If an emergency has forced you to evacuate your home, the Red Cross may be able to help. Shelter Information>>
Updated October 3, 2024
Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region, with additional impacts in areas of Central Florida such as Tampa, causing historic storm surge levels. In Florida’s panhandle, this is the third time a hurricane has hit this area in 13 months.
Over the past several days, the Red Cross provided safe refuge for more than 500 people across more than 15 shelters in Charlottle, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Leon, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Suwanee, and Taylor counties. These counties are also the ones identified as areas where the distribution of hot meals, snacks, water, and emergency relief supplies will be most crucial. In addition to the shelters for Hurricane Helene, there are still more than 120 people in Red Cross shelters from Hurricane Idalia in August 2023.
Red Cross teams will continue gathering information and will ensure that all pockets of damage have been identified. Disaster teams are out in communities distributing food and relief supplies along mobile routes, bringing services directly to the people in need.
Anyone who needs a safe place to stay or a warm meal can find shelter information by clicking here, by accessing the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
All disaster assistance is free. We don’t require people to show any kind of identification to enter a shelter — just their name and where they were living before the disaster.
Red Cross shelters are open to everyone in need, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or citizenship status. Pets are welcome. All disaster assistance is free.
Los refugios de la Cruz Roja están abiertos a todas las personas necesitadas, independientemente de su raza, religión, identidad de género, orientación sexual o estado de ciudadanía. Las mascotas son bienvenidas. Toda la asistencia en caso de desastre es gratuita.
Many areas remain inaccessible. If you need assistance, please consider coming to a shelter.
If you are having trouble connecting with family or friends after Hurricane Helene, Red Cross Reunification Teams may be able to help »
Disasters are upsetting experiences for everyone involved. Children, senior citizens, people with disabilities and people for whom English is not their first language are especially at risk and are likely to need extra care and help. But everyone, even the people that others look up to for guidance and assistance, is entitled to their feelings and deserves support throughout the recovery process. Call our Disaster Distress Helpline or read more here.
Service Delivery Totals for Hurricane Helene as of 10/1/2024 (across mulitiple states):
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