AI-Driven Cash Relief: How Technology Is Transforming Disaster Aid After Hurricanes Helene and Milton

In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, disaster aid has taken a modern turn thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). As North Carolina and Florida communities recover, the nonprofit GiveDirectly is pioneering a unique approach to disaster aid by sending direct cash payments to those affected. 

The organization is using Google's machine learning tools to quickly identify and support households with the greatest need, delivering $1,000 cash payments to 985 households with a second round of payments set for November. 

Don't Miss:

• The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement — How do you compare?
• Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.

Streamlining Disaster Relief with AI

GiveDirectly designed its program to get relief to people quickly. When they sent cash to families affected by Hurricanes Ian and Fiona in 2022, those who enrolled received funds in their bank accounts within a day. 

Using AI to analyze pre- and post-storm satellite images, Google's SKAI system helps identify the communities most in need – those in high poverty and heavily damaged areas. 

A poverty assessment tool also cross-references that data to further refine the target areas. This information allows GiveDirectly to invite specific households to enroll in the cash assistance program through Propel, an app widely used by those receiving government benefits. After approval, the funds are deposited directly into users' accounts via the app's debit card. 

Using AI this way helps get relief to those in need quicker and reduces the documentation that is typically needed to prove eligibility. "We already know they're eligible," Laura Keen, senior program manager at GiveDirectly told the Associated Press (AP).

See Also: ‘Scrolling to UBI': Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones – invest today with $1,000 for just $0.25/share

Meeting Diverse Needs Through Cash Payments

Direct cash assistance offers a flexible solution for those affected to see to their unique needs. Food, clothing, and other donated goods provide much-needed support, but cash covers other necessities, like hotel stays, childcare, and bill payments. Keen told AP that "there is an elegance to cash that allows individuals in these types of circumstances to resolve their unique needs."

Keen also pointed out that providing money to people quickly can help prevent them from falling prey to predatory lending. A wider shift toward cash-based assistance could help prevent recipients from falling into debt from high-interest loans or credit cards.

Trending: Studies show 50% of consumers think Financial Advisors cost much more than they do — to debunk this, this company provides matching for free and a complimentary first call with the matched advisor.

Challenges and Room for Growth

Despite the advantages, the program faces some challenges. Only those with access to smartphones and the Propel app can currently participate, which limits the reach. Certain low-income groups without reliable internet or power are also excluded. 

Keen said she is aware of the shortcomings and that some of these gaps could be addressed through a hybrid model that provides remote and in-person support, but the expansion is largely dependent on funding. GiveDirectly has raised $1.2 million of its $2 million goal.

On a national scale, FEMA's Serious Needs Assistance program has also adapted, increasing relief payments to $770 (from $500-$750). However, unlike GiveDirectly's proactive approach, FEMA still requires recipients to apply — a process that, in some cases, was slowed by misinformation.

Trending: Many are using this retirement income calculator to check if they’re on pace — here’s a breakdown on how on what’s behind this formula.

Paving The Way For Future Disaster Relief

GiveDirectly hopes its model will inspire further adoption of direct cash payments in disaster response. While FEMA's program must balance speed and accountability due to its government mandate, Chris Smith, a former FEMA official, told AP that technology like AI could streamline eligibility checks in public programs. This evolution could bring disaster aid to impacted communities more efficiently, addressing both immediate needs and laying a foundation for long-term resilience.

As technology continues to reshape disaster response, the innovative use of AI in direct cash aid may offer a glimpse of a more responsive future for those facing the devastating impacts of natural disasters.

Read Next:

• According to Vanguard’s Advisor’s Alpha Study, working with a financial advisor can result in approximately 3% higher net returns annually, here are the benefits of partnering with a financial advisor and how to find the right one near you in minutes.
• Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – You can still get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $1,000