Here's how you can help victims of Hurricane Michael
Hurricane Michael tore through the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday afternoon as the third most powerful hurricane ever to strike the U.S. mainland.
The devastating system, which escalated from a tropical depression to a catastrophic Category 4 hurricane in under 72 hours, sustained maximum wind speeds of 155 mph at its peak, just 2 mph shy of a Category 5.
Michael obliterated multiple small coastal towns, collapsing homes and wiping out entire neighborhoods, leaving at least eleven people dead and hundreds of thousands without power in its wake.
Though Michael weakened into a tropical storm on Thursday, it continued on its northeastern path and brought "life-threatening" flash flooding to Georgia, Virginia and the Carolinas, which were left reeling just weeks ago by Hurricane Florence.
As apocalyptic images come to light, depicting the sheer scale of destruction wrought by both storms, many are wondering what they can do to help out those affected.
Charity Navigator, a nonprofit group that evaluates charities to help potential donors make intelligent giving decisions, compiled a list of its most highly-rated organizations that are currently assisting areas impacted by Hurricanes Michael and Florence.
Listed below are a few reputable charities, as well as how you can support them in their current and future relief efforts.
The American Red Cross
According to its mission statement, the American Red Cross has been the "nation's premier emergency response organization" since its founding in 1881.
The association, which brings shelter, food and comfort to those affected by disasters, says it is preparing to help tens of thousands of people in the path of Hurricane Michael while continuing efforts in the Carolinas for families still struggling to recover from Hurricane Florence.
Click here to learn more or donate.
World Hope International
World Hope International (WHI) is a Christian relief and development organization that works with vulnerable and exploited communities to alleviate poverty, suffering and injustice.
WHI says it is coordinating various relief staging areas through its local church and non-profit networks to distribute emergency supplies such as food, water, high-quality tarps, and other supplies to victims of both Michael and Florence.
Click here to learn more or donate.
Good360
Good360's mission is to transform lives by providing hope, dignity, and a sense of renewed possibility to individuals, families, and communities impacted by disasters or other challenging life circumstances.
The organization is in the process of distributing critically needed products in strategic locations in the southeast, including areas devastated by Hurricanes Michael and Florence.
Click here to learn more or donate.
Check out the following links to view Charity Navigator's complete lists of organizations helping victims of Hurricane Michael and Hurricane Florence.
