United Way Launches Hurricane Michael Fund to Support Communities Affected by Catastrophic Storm

Alexandria, Va. Oct. 11, 2018 -- United Way Worldwide today established the United Way Hurricane Michael Recovery Fund, a national fund that will distribute 100 percent of donations to recovery efforts in the affected areas of Hurricane Michael, a Category 4 storm that struck the Southeast United States this week. United Ways in the affected areas will raise money locally and respond to emerging needs as appropriate, while the national fund will complement their efforts and provide a single clearinghouse for individual and corporate donors who want to give to all affected areas.

“Hurricane Michael has made landfall and the destruction we have seen so far is only the beginning,” said Mary B. Sellers, U.S. President of United Way Worldwide. “People affected by this catastrophic storm will be supported by the United Way Network. We will be there to help rebuild and recover from the devastation in the weeks, months and years to come.”

Additionally, United Way’s free support service, 2-1-1, has been reinforced to assist anyone in need of non-emergency help. Individuals in need of assistance can call 2-1-1 or text “MICHAEL” to 898-211 to receive state-specific storm updates. Those calling can also get information on community resources such as shelters, food and water resources, supplies, recovery support and other basic needs before, during and after any disaster. The service is offered in more than 180 languages.

United Way has a history of serving as the cornerstone for mid- and long-term recovery after natural disasters, including Hurricanes Florence, Harvey, Irma, Maria and Katrina, the Shasta Fires in California, 2017's earthquakes in Mexico, and flooding in India. United Way is also laying the groundwork for mid- and long-term recovery in the areas affected by September's Hurricane Florence, which is expected to take several years. These Hurricane Recovery Funds are just one way we continue to fight for every person in every community.

To donate or volunteer, please go to unitedway.org. For disaster help, call 211 or visit 211.org. 

About United Way Worldwide
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Supported by 2.9 million volunteers, 9 million donors worldwide and $4.7 billion raised every year, United Way is the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit. We’re engaged in 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories to create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our communities. United Way partners include global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, government, civic and faith-based organizations, along with educators, labor leaders, health providers, senior citizens, students and more. For more information about United Way, please visit UnitedWay.org. Follow us on Twitter: @UnitedWay and #LiveUnited.

About 2-1-1
2-1-1 is a free, confidential service that connects people from all communities to essential health and human services—24 hours a day, seven days a week. 2-1-1 will remain open and ready to provide local information about evacuation routes, shelters, food and water, health resources, and other needs throughout the storm.