Here’s How You Can Help Hurricane Ian Survivors Right Now

Here’s How You Can Help Hurricane Ian Survivors Right Now

Hurricane Ian ripped through Southwest Florida last week, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Flooded homes, destroyed businesses, power outages, and winds that got up to a mighty 150 mph made Ian out to be one of the worst storms to ever hit the United States. Although Hurricane Ian was eventually scaled down to a tropical storm, it still made its way through Florida toward the Atlantic coast and likely will continue to impact other states along the way.

At the time the hurricane first hit, more than 2.5 million Floridians were without power across the state, according to CNN, and so far, at least 109 people have been reported dead—105 in Florida and 4 in North Carolina. Many residents who survived have been left with little to nothing.

hurricane ian slams into west coast of florida
Joe Raedle - Getty Images

“We’ve never seen storm surge of this magnitude,” said Florida governor Ron DeSantis in a press conference, according to the Associated Press. “The amount of water that’s been rising, and will likely continue to rise today even as the storm is passing, is basically a 500-year flooding event.”

Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic were also impacted by the storm, after enduring Hurricane Fiona not even two weeks before.

From cash assistance to food prep and delivery to repairing homes, here are just a few ways you can help those who have survived Hurricane Ian and are in severe need.

Florida Disaster Fund

Florida has a state relief fund that you can easily text to make a donation. Just grab your phone and text “disaster” to 20222. To be clear, the pressing need here is mostly time or funds. “Make a donation or donate your time, but don’t send a lot of stuff,” DeSantis said, per the Tampa Bay Times.

World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen has been helping in Puerto Rico since Hurricane Fiona touched down almost two weeks ago. The organization preps and serves fresh, hot food to those in need throughout the island as well as in the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, Bermuda, and Nova Scotia, Canada, which were all impacted by Fiona. Donating is super easy, and you can even use PayPal or Venmo.

Hispanic Federation

Similar to World Central Kitchen, the Hispanic Federation has had boots on the ground in Puerto Rico since Hurricane Fiona but has continued its work in the Dominican Republic recently too. The organization has been helping in Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria devastated the island five years ago and has been working tirelessly to provide and restore food supplies, housing, renewable energy, businesses, and more. Donate here.

CARE

The Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE) is helping Florida families with immediate and basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. It is also providing those in need with emergency cash assistance. Donate here.

Convoy of Hope

Members of Convoy of Hope travel to devastated areas to provide survivors with food and other needs. Once they arrive to the scene, workers set up distribution points to start tending to people. To learn more and make a donation, head here.

PRxPR Relief and Rebuild Fund

Every single dollar donated to the PRxPR Relief and Rebuild Fund goes to those in need. The group primarily focuses on providing clean water, food, and renewable resources. All donations will go to providing hurricane relief in partnership with other local organizations.

International Medical Corps

International Medical Corps, a group of first responders who aid in natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and myriad other emergencies, is currently on the ground in Florida providing outpatient services to hurricane survivors. On top of physical needs, the group is also doing mental and psychosocial screenings for patients and providing essential disaster relief products like hygiene kits, drinking water, and solar lamps. Donate here.

Rebuilding Together

This organization, which has affiliates in Tampa, Central Florida, and North Central Florida, is on the ground in some of the state’s most devastated areas to rebuild homes that were majorly impacted by flooding. Donate here.

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