Operation Hurricane Relief

Operation Hurricane Relief is an initiative by the Young Changemakers of NorthSouth (YCNS) aimed at supporting communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which brought widespread devastation to the Southeastern United States. Inspired by the success of previous YCNS special projects, “Devices for Education” and “Operation Hurricane Relief,” which provided critical resources to underserved U.S. students and rural communities in India during the COVID-19 pandemic, this new relief effort aspires to make a meaningful difference for hurricane survivors facing urgent challenges.

Mission

To bring together the talents and skills of compassionate student leaders and volunteers with the desire to help those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton and raise awareness and funds to provide for the needs of people still struggling to find normalcy in life several weeks after the disaster.

The Need

In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall near Perry, Florida, as a Category 4 storm, causing historic levels of destruction. It is now considered the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina in 2005, claiming at least 226 lives across six states and causing approximately $250 billion in damages, particularly in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. Just two weeks later, Hurricane Milton inflicted an additional $50 billion in damage as it swept through parts of Florida, compounding the region's hardship

Weeks after the hurricanes, families across the Southeast are still grappling with the overwhelming aftermath. Thousands remained without power for days, even weeks, leaving many in prolonged hardship. Hundreds of roads were blocked by debris and damage, cutting off essential routes and making recovery efforts difficult. Schools were closed for nearly a month, causing significant learning loss for countless students now struggling to catch up. For many residents, access to food, water, and shelter has been scarce, leading to further loss of life even after the storms subsided. In North Carolina alone, three individuals reportedly lost their lives due to a lack of basic necessities. These communities face a lengthy journey toward recovery and require sustained support to rebuild their homes and restore normalcy.

Our Objective

The Young Changemakers of NorthSouth are committed to shining a light on the ongoing struggles that persist long after the hurricanes. By mobilizing our creativity, resourcefulness, and leadership skills, we aim to raise funds and awareness to support the people and communities most affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Join us in this crucial effort to aid those in need!

Sources and Citations

• ‘Daunting’: Hurricane-battered researchers assess damage from Helene and Milton
• Hurricane Helene Milton Recovery Efforts
• Red Cross Helping Weary Southeast Families Recover from Hurricanes Milton & Helene
• Feed the Children Working to Provide Relief to Families Affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton