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| Dear Friend, Hurricane Helene has struck the Northwest coast of Florida as a category 4 storm, leaving devastation in its wake through Georgia and the Carolinas. There have been more than 40 recorded deaths and that toll is unfortunately rising. Many rivers have not yet crested and many dams may fail in the affected states. This is by far the most intense storm we’ve faced this year, and recovery efforts will likely last for months. Right now, we urgently need volunteers to help register storm damage so emergency responders like NECHAMA can identify areas most in need. We’ve been in close contact with Crisis Cleanup, a nonprofit disaster work order management platform that relies on volunteers from registered agencies. Their system is overwhelmed with calls, which doesn't account for the millions without power in the region, and they desperately need more volunteers to return calls and complete intakes. Spanish speakers are in high demand as well - but everyone's time is valuable! Crisis Cleanup operates on an easy-to-learn virtual platform, allowing you to contribute from home. They provide all volunteers with a virtual number to keep your personal information private.  As NECHAMA continues working with disaster aid organizations and government agencies, we ask everyone who can to contribute their time and volunteer. Recovery can’t begin until we know where to deploy, and your efforts will provide that crucial information. If you’re able to help those suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, please register here. A NECHAMA staff member will follow up with all the necessary information, including any training you might need. We will host a training session on Monday evening at 7:30 pm Eastern for those who register to be a virtual volunteer. The skills you gain from this experience will be valuable for future natural disaster responses, allowing you to make a meaningful contribution from home whenever disaster strikes. We hope you’ll join us in helping those who need it most. The NECHAMA Staff |