Hurricane Helene’s tremendous impact across the Southeastern United States brought devastation to many lives in our community, especially along the coastlines. Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) took action, partnering with Houston-based Southern Smoke Foundation (Southern Smoke) to provide immediate relief to food and beverage workers who live or work in local impacted areas. Funds are being raised for Gulf Coast’s Rapid Response Fund to rapidly support the individuals, families, and communities impacted by natural disasters. Gulf Coast will deploy the funds to the areas of greatest need identified, ensuring that life-sustaining support is a top priority. After seeing the significant impact on our local food and beverage industry workforce, partnering with Southern Smoke became evident for Gulf Coast. Many workers live paycheck to paycheck and bridge funding provided by Southern Smoke Foundation will be critical to their survival until government support is available. Individuals may receive up to $1,000, and families may be eligible for up to $1,200.“At Gulf Coast Community Foundation, we have a history of providing immediate, life-sustaining support to those most in need after disasters,” said Gulf Coast’s President | CEO Phillip Lanham. “We know that the local food and beverage industry was significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene and supporting our community in times of need is why we exist. Together, we will rebuild and recover.” Southern Smoke takes care of their own by putting dollars directly into the pockets of food and beverage workers when it’s needed most. They are a nonprofit founded and powered by current and past food and beverage workers who are dedicated to creating a meaningful safety net of support that doesn’t exist for most people in our world. Southern Smoke provides a simple application process and outlines requirements for funding on its website, assigning all applicants with a case manager for support. Donors and community members interested in contributing to Gulf Coast’s Rapid Response Fund can do so by visiting www.gulfcoastcf.org/rapidresponsefund. Together, we can support those most in need post Hurricane Helene.