Coast Guard Foundation providing vital assistance to coast guard community following multiple storms

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater helicopter crew rescued a man and dog from a sinking 36ft sailboat 25 miles off Sanibel Island, Florida. The man and his dog were taken to Southwest Florida International Airport to meet with EMS & are in good health © U.S. Coast Guard photo, Air Station Clearwater

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families, announced today its continued assistance to Coast Guard families impacted by Hurricanes Helene, Beryl and Tropical Storm Debby, as well as those affected by glacial flooding in Juneau, Alaska. With Hurricane Milton poised to make landfall late Wednesday, the nonprofit stands ready to support Coast Guard members impacted by this latest storm.

Even before Hurricane Helene roared ashore in Florida's Big Bend as a record-breaking Category 4 storm, she spread devastation and threatened lives along the Gulf Coast. Today Coast Guard members are responding to emergencies created by sunken vessels, inundated homes, inland flooding, and potential environmental damage from the Gulf Coast north. They will continue their lifesaving efforts until their mission is complete.

The Coast Guard Foundation has activated its emergency disaster relief program for the seventh time this year to assist Coast Guard members and families who have been affected by natural disasters. The program offers a financial grant to help cover the costs of basic essentials, home repairs, replacement of household goods, temporary housing and emergency travel, and insurance deductibles. This support helps reassure Coast Guard members that their needs and personal losses are addressed while they provide lifesaving support for those impacted of these natural disasters.

"This has been a particularly devastating hurricane season, with intense storms Beryl, Debby, Helene and Milton all causing devastation to coastal communities," said Susan Ludwig, president of the Coast Guard Foundation. "The Coast Guard answers the call when we are most in need and it is our duty to be there for them in theirs. Please help us help these heroes."

The Coast Guard Foundation invites individuals, corporations and community organizations to support service members in need by making a donation to the Coast Guard Foundation. Every contribution, large and small, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have given so much to protect our nation.

To apply for assistance, visit coastguardfoundation.org/emergency-relief-grant.

To support the Coast Guard Foundation's emergency disaster relief program, visit coastguardfoundation.org/disaster-relief.

To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation, or to help support its work, please visit coastguardfoundation.org or call (860) 535-0786.