How North Texans can help: Hurricane Helene relief

Helene one of the most deadly hurricanes in US history

The death toll from Hurricane Helene continues to rise after the storm led to damage and flooding in multiple states in the southeast US.

DALLAS - The death toll continues to climb from what is now the third-deadliest hurricane in the past 50 years. More than 120 people have lost their lives in the 10-state area hammered by Hurricane Helene.

The area around Ashville, North Carolina was seemingly the hardest hit.

Roads and bridges have been washed away or are still underwater, cutting off some communities in Western North Carolina from rescue workers looking for survivors, as well as those trying to bring needed relief such as food and water.

The power is out. Cellphone towers are down. And those stranded don't have a way to communicate.

"Communities are devastated. Loved ones waiting, not sure if their loved ones are okay, can't contact them because there are no cellphone connections. Many folks are displaced with no idea when they'll be able to return to their home if ever they have a home to return to," President Joe Biden said during a news conference on Monday.

Pres. Biden on devastation from Helene

President Joe Biden addresses the life-changing flooding from what was once Hurricane Helene. Nearly 100 people have died and hundreds are missing after the flooding.

He promised the federal government's help as long as it is needed.

Ashville's mayor said people in her community are desperate for the help.

"We are in need of everything: water, power, communications – you name it – food, resources for folks. The major challenge is getting into this area because we have three of our four main highways into this area with failures. So it is a dire situation. We are still in an active crisis situation," Mayor Esther Manheimer said.

Here are some ways people living in North Texas can help those impacted by Helene:

Texans on a Mission

'Texans on Mission' helps Helene recovery efforts

A North Texas non-profit organization is sending a group to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The group Texans on Mission is preparing to leave Monday to help people in northeast Tennessee.

"When something like a hurricane happens, there’s something inside of you that makes you want to do something. Texans on a Mission is filled with thousands of people who not only feel that way but do something about it," said John Hall, with the group.

Teams of up to 60 to 100 people will deploy for up to two weeks at a time.

The group will bring essentials for recovery efforts, including mobile kitchens, mobile showers and mobile laundry units.

To learn more about volunteering or contributing, visit www.texansonmission.org/disaster-relief.

Texas groups help with Helene aftermath

With 84 people dead and hundreds still missing in the aftermath of Helene, agencies from across the country are helping with the recovery effort, including some from North Texas.

American Red Cross

To provide relief, FOX activated its FOX Forward Red Cross donation page, where people can contribute funds directly to the Red Cross to support relief efforts. These donations will go toward providing shelter, meals, emotional support, and essential resources for recovery.

In addition to activating the donation site, FOX Corporation has made a significant contribution to the Red Cross’ Hurricane Helene fund.

FOX encourages anyone willing to assist in recovery efforts to donate through their dedicated Red Cross donation page. Donations can be made via:

Visiting redcross.org/foxforward
Scanning the QR code displayed on FOX broadcasts.

All donations go directly to the Red Cross to ensure that those impacted by the storm receive immediate support, including temporary shelter and meals.