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Trump signs executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports, directing DOJ to enforce; Educators voice concern for PA immigrant student protections; WA rent stabilization bills have huge public support; ME benefits from $2.2 billion in federal clean energy investments.

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Nationwide protests erupt against federal policies, Indiana's EV infrastructure expansion stalls due to a funding freeze, and Washington state pushes for rent stabilization to combat rising housing costs.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Veterans bring Hurricane Helene relief to GA’s overlooked communities

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Monday, January 6, 2025   

Months after Hurricane Helene tore through Georgia, rural communities are still grappling with its devastating impact.

With limited access to recovery resources, many families face lingering storm damage, including downed trees and unsafe homes.

Art Delacruz is CEO of Team Rubicon. He explained how the veteran-led nonprofit is stepping up to provide critical relief and support to those in areas where help is hardest to find.

"A lot of the services we deliver stabilize the environment," said Delacruz. "So the rest of the recovery can happen."

He said Team Rubicon's Greyshirt volunteers are clearing debris, repairing roofs, and providing other essential recovery services in communities with scarce local infrastructure and resources.

About 50% of the group is military veterans, along with first responders and civilians from diverse backgrounds.

Dean Wagner is the Georgia incident commander for Team Rubicon. He said the organization is operating out of Coffee County, one of the rural areas most affected by Hurricane Helene.

He explained that a big barrier to recovery is the financial strain on homeowners, many of whom cannot afford professional services to clear debris and repair damage - costs that can easily climb into five figures.

With so many families still needing help, Wagner underscored the ongoing demand for resources and volunteers.

"Even now that we're, you know, 80 days beyond the storm, these people are still living with it every day," said Wagner. "Every time they wake up and look out their window, they see just this massive amount of trees piled up and kind of feel hopeless."

Team Rubicon recently received a $2 million grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to support its disaster relief efforts.

While it's also served communities in Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina, the group says it still needs more volunteers and support.

For more information, visit TRUSA.ORG.




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