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NEA News

Help for Educators Impacted by Hurricane Florence

NEA is collecting disaster relief funds to help support members affected by Hurricane Florence.
Waves slam the Oceana Pier & Pier House Restaurant in Atlantic Beach, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 as Hurricane Florence approaches the area. (Travis Long/The News & Observer via AP)
Published: September 17, 2018

nea hurricane florence relief fund Waves slam the Oceana Pier & Pier House Restaurant in Atlantic Beach, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 as Hurricane Florence approaches the area. (Travis Long/The News & Observer via AP)

Devastating, widespread flooding from Hurricane Florence has swamped huge swaths of North and South Carolina and has left at least 17 people dead as waters continue to rise. Millions are without power and about 15,000 people were in shelters across North Carolina by Sunday afternoon, many of which are staffed by the educators who work there.

Hurricane Florence is having a devastating impact on thousands of NEA members and their families in the southeastern United States, and we are rallying the support of the union to come to their aid.

NEA Member Benefits is facilitating disaster relief funding collection to help support members affected by Hurricane Florence. NEA MB has set up two opportunities for NEA members, affiliates, and business partners to help support recovery efforts:

  • Individuals may contribute to the NEA Hurricane Florence Relief Fund via a special GoFundMe page.
  • NEA Affiliates and other organizations, including NEA MB business partners, may make donations via check.

If you would like to help, please consider making a donation to the NEA Hurricane Florence Relief Fund. Please be assured that 100 percent of funds donated will go to affected NEA members and their families through their state affiliates.

For individual donations:
Individuals may contribute to the NEA Hurricane Florence Relief Fund via a special GoFundMe page.

For state affiliates, business partners and other organizations, please make your donation by check.
Checks should be payable to:
NEA Member Benefits Relief Fund
ATTN: Cecilia Evans, Hurricane Florence Relief
900 Clopper Rd., Ste. 300
Gaithersburg, MD 20878-1356

“NEA and NEA Member Benefits extend our heartfelt gratitude to all for the tremendous support being shown NEA members and families in need. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers remain with the people of affected by Hurricane Florence,” said NEA President Lily Eskelsen García. “The recovery will not happen overnight but the more than 3 million members of the National Education Association family stand ready to help our fellow educators as they work to rebuild their families, homes, schools and communities.”

Donations to the NEA-MB’s GoFundMe page for Hurricane Florence relief will go a long way to replace belongings and the many expenses educators and their families will certainly incur in the days, weeks, and months to come.

“All of us can play a role in rebuilding the lives of those impacted by these natural disasters, standing strong for our members and their families, and mending communities,” said Eskelsen García. “On behalf of affected NEA members, thank you for your prayers and generosity.”

NEA Member Benefits Assistance

NEA Member Benefits is here to support educators in tough times. For members affected by Hurricane Florence, including damage to a house, auto, or classroom as the result of the hurricanes, visit www.neamb.com/disaster-assistance.htm for more information about which NEA MB Partner offers might apply to you and your situation. You may also contact the Member Service Center toll-free at 1-800-637-4636.

NEA Resources

Educators know that when disasters such as Hurricane Florence strike, children are often traumatized and they need help from families and educators to cope and heal. NEA is providing resources and information to help deal with students' fears and questions.

NEA’s School Crisis Guide (PDF)
A step-by-step outline of what to do before, during, and after any school or community crisis like a natural disaster. NEA offers best practices that address the full spectrum of crisis response from how to prevent and prepare for a crisis to how to respond and recover in the minutes, days and weeks following the event.

Resources for Educators, Students and Families

Source: Associated Press

American Red Cross The American Red Cross is working around the clock to provide safe shelter and comfort for the hundreds of thousands of people impacted by this disaster.

North Carolina Department of Public Safety central web site for North Carolina response.

The American School Counselor Association provides an extensive list of resources for helping kids deal with hurricanes and floods.

Colorin Colorado Colorin Colorado is a bilingual web site for educators and families has information on how to help children after a natural disaster and additional resources.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network “After the Hurricane: Helping Young Children Heal”.

Harvest Hope Food Banks are in need of donations for food banks across the Carolinas.

United Way provides basic needs such as food, shelter and medicine, as well as the long-term recovery services.

Additional Resources

Tips for Parents: Helping Kids Cope with Hurricane Harvey (Save the Children)

Remembering Hurricane Katrina: 15 Moving Books for Kids of All Ages (Brightly)

Recommended Children's Books About Hurricanes (ThoughtCo)

Talk to Your Kids About Hurricanes (Scholastic)

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National Education Association

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.