It’s been several weeks since hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Marie made landfall, and we’re hearing about it less and less on the news. However, the people who have been affected by these storms – the people who live in places like Houston, Florida and especially Puerto Rico, are in great need of help, support and relief. Many of these places still don’t have power or running water let alone the ability to start the rebuilding process. Many people have been separated from family members as well as pets. Many people are without homes.
I know people want to help, but aren’t sure exactly what they can do. Of course, many people have simply gone to the affected areas to lend a hand in whatever way they can. That’s wonderful and I am so grateful for people who give of themselves to strangers, but not everyone can pick up and leave their current life to go an help. And yet we all want to help. Here are some places you can help. Whether it’s donating money, clothing, blood or even your home, there are ways you can help those who have been hurt by these storms.
American Red Cross – While blood is always in demand, now is a much better time to donate money. Click here to donate to the American Red Cross. If you would like to donate blood consider waiting a week or two.
A Place to Stay – If you have a home that you want to donate for those who have been displaced by the storm you can make your home available on HomeAway or Airbnb.
Monetary Donations – If you would like to donate to a charity but aren’t sure which one to donate to check out Charity Navigator to find a reputable charity.
Volunteer your Time – If you are in Florida and would like to donate your time, or you are planning on coming down here, check out the National Voluntary Organizations Active Disaster website.
Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) – USAID CIDI provides information and guidance on the best way to help support relief efforts following disasters around the world. With more than 20 years of experience working in disaster areas and with relief organizations on the ground, USAID CIDI knows that monetary donations are the best way to help people affected by international disasters. Their goal is to ensure that America’s generosity results in the most effective relief, and we focus on helping donors make informed decisions about how to help.
GoFundMe – There are many GoFundMe pages established for those in need of support after Irma. Click here to donate funds or to help raise money.
Best Friend Animal Society – Best Friends Animal Society is the only national animal welfare organization focused exclusively on ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. A leader in the no-kill movement, Best Friends runs the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as lifesaving programs in collaboration with its nationwide network of members and partners working to Save Them All. All funds raised to support Hurricane Irma victims goes to the reuniting families with their pets.
South Florida Wildlife Center – SFWC depends on the generous support of the community to fund our lifesaving work of rescuing and rehabilitating imperiled wildlife. SFWC receives no government funding or public assistance. Please help us continue our work by donating today.
ASPCA – The ASPCA remains on the ground, assisting in recovery efforts for the animals impacted by Hurricane Irma. We’ve established an ASPCA mega emergency shelter in South Carolina where more than 600 shelter animals can be transported, so that animal shelters in hard hit areas have the capacity to accept the displaced pets coming in after the storms. We’re also working on distributing much needed supplies to emergency shelters and local animal shelters all across Florida.
Your support is needed now. 100% of your donation today will go to the ASPCA’s Field Investigation and Response Fund.This fund is used to support all of the ASPCA’s life-saving efforts for animals in disaster and cruelty situations.