Response Updates – Spring 2026

• In the fall 2025 – spring 2026 reconstruction season, World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) long-term volunteers repaired 42 homes damaged by Hurricanes Helene or Milton funded by the American Red Cross (ARC). DRS will spend at least one more season partnering with long-term recovery groups in South Sarasota County, Florida, and Manatee County, Florida, responding to Hurricane Milton.
• Four one-week DRS volunteer teams have worked on 9 homes damaged by Hurricanes Helene or Milton for hurricane-impacted families.

Immediate Release – October 9, 2024

World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) is coordinating with officials and other voluntary organizations to plan a response to Hurricane Milton, which is following on the heels of Hurricane Helene as it approaches Florida’s big bend region this week. World Renew is preparing to assist with needs from Hurricane Milton even as we are adding Hurricane Helene to our existing work in Sarasota, Florida, following Hurricane Debby in August 2024.

World Renew DRS is making plans to offer clean-up, repair, and reconstruction services among homeowners affected by destruction from these recent storms. World Renew has opened an account to receive donations to respond to Hurricane Milton. You can give to help Milton survivors in Florida recover by donating at worldrenew.net/hurricanemilton.

Hurricane Milton is predicted to make landfall late Wednesday, October 9, 2024, as a Category 4 storm with a 10- to 15-foot storm surge, impacting areas already damaged by Helene. Mandatory and recommended evacuation orders for 51 Florida counties are in effect, with many residents fleeing north this week before Milton hits.

World Renew DRS is a voluntary non-profit organization that provides clean up, rebuilding, needs assessments, and long-term reconstruction services, free of charge, to disaster survivors in North America who are low income, elderly, disabled, or uninsured. World Renew DRS collaborates with local community organizations in disaster areas to help homeowners rebuild their houses and lives.

Many residents of the barrier islands and coast are still cleaning up after damage from Hurricane Helene in September, when more than 230 people were killed across the southeastern US and causing major flooding and infrastructure damage in Florida and South and North Carolina. It is estimated that Hurricane Helene has already done 47 billion dollars of damage on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Milton is expected to cause significant additional damage in the same area.

Bring Help, Hope, and Lasting Recovery

Your support helps World Renew DRS respond quickly and compassionately when disasters strike. Our North American disaster response efforts equip trained volunteers, local partners, and communities with the resources needed for clean-up, rebuilding, and long-term recovery—especially for those who are most vulnerable and unable to recover on their own. As disasters become more frequent and severe, your gift ensures DRS is prepared not only to meet urgent needs today, but to walk alongside families in the months and years ahead as they rebuild their homes and restore hope. Thank you for your support.