The Salvation Army has extended its Hurricane Helene Long-Term Recovery Assistance Program for Georgia residents in need through Dec. 31, 2027.
Hurricane Helene swept across Georgia in September 2024, causing more than $1.5 billion in property damage and an estimated $5.5 billion in agricultural losses.
The Salvation Army's Long-Term Recovery Assistance Program provides direct client assistance in 63 counties affected by Helene for eligible households with documented unmet recovery needs. Assistance is available through approved case management processes administered by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.
The Salvation Army of Georgia has allocated
more than $1 million in long-term Hurricane Helene recovery assistance, helping 230 eligible Georgia families repair and rebuild their homes, replace essential furniture and appliances, and address other critical unmet needs.
If additional unmet needs are identified as recovery efforts continue, The Salvation Army may make an additional $1 million, or more, available to provide long-term assistance to eligible survivors.
"Recovery is not measured in weeks or months," Lanita Lloyd, emergency disaster services director for The Salvation Army of Georgia, said in a news release. "For many families, rebuilding after Hurricane Helene remains an everyday reality. By extending this program through the end of 2027, we're ensuring that eligible survivors continue to have access to assistance as they rebuild their homes and restore their lives."
Eligible residents are encouraged to contact the GEMA HEARTS Georgia Disaster Case Management Program at dcm@gema.ga.gov or visit gema.georgia.gov/assistance/hearts-georgia-dcmp to determine whether they qualify for assistance through the Hurricane Helene recovery program.
Once approved through the recovery process, eligible households may receive direct client assistance from The Salvation Army to address qualifying unmet recovery needs.
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Georgia residents can seek Helene recovery help through 2027
