Organizations across the Pittsburgh region are continuing to support communities in the Southeast that have been forced to face the devastation left in Hurricane Helene’s wake.
Brother’s Brother Foundation, The Fire Department Relief Mission of Western Pa., and the Salvation Army of Western Pa., among others, have committed to sending crews and supplies to areas ravaged by the storm.
In a Monday news release, the Salvation Army said that it is “mobilizing its national Emergency Disaster Services network” to help with cleanup efforts, along with providing food, hygiene products, and shelter to first responders and residents.
Three local staff members of the organization will be heading to the Southeast to help where needed, officials said in the release.
Additionally, the Salvation Army of Western Pa. shipped eight pallets worth of flood kits and other supplies to Philadelphia last week to be sent to states affected by the storm.
“Since Hurricane Helene impacted states including Florida and Georgia last week, an extensive network of highly trained EDS disaster professionals and volunteers has been on the ground serving communities across the southern states,” Salvation Army of Western Pa. officials said in a statement.
Ozzy Samad, president of North Side-based Brother’s Brother Foundation, said Tuesday that the organization is currently undertaking a two-phased approach with its relief efforts.
Brother’s Brother is working with six different food banks in the Carolinas, Florida and Georgia, providing them with funding to help those impacted by the hurricane, Mr. Samad said.
The organization has donated $100,000 among the food banks to support ongoing operations.
“We have historically worked with food banks in affected areas, where there's been either hurricanes or tornadoes,” he continued. “And the idea behind that is people who are literally out of their homes need to at least be able to eat.”
The second phase involves sending supplies, such as water and emergency kits. But shipments are currently on hold as the communities in need are not easily accessible or, at worst, still under water.
Supplies were provided to Brother’s Brother from Mine Safety Appliances and Giant Eagle, Mr. Samad said. The organization was also provided cleaning supplies, all of which are sitting in trucks that are ready to go when given the all clear.
Mr. Samad is in contact with relief organizations in the impacted areas, though communication has been tough due to the amount of devastation the communities are experiencing, he said.
“We would love to have already started the shipping process, but as an example, one of the places can't receive it from a loading dock perspective because they're so flooded,” he continued “So those are the logistical kinds of issues that are going on right now. We’re on stand-by until we get the news that we're able to respond and send the supplies.”
The Fire Department Relief Mission of Western Pa, which supports fire agencies experiencing natural disasters, received requests for assistance from departments in North Carolina that were destroyed by Hurricane Helene’s floods.
An Export Fuel Service trailer has been donated to the organization, which will be used to store equipment and emergency supplies. The organization will start taking donations Tuesday night in the parking lot of Barnes and Ninth streets in New Kensington, officials said in a Facebook post.
Members will also be hosting an eight-hour donation drop off on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 a.m. in the same location.
Fire Department Relief Mission officials said they are specifically looking for unused equipment for fire and EMS agencies, such as full turnout gear, medical and water rescue equipment, hoses, fire apparatus’ and more.
“Whole fire stations were wiped out, including equipment and apparatus, and there’s even a video of one being washed away,” officials said in the post. “We are asking for your generous donation of unused surplus equipment that you are willing to donate to this relief effort.
“The public needs protection, and the protectors need us.”
First Published: October 1, 2024, 7:25 p.m.
Updated: October 2, 2024, 12:12 p.m.
