ATLANTA, GA (August 12, 2026) — Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene devastated communities across Georgia, The Salvation Army of Georgia is reaffirming its commitment to helping families recover by extending its Hurricane Helene Long-Term Recovery Assistance Program through December 31, 2027.
Hurricane Helene swept across Georgia in late September 2024, bringing fierce Category 2 winds and torrential rainfall that toppled trees, downed power lines, and left hundreds of thousands of residents without electricity. The storm caused more than $1.5 billion in property damage and an estimated $5.5 billion in agricultural losses, making it one of the most devastating natural disasters in Georgia’s history. Thirty-seven Georgians lost their lives, and countless families continue to rebuild nearly two years later.
Throughout Hurricane Helene, The Salvation Army mobilized across Georgia to serve survivors in the state’s hardest-hit communities. Emergency response teams provided more than 230,000 meals, 250,000 drinks and snacks, 4,000 cases of water, and 2,000 hygiene kits while offering more than 20,000 emotional and spiritual care contacts to individuals seeking comfort, hope, and encouragement in the storm’s aftermath.
While many disaster response efforts conclude once the immediate crisis has passed, recovery often continues for years. Many Georgia families are still working to repair homes, replace essential belongings, and overcome unmet recovery needs resulting from Hurricane Helene.
The Salvation Army’s Long-Term Recovery Assistance Program provides direct client assistance in 63 counties impacted by Hurricane Helene for eligible households with documented unmet recovery needs through approved case management processes managed through the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security (GEMA/HHS).
To date, 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 as they work toward lasting recovery. Should additional unmet needs be 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,” said Lanita Lloyd, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army of Georgia. “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 compassionate assistance as they rebuild their homes, restore their lives, and look to the future with hope.”
Eligible residents are encouraged to first contact the GEMA HEARTS Georgia Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP) via email at dcm@gema.ga.gov, or go online at https://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 to address qualifying unmet recovery needs through The Salvation Army.
As Georgia enters another hurricane season, The Salvation Army also encourages all residents to prepare emergency plans, assemble disaster supply kits, and remain informed about severe weather threats. Hurricane Helene serves as a powerful reminder that preparedness saves lives, while long-term recovery restores hope.
“The Salvation Army remains committed to serving communities not only during disasters, but throughout the long journey of recovery that follows,” Lloyd said. “Even after the headlines fade, our commitment to our neighbors remains strong.”
While long-term recovery from Hurricane Helene continues, The Salvation Army’s mission never ends. Long before disaster strikes, during times of crisis, and throughout the months and years of recovery, The Salvation Army serves individuals and families facing life’s toughest challenges every day of the year. Across Georgia, that includes providing food assistance, emergency financial aid, shelter, disaster relief, youth programs, senior services, rehabilitation programs, seasonal assistance, and spiritual and emotional care for anyone in need.
This ongoing work is made possible through the generosity of individuals, businesses, churches, and community partners who believe that no one should have to face hardship alone. Every gift—whether through financial support, volunteering, or other contributions—helps ensure The Salvation Army can continue meeting both immediate needs and long-term challenges in communities across Georgia.
To learn more about The Salvation Army’s year-round programs and services—including disaster services—and to discover how you can help your neighbors in need through your local Salvation Army, visit SalvationArmyGeorgia.org or contact your nearest Salvation Army location. To support The Salvation Army’s disaster services directly, please visit HelpSalvationArmy.org.
