Need help now after Hurricane Milton? Here’s where to go
As Florida and local organizations mobilize to assist those affected by Hurricane Milton, community groups and nonprofits are actively reaching out to provide essential support, including food distribution, cooling stations, and help with debris clearance.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Second Harvest Food Bank is operational and swiftly distributing food to those in need across the seven counties of Central Florida: Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties.
Nonprofit organizations and partners of Second Harvest are consistently delivering supplies to their headquarters in Orlando. Pauline Jackson from Jesus Loves You Outreach expressed appreciation for the rapid response from the food bank.
“If it wasn’t for Second Harvest, we wouldn’t be able to feed the families that we feed,” said Jackson. “We feed hundreds of families every month. And without Second Harvest, people would suffer.”
If you require assistance, Second Harvest provides a Food Locator tool on their website to help you find food resources. They also have a community resource director available to assist with rental or utility aid, housing services, support for the elderly, and disability assistance.
In addition, Second Harvest has received significant contributions from various organizations, including Disney, which donated 14,500 boxed meals, and Feeding Florida, which provided four tractor-trailer loads of meals.
“We’ve been very, very busy here after Hurricane Milton,” said Greg Higgerson, Chief Development Officer at Second Harvest Food Bank. “The need just spikes in those areas that are hardest-hit. We are distributing more food even than we do on a daily basis, which is really saying something. A lot of activity going on here, food coming in and food going out.”
Volunteers are actively sorting food items and are always welcomed at Second Harvest. Volunteer shifts are available; you can check their website for available days and more information on how to get involved.
Heart of Florida United Way
By dialing 211, residents can connect with essential services in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties, which include:
- Shelter information and housing assistance
- Storm supplies such as sandbags and tarps
- Evacuation routes and road closure information
- Locations for food, clothing, and hygiene items
- Medical supplies and emotional crisis support
Crisis Cleanup and Hope Florida
For storm cleanup assistance, U.S. Rep. Dan Webster highlighted the availability of the Crisis Cleanup hotline at 1-844-965-1386, which connects residents with local volunteer groups. Additionally, reaching out to Hope Florida offers access to support for food, household items, and home repairs.
Samaritan’s Purse Hotline
The volunteers from Samaritan’s Purse are providing free aid with debris and flood cleanup, temporary roof tarping, and chainsaw work. Those in need can call 1-833-747-1234 for assistance.
County-by-County Information
As we gather updates on a county basis, here’s what is currently available:
Orange County
State Representative Anna Eskamani has created a constituent assistance form for individuals needing help, particularly with debris pickup. Her team is focused on the Orlando district but will help connect residents outside their area to available services. U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost is also assisting with relief efforts and organizing a volunteer hurricane cleanup event. Residents are encouraged to sign up via his office.
Osceola County
For meals, the Salvation Army in Kissimmee, located at 700 Union Street, is serving food daily starting at 11 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
Volusia County
Cooling stations have been established at eight libraries across Volusia County to provide shelter from the heat. Locations include:
- Hope Place Public Library, Daytona Beach
- Port Orange Regional Library
- Edgewater Public Library
- Oak Hill Public Library
- DeBary Public Library
- Lake Helen Public Library
- Deltona Regional Library
- DeLand Regional Library
For transitional shelter, Volusia County is operating the county fairground shelter located at 3100 E New York Avenue in DeLand for individuals needing temporary accommodations while seeking more stable housing. This shelter is pet-friendly, but pet owners are required to bring essential items for their pets.
