Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm, leaving behind an incredible amount of destruction in areas of the state including Fort Myers and Naples. Rescue efforts are continuing and many people are still in shelters or without power due to the storm’s wrath. Even from New York, there are ways you can help those who’ve suffered the most in the affected areas. Here is a list of several organizations that are helping people hurt by the storm and accepting donations.
How To Help People Affected by Hurricane Ian
The Salvation Army of Sarasota County
The organization is on the ground providing much-needed supplies and services to those in need. This includes hot and cold meals, drinks and snacks, comfort and hygiene kits, infant supplies, spiritual care contacts and more.
You can support the efforts by giving a donation via phone, online, text or mail. Learn more here.
The Florida Disaster Fund
This is Florida’s official private fund that assists the state’s communities during times of emergency or disaster. As a partnership between the public sector, private sector and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund gives funds to service organizations that then help people within their communities with disaster response and recovery. Learn more on the website.
American Red Cross
The Red Cross is focusing on providing shelter, meals and comfort for the many people struggling with the devastation left behind by the storm. To date, the organization provided more than 9,400 overnight stays in emergency shelters and served more than 142,200 meals and snacks. It also deployed more than 1,500 disaster-relief workers and provided many supplies to hundreds of households.
Learn more about how to help support these efforts here.
Project HOPE
The global health and humanitarian aid organization has an emergency response team on the ground in Florida. The team has been visiting shelters and health clinics in the storm-ravaged areas, giving out essential supplies and assessing health needs. With so many people still in need of assistance, the organization is working to help the most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, those with pre-existing medical conditions and those who are disabled, get access to the assistance and care they need.
Learn more on how you can support the organization here.
GoFundMe
You can help people affected by Hurricane Ian on this popular online charity platform. The organization launched the Hurricane 2022 Relief Fund, which is its own centralized fundraiser that will distribute donations to verified GoFundMe fundraisers for people personally impacted by the storm. It will also give donations to vetted nonprofits providing aid to those who may not be seeking help on GoFundMe. At press time, the organization has raised almost $19,000 of its $100,000 goal.
Learn more about the fundraiser one the website.
The Humane Society of Sarasota County
Having been able to maintain power and water through the storm, this local animal rescue organization is serving as a hub for animals in need across Southwest Florida. Teams are helping with other animal welfare organizations to transport animals in and out of shelters to get them to safety. At press time, the organization has helped almost 200 animals displaced by Hurricane Ian, with that number expected to grow over the next few days.
Here’s how you can help support the relief efforts.
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