Hurricane Resources and Guidance for Virginia Social Workers

Social workers are essential workers when communities must recover from damage and trauma caused by hurricanes and other environmental disasters. Below are resources that may help those of you in affected areas.

Please know that the NASW Virginia Chapter is your professional home, and we can connect you to NASW and other resources to help you address the mental and behavioral health needs of your clients and community.

NASW Virginia Chapter Contact: Executive Director Debra Riggs, driggs.naswva@socailworkers.org, (804) -204-1339.

Disaster Assistance

NASW established the Social Work Disaster Assistance Fund to provide assistance to those affected by disasters in the United States and around the world such as devastating hurricanes, tsunamis, flooding, earthquakes, wildfires, etc. Donations are awarded to social workers and/or social welfare organizations that can provide assistance to those who have suffered loss, and are in need of financial, or other assistance due to a disaster. https://www.naswfoundation.org/Our-Work/Social-Work-Disaster-Assistance-Fund

24/7 counseling: Disaster Distress Helpline

Virginia Emergency Support Team: (804) 267-7600, TDD: (804) 674-2417, FAX (804) 272-2046

Virginia 211 (Virginia Department of Social Services, Disaster support services: Up-to-date information on community and regional response, volunteer and donation coordination, crisis intervention and human service coordination)

FEMA Virginia (Region 3) FEMA has many types of assistance available to anyone affected by the hurricane. Learn more about each of the options at http://FEMA.gov/Helene. People in declared disaster areas can also apply for assistance by calling 800-621-3362, visiting http://disasterassistance.gov, or downloading the FEMA app.

Virginia Department of Emergency Management

Search for the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) closest to you here.

If you are a disaster survivor, please visit FEMA.gov for up-to-date information on current disaster declarations. If you or a client has questions about the disaster assistance application, please call (800) 621-3362, visit disasterassistance.gov, or use the FEMA mobile app.

Virginia Office of the Governor

Virginia State and Local Level Referrals

Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

Hurricane-Related Mental Health Resources

Help Lines

Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7 resource that provides immediate services to anyone who may need crisis counseling after experiencing a natural or man-made disaster or tragedy. Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the helpline immediately connects callers to trained and caring professionals such as social workers from the closest crisis-counseling center in the nationwide network of centers. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the Virginia, the United States, and its territories. Helpline staff provide confidential counseling, referrals, and other needed support services. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Crisis Text Line offers free 24/7 crisis support via text message. Text NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine is a free service that provides information, referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., ET. The number is 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

Veterans Crisis Line connects Service members and Veterans in crisis, as well as their family members and friends, with qualified VA responders through a confidential toll-free hotline. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone or send a text message to 838255 to connect with a VA responder.

Resources for preparing children for natural and human-made disasters, helping them through a disaster, and assisting with their recovery

National Child Traumatic Stress Network
SAMHSA: National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Helping Children Cope with a Disaster or Traumatic Event
American Red Cross: Helping Children Cope with Disaster
Administration for Children & Families: Early Childhood Disaster-Related Resources for Children and Families

Resources for Older Americans and People with Disabilities

Resources for people with greater vulnerability during periods without food, water, shelter, and adequate rest

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Disaster Planning Tips for Older Adults and their Families
Red Cross: Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities
Administration for Community Living: Emergency Preparedness
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Special Populations: Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Resources