John, I’m reaching out today because severe winter storms have blanketed the nation, pushing at least 16 states to declare states of emergency.

Hundreds of thousands of households across the South — especially in Mississippi and Tennessee — are without power in freezing temperatures. And with extremely cold conditions expected to persist into early February, even short-term outages can quickly become life-threatening.

Many Southern communities do not have the infrastructure to treat snow and ice at scale. Roads become impassable. Power outages can last days (even up to ten!). And as we know, it’s the most vulnerable who pay the highest price: elders, families already facing food or housing insecurity, rural communities with limited access to services, and people who rely on electricity for medical equipment or heat.

This is where an organization I truly admire, REBUILD, steps in.

REBUILD.US is working closely with hundreds of organizations to get resources where they’re needed most, including in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. That looks like warm clothing, generators, non-perishable food, and simple but lifesaving support like gift cards that allow people to meet their most urgent needs with dignity.

I believe deeply in the power, and the responsibility, of community. It’s a huge reason why I founded JanePAC. We’ve built a movement of people like you who organize not only to elect better leaders — though that work is essential — but to show up for one another when crisis hits.

If you’re able, I hope you’ll consider making a contribution today to support REBUILD’s frontline relief work. Your support helps ensure that communities facing the worst of these storms are not left to face them alone.

With gratitude,

Jane