As the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene approaches, the Community Foundation for the CSRA is reflecting on the storm’s lasting impact and the remarkable response it inspired. 

Hurricane Helene left devastation in its wake, but it also revealed something stronger—our community’s resilience, generosity, and determination to help one another. 

The day after the storm, the Community Foundation established the Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund to provide both immediate relief and long-term recovery support. What happened next was extraordinary: individuals from 30 states and abroad contributed more than $10.5 million to help Augusta and the CSRA rebuild.

Those dollars were directed to over 90 vital local nonprofits on the front lines, supporting critical needs such as:

• Relief reimbursement – covering food, shelter, and emergency supplies.

• Lost revenue – sustaining nonprofits who continued serving despite closures and setbacks.

• Infrastructure repairs – restoring and reopening facilities damaged by the storm.

• Operating costs – ensuring nonprofits could keep pace with growing demand.

• Recovery programming – investing in long-term healing and stability.

“Our community knew we could act because the Community Foundation had our back,” said Catie McCauley, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Augusta.

That sense of confidence and unity was possible because neighbors helped neighbors, organizations worked side by side, and donors from near and far stood in solidarity with the CSRA.

“The road to recovery has not been easy, but it has been marked by compassion, collaboration, and hope,” said Shell Knox Berry, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for the CSRA. “On this anniversary, we honor not only the hardships we endured, but also the incredible way our community rose to meet them together.”

While needs continue, the Community Foundation remains committed to ensuring every dollar entrusted to the Crisis Fund strengthens the CSRA for the future.

Watch our full video announcement here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXRNxt-KBC0