Photo Credit: A man is evacuated by the United States Coast Guard after being found among the wreckage of homes on Fort Myers Beach on Thursday, Sep 29, 2022, which was mostly destroyed after Hurricane Ian made landfall overnight on Wednesday. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Tampa Bay Times ]
In times of need, we need each other. Here’s how you can help.
Effects of Hurricane Ian
Yesterday, Florida’s southwest coast was hit with one of the most devastating hurricanes of the decade. Across the state, Floridians have felt the effects of the Category Four, almost Category Five, hurricane with flooding, heavy rain, and damaging storm surges. Hurricane Ian knocked out power for over one million residents with its 150 miles per hour winds and caused over two million residents to evacuate.
Our neighbors affected by this storm are in desperate need of water, food, and other necessary supplies. If you have the resources available to donate money or volunteer, here are some ways you can help those affected in Florida by Hurricane Ian!
Resources to Help Those Affected in Florida
American Red Cross
Florida Disaster Fund
Convoy of Hope
Disaster Relief at Work
Volunteer Florida
NAFC
Save the Children
Resources To Help Those Also Affected in Cuba
Direct Relief
The People’s Forum
Resources to Help Those Also Affected in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic
Project HOPE
Hispanic Federation
United Nations World Food Programme
World Central Kitchen
Other Organizations Offering Hurricane Ian Relief
Resources To Verify Your Charities
Before donating, always make sure you verify your charities and donation centers so you know your money is going to the right cause. Below are some sources you can use to verify your charities.
Things to Keep in Mind
Before you help, be sure you’re helping correctly. If you choose to volunteer, do not self deploy. Check your vetted volunteer organization’s website or social media for volunteer posts and listings. To avoid scams, don’t interact with phishy emails that contain sketchy subject lines and links. Also be sure to verify phone numbers from callers that claim to be from a charity and always research calls to donate from social media posts.
Our community is who we are and we are so very grateful to have gotten through this storm with little to no damage. Our hearts and prayers are with those who have not been so fortunate. Every volunteer and every dollar donated helps! We are in this together!
