After Hurricane Matthew barreled down on Christmas Night (2024) Hindi Short FilmHaiti and parts of the Bahamas and Cuba, the storm turned its destructive attention to several states in the U.S.

Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas have all been affected by the storm, which caused massive flooding in the region, uprooted trees and tore through homes. At least 10 people have died, and the toll is expected to rise as relief workers begin their search and rescue efforts.

According to the National Weather Service, some areas in the U.S. could be "uninhabitable for weeks or months" following the storm. While the destruction is still being assessed, the storm is expected to cause billions of dollars in economic damage.

Here are a few ways you can help support those affected by Hurricane Matthew in the U.S. We will update this list as more options become available in the coming days.

1. Donate to organizations on the ground.

Several relief organizations are on the ground in impacted states, addressing the needs of individuals and families in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.

• The Salvation Army

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The Salvation Army is providing water, food, shelter and emotional support to those in affected regions. The organization has more than 30 mobile feeding units on the ground in Florida, and it plans to support emergency response workers on the ground. The Salvation Army will evaluate the needs of communities in real time.

To donate to the Salvation Army's relief efforts, visit here.

• The American Red Cross

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During the storm, the Red Cross housed more than 27,000 people in evacuation centers across three states. While still supporting the needs of those who can't return to their homes, the Red Cross is also deploying emergency response vehicles and trailers filled with essential items, such as water, food and first aid kits.

The organization reports it has more than 1,800 volunteers on the ground working in collaboration with local nonprofits and governments to have the most impact.

To donate to the Red Cross' overall work, visit here.

• Save the Children

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Save the Children has dispatched an emergency response team to Florida to help address the needs of children and families in the aftermath of the storm. The organization plans to set up "child friendly spaces" in shelters, so children can play and be supervised as their parents cope with the destruction.

Save the Children is especially focused on the health care needs of families, addressing the potential for waterborne illnesses as a result of mass flooding.

To donate to Save the Children's Hurricane Matthew relief efforts, visit here.

• Global Giving

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Global Giving is a donation platform that collects funds to distribute to local nonprofits during emergency situations. By working with vetted partner organizations, the platform hopes to support long-term solutions from organizations based in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia that are best positioned to address the needs of their communities.

To donate to Global Giving's Hurricane Matthew relief efforts, visit here.

• Convoy of Hope

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Convoy of Hope is providing food, water and cleaning supplies to areas in Florida after the devastation in the region. The organization — which is particularly focused on aiding those living in poverty — says they are working with local partners to determine where the most need is in the state. Convoy of Hope is also currently providing relief to Haiti after Hurricane Matthew decimated entire communities in the region.

To donate to Convoy of Hope’s Hurricane Matthew relief efforts, visit here.

• The Humane Society

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The Humane Society is helping to keep pets safe and cared for in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, especially focusing their efforts in South Carolina. The society helped families plan with their pets in mind prior to the storm, and are participating in pet rescue efforts in the aftermath of the destruction.

To donate to the Humane Society’s Hurricane Matthew efforts, visit here.

2. Volunteer your time through relief efforts.

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If you are local to areas impacted by Hurricane Matthew, and your personal situation is stable, consider volunteering with reputable organizations on the ground. The volunteer portals below are coordinating efforts throughout the region.

• Volunteer Florida

Volunteer Florida is mobilizing volunteers across the state to help tackle the needs of residents hit by the storm. To sign up, visit here.

• The United Way of South Carolina

The United Way is coordinating volunteer opportunities throughout South Carolina to help with Hurricane Matthew relief. To sign up and learn more about available opportunities, visit here.

• The Red Cross

The Red Cross is dispatching volunteers from around the country to areas in the U.S. hit by Hurricane Matthew. Those interested in providing emergency supplies and long-term support can visit here to sign up as a Red Cross volunteer.

3. If you're local, donate blood.

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Blood donation centers in Florida have resumed collection after the storm and are reporting an urgent need for blood after being closed for a number of days prior to the storm. Those in a stable personal situation who are able to donate are asked to visit their local collection locations.

There is a particular need for platelets, plasma and O blood types, according to One Blood. To find your local blood donation center, visit here.

4. Make sure your friends and family are safe.

As with many national and international disasters, Facebook activated its Safety Check feature to allow users to give their friends list updates on their condition after the storm. Facebook users affected by the hurricane can use the feature to confirm their safety and alert friends of their status.

Safety Check also allows Facebook users to monitor their own friends lists, ensuring none of their loved ones in the immediate areas are unaccounted for. Users can also mark their friends and loved ones as safe if they've been in touch.

Facebook has set up separate check-in pages for Florida, South Carolina and Georgia.

5. Listen to communities in the aftermath.

When mass media attention inevitably turns away from Hurricane Matthew, many communities in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia will still be dealing with devastation from the storm. Aid is vital in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, but support needs to continue long after the storm passes.

Organizations like Global Giving and the American Red Cross have said they are committed to addressing the long-term needs of those affected by Hurricane Matthew. Bookmark and check in on their efforts to keep tabs on how your impact can continue in the coming days, weeks and months.