Helpful Tips for Donating
An aerial view of a flooded city with a bridge over a river.

Hurricane Helene Volunteer and Donations – How to Help

There is a great outpouring of support from individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout the country to help those affected by Hurricane Helene across the Southeast.

Donations and volunteers can be extremely helpful after a disaster, and meet the needs of the victims, the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs), non-profits, community and faith-based organizations, and the government officials involved in the response. Unfortunately, donated goods and volunteers that are not specifically necessary can cause more confusion and hurt relief efforts. Coordinating donated money, goods, and volunteer efforts after a disaster ensures that survivors get help effectively and efficiently.



CASH IS BEST

The best way to help people after a disaster is to donate cash to a recognized disaster relief organization. Monetary donations allow charitable organizations the flexibility to purchase items that are needed most, and, unlike material donations, cash donations entail no transportation costs. Cash donations avoid the process of collecting, sorting, and transporting donated goods. Cash donations may be tax deductible.

Cash donations allow relief organizations to:

  • fund response and recovery efforts
  • get goods and services and
  • give financial aid to survivors.


Do not send unsolicited goods. It is important that prior to collecting any relief items, donors should contact the receiving local or national relief organization to verify the need and to make necessary transportation arrangements. Failure to do this will result in personnel, time, space, and money being spent to process uncoordinated items and will further detract from the resources being available to provide direct support to those affected by the disaster.


  • Donate goods that are specifically requested or needed by recognized organizations. Contact your chosen organization before starting to collect or donate.
  • Make a food donation to a local food bank that may distribute food to those impacted by the disaster.


________________________


VOLUNTEER


FIND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES HERE


  • Get involved with a disaster relief organization before a disaster happens. They can provide the necessary training to help when a disaster occurs.
  • Don't self-deploy to a disaster zone. Local officials will give specific instructions about how to volunteer. You can also check with volunteer organizations to learn about opportunities to help.
  • Be patient. Sometimes the need for volunteers is greater during the recovery period.


Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) members and partners are assisting communities in need. They will serve these communities as long as necessary. For a list of organizations involved in disaster response in the affected areas, visit their websites. Visit the social media sites of disaster relief organizations for more information.

Alabamians can help those in need by donating and volunteering responsibly. These donation and volunteer tips apply to disaster relief efforts within Alabama, across the country, and internationally.

Volunteer, Donation Resources for Affected Southeast States



Florida


Georgia


North Carolina


South Carolina


Tennessee


Alabama - Alabama VOAD (alvoad.org)
Florida - FLVOAD (wpengine.com)
Georgia - Georgia VOAD (gavoad.org)

North Carolina - North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ncvoad.org)
South Carolina - //SCemd.org/recover/volunteer-and-donate/
Tennessee - Tennessee VOAD (tnvoad.org)



_____________________



OTHER INFO

Locating Loved Ones

Family and friends are encouraged to check social network sites for information about your loved ones. American Red Cross is helping find loved ones through their helpline 1-800-RED-CROSS or complete this form online: https://rdcrss.org/3TQPblL.  If someone is missing a child related to this disaster or any other incident, they need to call 9-1-1 and then 1-800-THE-LOST to receive assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Find Help Near You. 2-1-1 provides individuals with the latest information and essential community services. It is the most comprehensive source of information about local resources and services available in the country. Call 2-1-1 or (888) 421-1266. Call 7-1-1 if you are hearing-impaired and ask to be connected to 2-1-1 Connects Alabama. In Alabama visit: //www.211connectsalabama.org/

If you are an organization providing resources, please call 2-1-1 or call 1-888-421-1266.

For additional volunteer opportunities visit https://serveal.galaxydigital.com/.  If you want more information on how to donate responsibly and need assistance in connecting with an organization involved in disaster response efforts, please email info@ServeAlabama.gov or call 334-242-1549.



Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services
Main line: 334-242-1549
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. for business calls
Email: info@ServeAlabama.gov
Physical Address: 401 Adams Avenue, Suite 312, Montgomery, AL 36104
www.servealabama.gov

More

Mapping What Matters in Homewood

January 29, 2026
Homewood residents took part in a hands on Comprehensive Plan workshop, Wednesday, January 28, sharing what they love about the city and where they see room to grow. People highlighted places like downtown, Edgewood, Central Park, Patriot Park, our schools, and neighborhood character as strengths worth protecting. They also pointed to areas like Brookwood Mall, Green Springs, Valley Avenue, and Rosedale as places that need attention. Common themes focused on safety, sidewalks, connectivity, stormwater, and making it easier to move around the city. This is part of Homewood’s Comprehensive Planning process. Another workshop is happening today, Thursday,January 29 from 9:00am to 7:00pm at the Senior Center, and you can drop by anytime. There will also be several more opportunities to take part throughout the year.

