Hurricane Irma has torn through the Caribbean and Florida leaving devastation in its wake. Millions of people now face homelessness and are without power and water.
Hurricane Irma was the strongest Atlantic storm ever recorded, and children and families across the region have endured extreme winds, flooding, landslides and storm surges. With roads, homes and schools destroyed, essential services have been cut off and families are without essential supplies like clean water.
Several charitable organizations are seeking relief support, here are three ways you can help.
1. Donate to a distaster-relief nonprofit
2. Become a volunteer
In additions to donations, the American Red Cross is asking for volunteers to help in Puerto Rico, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. You can also sign up to volunteer with the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster site.
3. Support crowdfunding campaign
Crowdfunding website Global Giving is hoping to raise $2,000,000 to support recovery and relief efforts for Hurricane Irma. Initially, the fund will help first responders meet survivors’ immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, hygiene products, and shelter. Once initial relief work is complete, this fund will transition to support longer-term recovery efforts run by local, vetted organizations responding to this disaster.
For more information on how you can help the Center for International Disaster Information, part of the U.S. Agency for International Development, has some tips on the best way to aid disaster relief efforts.