I hope this email reaches you despite all the challenges with power and internet access, and most importantly, that it finds you and your family safe. Like you, our team at the Community Foundation has been focused on making sure their loved ones are safe, assessing damage and literally trying to cut their way out of their homes or neighborhoods. At the same time, we have been working to set up a plan, in close communication with our nonprofit partners, for immediate assistance as well as long-term recovery.
We know that you are part of a community of helpers. You give to this community we love in innumerable ways. Whether you are a nonprofit leader or a donor to or volunteer for those nonprofits, your help matters now more than ever.
Right now, our city leaders and the Red Cross are focused on immediate recovery needs such as water, food, and shelter. As we move into the days ahead, we will get a better understanding of the ongoing needs, how federal and state funds will be deployed and where philanthropy will be most needed. For those of you who would like to give financial support to these efforts, we have established the Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund (www.cfcsra.org) You most likely have friends reaching out to ask how they can help. This fund is one way they can support Augusta.
Supporting Community Foundations across the impacted areas are the best way to get dollars into the local communities. Their experienced teams know just where the funds are needed and can evaluate needs in real time. Our team is no different. The funds in our Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund will be deployed locally and rapidly for things like food, temporary as well as transitional housing, financial assistance, childcare and other critical needs. While we may not have the whole picture of what our community will need in the coming weeks, our team is the best in the business at figuring that out over the long road ahead. Remember that the Community Foundation for the CSRA is a 501c3 public charity and is the largest, most active grantmaker in the Augusta area. We do this every day.
If you are a nonprofit on the front lines serving our communities’ immediate, critical needs, please contact our programs team at rebeccawallace@cfcsra.org. We will be setting up an abridged process to get funding to those nonprofits serving the most pressing needs very quickly. Stay tuned for more information. We also understand that needs will change over time and we will adapt our process accordingly.
The HUB for Community Innovation is serving as a drop-off location and distribution site for donations of water, food, diapers, wipes, and other essential items. If you would like to donate, please drop off items between 10 AM and 3 PM daily. You can follow the HUB on Instagram @communityhubaugusta for updates on distribution events.
We are committed to walking through the aftermath of Helene alongside all of you. Together, we can rebuild a stronger community for all.
Much love,