Comprehensive Plan

January 27, 2026
You get to help shape our city's future! PUBLIC MEETING 1 Wednesday, January 28 6:00pm City Hall, 2nd Floor, Council Chambers LIVE STREAM PUBLIC MEETING 2 Thursday, January 29 9:00am and 7:00pm Senior Center in West Homewood (816 Oak Grove Road) All day community planning workshop. Drop in anytime between 9:00am and 7:00pm to share ideas and help shape the plan. *There are several more meetings planned - we will inform you when we have those dates The City of Homewood is starting work on a new city-wide Comprehensive Plan. This plan will serve as a roadmap for how Homewood grows, invests, and serves its residents over the next 25 years. Homewood’s current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2007. Since then, a lot has changed, and more change is coming. With the city moving to a Council-Manager form of government , this is a key time to clarify what matters most to residents. The plan will help inform capital improvements, public service priorities, housing trends, transportation needs, and future land use. It will also give newly elected officials clear direction on what the community values. Your Voice, Your City Every resident will have a chance to be involved. This isn’t just a document, it’s a shared vision for Homewood’s future, shaped by the people who live here. The plan will reflect the needs of each of the city’s four wards and identify short, medium, and long-term projects for both public and private investment. Whether it's about where new housing fits, what kinds of businesses we want, or how we move around, this process is about making those choices together.

Council Backs Expanded Surgical Care In Homewood

January 27, 2026
Council Backs Expanded Surgical Care In Homewood Council Meeting January 26, 2026 The council has approved two resolutions authorizing letters of support for the new Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center ambulatory surgery facility, a step that signals long term investment in local health care access and capacity for the community. The letters, signed by Mayor Andress, support Andrews Sports Medicine as it moves through the state’s required certificate of need process. Council also noted that surrounding municipalities are joining in this effort and signing similar letters of support, reflecting regional alignment around the project and its potential to expand outpatient care options across the area. The action is procedural and allows the project to continue through the state review process with local and regional backing in place. Mayor Jennifer Andress presented a proclamation in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, that honored the lives lost, and reinforced Homewood’s commitment to standing against antisemitism, hate, and dehumanization in all forms. She also said City Hall will be lit yellow, a visible and intentional act that reminded the community why memory, education, and moral clarity still matter. Council formally dropped the Linden Avenue on street parking proposal, voted to condemn an unsafe structure on 26th Avenue South, heard and carried over two development items for a February 9 vote, one for Homewood Community Church and one for a Brookdale University Park pickleball court. They approved letters of support for Brookwood Baptist and Princeton ambulatory surgery centers, approved vouchers, approved use of the City Hall plaza for Taste of Homewood, and finalized council liaison appointments for boards and commissions. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3LPZxl2

Balancing Residency And Leadership

January 27, 2026
Balancing Residency And Leadership Pre-Council Meeting January 26, 2026 Council had an item to consider whether Homewood should ask the Alabama Attorney General for guidance on the state law that requires a city manager to live inside the city limits they serve. Considering the current search underway for this position, council discussed the residency requirement from multiple perspectives, weighing the goal of attracting the strongest possible candidates who may not be able or willing to move to Homewood, against community expectations councilors have heard from residents, that the city manager live in Homewood and be fully invested in the city. It was clarified that this request only seeks legal clarification, not a policy decision. Other items discussed included letters of support for Brookwood Baptist’s ambulatory surgery centers as part of the certificate of need process, reviewed insurance renewals, approved applying for a Rebuild Alabama Act grant to repave part of Salter Road with a small city match, use of the City Hall plaza for Taste of Homewood on March 19, discussed adding streetlights at two busy crosswalks for safety, formalized board liaison assignments under the new council manager system, and pulled back the Linden Avenue parking restriction item to preserve on street parking in leu of making light changes to existing curb markings. Agenda: https://bit.ly/45zami2

Report Power Issues or Dangerous Conditions

January 24, 2026
As we watch winter weather conditions, here is how to report issues and get help if needed. Our teams are prepared, coordinated, and ready to respond to help keep the community safe. If you see unsafe sidewalks, streets, or other hazards, please report them right away. You can contact Homewood Police Department or Homewood Public Works using the info below: Report Dangerous Road Conditions Homewood Police 205-322-6200 Report Road/Sidewalk/Surface/Other Dangerous Conditions Homewood Public Works 205-332-6816 Report Power Outage to Alabama Power 1-800-888-2726 Residential General Calls to Alabama Power 1-800-245-2244 ⦿ Alabama Power Outage Maps: Customers may utilize our Outage Map and Outage Alert system to receive real-time information about outages in their area. More information can be found here: APC Outage Map ⦿ Follow Along: Customers can follow @AlabamaPower on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information and updates and visit alabamapower.com/winterweather for tips on storm safety, winter prep and managing usage.

