Last week, Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida and the Carolinas, leveling neighborhoods and leaving millions without power and vital resources.
Major search-and-rescue missions are underway, as the death toll from the storm has reach 80, with the number likely to rise as the floodwaters recede and rescue teams access new areas.
At a Friday press conference, President Joe Biden, who will visit Florida later this week, said, “We’re just beginning to see the scale of that destruction. It’s likely to rank among the worst … in the nation’s history.”
It will take a long time for many communities to rebuild their homes and cities. Here’s how you can help those in need:
- Caring for Others, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that addresses poverty caused by natural disasters, is coordinating its “Caring Convoy” to transport relief supplies to Florida.
- Direct Relief is gathering donations to acquire medications, equipment and supplies that address chronic gaps in health care, which have grown more critical after Ian.
- The Florida Disaster Fund, a private nonprofit has waived all administrative and credit card fees so that 100% of every donation can be used to help Floridians recover from Hurricane Ian.
- Americares is providing surge medical support in areas affected by disaster or conflict.
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The Red Cross is seeking donations to gather necessary supplies, as well as taking blood donations.
- Feeding Florida is a network of the national food bank nonprofit Feeding America.
- Volunteer Florida is placing emergency volunteers with organizations across the impact zone, and they are specifically asking for volunteers who can provide mental health services in traumatic situations.
- All Faiths Food Bank has been distributing cases and cases of water and groceries to distribution points and shelters.
- The ASPCA is on the ground evacuating animals and rescuing those stuck in the floodwaters. It is currently conducting an emergency fundraiser. You can donate online.
