding. The 2-1-1 service operates 24/7, and is collaborating with the local 2-1-1 services in the Carolinas. This is not the first time the Birmingham 2-1-1 center has provided a helping hand. Last year, the local 2-1-1 service helped victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Maria.

United Way Worldwide Florence Recovery Fund

United Way has established the United Way Hurricane Florence Recovery Fund to support local communities in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and the surrounding areas affected by Hurricane Florence.

This fund will help local United Ways meet storm-related needs and support mid- and long-term recovery efforts throughout the affected regions. 100% of individual donations given to the United Way Hurricane Florence Recovery Fund will be distributed to local United Ways impacted by the storms.

Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has identified local Carolina foundations to support

In a news release on their website, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has identified and verified several Carolina community foundations that are establishing funds to support recovery efforts.

Here is their list:

Foundation for the Carolinas Hurricane Florence Fund

North Carolina Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund

Central Carolina Community Foundation One SC Fund

Center for Disaster Philanthropy 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Fund:

Community Foundation Public Awareness Initiative

The cost

According to published reports, Hurricane Florence may result in between $17 billion and $22 billion in lost economic output and property damage. That would put Florence in the Top 10 of costliest hurricanes to hit the U.S.

Alabama has done a great job supporting our southern neighbors. Through the United Way and the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham let us make sure the Carolinas make a complete 100% recovery.