In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, some Filipino-American organizations across the Sunshine State are doing what they can to help those in need. 

Sherly Noblejas, Philippine honorary consul and president of Jax Filipinos, is spearheading a fundraising initiative.

"Together with the resources of the consulate, we will be putting together some type of activity or donation with the organizations here in Jacksonville to try to get more donations to go down south," Noblejas said.

Elderly Filipina dies on her birthday in aftermath of Hurricane Milton

Redner Salonga, Jax Filipinos vice president, said the group is collecting essential goods to be given to residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

"We really take our time to create must-need items and we also ask our community partners, ano po 'yung kailangan ng mga families and 'yung mga Pilipinong affected dahil sa hurricane," Salonga said.  

Noblejas said she is also planning to connect with other Filipino-American organizations across Florida.

"I [would] also like to see if Orlando or any other city is willing to do that. Maybe even Pensacola when we go for a consular outreach; maybe people would want to give donations and then bring them to the hardest-hit areas," Noblejas said.

Hurricane Milton two weeks ago devastated several communities and left more than 235 people dead across the US Southeast. Hurricane Helene struck with deadly force in late September.

Meanwhile, the Pensacola Bay Center opened its doors as an evacuation shelter, with the American Red Cross onsite to provide essential relief and support to the evacuees.

The Bisayan Connection, Inc. (BCI) partnered with the Red Cross to provide food and water.

"We really take it seriously for our humanitarian – kababayan or not even kababayan — in the community, na makatulong, na magtatanong kami kung ano matutulong ng BCI. So we really need to support," BCI Secretary Lina Sharlow said.

Some Filipino-American Floridians are helping out in their individual capacities, like Orlando resident Scott Woodfeld, who opened his home as a shelter.

"We definitely want to take care of the neighbors. I have a few friends that are staying over [in my house] because they are in an area that tends to flood or they might lose power," Woodfeld said.

"We minimize [watching] our news a couple of times a day so we minimize the feeling of anxiety about what is going on."

Milton leaves at least 16 dead, millions without power in Florida

US Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated the Biden administration's efforts to support Americans affected by Hurricane Milton.

"Our administration has mobilized thousands of federal personnel across the region to work hand in hand with local and state officials to give folks the help they need," Harris said.

"I have spoken with state and local officials, both Republican and Democrat, to let them know we will be with you every step of the way as you recover and rebuild."

US President Joe Biden meanwhile has approved a disaster declaration to free up federal funds for victims of Milton and provide them grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and loans. 

On the day Biden signed the declaration, more than 250,000 Floridians registered to get help.

The additional $612 million to support people affected by recent hurricanes also includes money for utility companies to improve their power systems.

—with a report from Agence France-Presse