Much of Haiti was devastated by Hurricane Matthew this week, and one local organization is hoping to help their neighbors on the island.

Rob Van Beek with Many Hands for Haiti says their operations located in the northern part of the country avoided the brunt of the storm, but the southwest region was directly hit by the center of a then-category 4 hurricane. According to the U.N., hundreds of people were killed and many communities completely destroyed by winds over 140 MPH, coupled with up to a foot of rain and high storm surge. The Haitian government estimates at least 350,000 people need some kind of assistance after the disaster.

Van Beek tells KNIA/KRLS News help in Haiti’s recovery will also be likely needed for many months.

“The effect of this storm isn’t just today or this week, we’re going to see long term impact in the country,” he says. “When the [2010] earthquake happened, it just wasn’t the initial destruction and people losing their homes, there was a Cholera outbreak that’s killed thousands of people.”

He says they are working with other non-profits in the region to get immediate aid to many who have nothing left after the hurricane wiped out entire communities. While much of the hardest-hit areas are cut off from the outside, Many Hands for Haiti plans to donate excess food and supplies from their operations to assist in the immediate future.

Those who wish to help by donating can do so by giving the Many Hands for Haiti here, and they will facilitate all funds to directly help those in need.