Winter Weather Preps

January 24, 2026
This crew is ready! Jason Priester, Brandon Priester, and Michael Thompson will be out in front of any winter weather helping make roads safer before any impacts begin. Their work helps ensure emergency crews can move quickly when conditions change, while monitoring surface areas to keep you from harm. Along-side this crew, Homewood Fire has 4-wheel drive vehicles at every station to support medics, and city staff will also monitor for any flooding concerns. This level of preparation reflects the strength of our city leadership and staff. They plan ahead, coordinate across departments, and stay ready to serve so our community can stay safe no matter what the weather brings. Here are some helpful resources: Report Dangerous Road Conditions Homewood Police 205-322-6200 Report Road/Sidewalk/Surface/Other Dangerous Conditions HWD Public Works 205-332-6816 Report Power Outage to Alabama Power 1-800-888-2726 Residential General Calls to Alabama Power 1-800-245-2244 ⦿ Alabama Power Outage Maps: Customers may utilize our Outage Map and Outage Alert system to receive real-time information about outages in their area. More information can be found here: APC Outage Map ⦿ Follow Along: Customers can follow @AlabamaPower on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information and updates and visit alabamapower.com/winterweather for tips on storm safety, winter prep and managing usage.

State of the City

January 20, 2026
At the State of the City Address, January 20, 2026, Mayor Jennifer Andress shared a clear and detailed look at where Homewood stands and where it is going. The city closed 2025 with a $2.1 million surplus after employee bonuses and a 4.5 percent cost of living adjustment. Sales tax, property tax, lodging tax, business licenses, and Parks and Rec revenue all increased, with a 2026 budget of $75.6 million. Major projects are underway, including the Shades Creek Pavilion and trailhead opening this spring, the Central Avenue TAP project, completion of the Green Springs sidewalk, the Highway 31 corridor project moving toward bid in 2026, and construction beginning next month on the long awaited I-65 diverging diamond interchange near Walmart. The city is also launching its Comprehensive Plan, inviting residents to help shape the next 100 years, while continuing strong support for schools with $12 million dedicated to education in 2025.

Employees of The Year

January 20, 2026
Fire Engineer Karry Jones, Firefighter of the Year Engineer Karry Jones is the Homewood Fire Department Firefighter of the Year! He is the person people count on for the behind the scenes work that keeps a modern fire department running, from equipment readiness to technical details that the public never sees but benefits from every day. Even while recovering from an injury, Fire Chief Brandon Broadhead said he kept finding ways to help. He also served on the team that helped design Homewood’s newest fire trucks around how firefighters actually work in the field.  Karry’s mindset is simple and rare. Make Homewood better tomorrow than it is today.

Pre-Council & Council Meetings Jan. 12, 2026

January 13, 2026
Council Sets The Interview Process For Hiring City Manager Pre-Council Meeting January 12, 2026 The January 12, 2026 pre-council meeting discussed the city manager search, with council reviewing interview procedures. HR Director Kim Kinder shared the job was posted December 19 with applications due January 16, listed the minimum qualifications, and said about 40 applications had been received so far. A resident asked why an ICMA credential was not required for candidates. Staff said keeping minimum requirements preserves flexibility given legal timelines and the residency requirement, while still aiming for a highly qualified hire. Council also teed up three January 26, 6:00pm public hearings, the condemnation and planned demolition of an unsafe house at 1625 26th Avenue South, an amended plan for Homewood Community Church to build a new two story 30,797 square foot facility behind The Edge with added buffers plus stormwater and traffic controls, and Brookdale University Park’s plan to replace unused parking with a fenced pickleball court with no lights. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3NgmgqM

Reese Street Courtyard Project Variance Request Denied

January 9, 2026
At the January 8, 2026 meeting, the Board of Zoning Adjustments denied a request to reduce the required landscape buffer from 15 feet to 5 feet for the planned mixed use retail, office, and medical project on the vacant lot at 1707 Reese Street, called 'Reese Street Courtyard.' Located right behind Nall Daniels Animal Hospital, the concept has been in the works for several years and is meant to add new businesses and much needed parking. The board focused on the fact that the plan chose to build more parking than required. That decision created the conflict with the landscaping rules, rather than a hardship tied to the property itself. The BZA also approved a front setback variance to allow a master bedroom to be added to the front of the house at 3410 Avalon Road, and approved a fence repair variance at 300 Woodland Drive. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4qcchBd
More Posts