The best charities to give to for victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria
Since the start of 2017, there have been 13 named Atlantic storms, making this year's hurricane season unusually active. In just the past four weeks, three major hurricanes ravaged the Caribbean and the United States Gulf Coast.
First came Harvey, which killed approximately 83 people, destroyed or damaged over 100,000 homes, flooded neighborhoods, and displaced over 30,000 in Texas and Louisiana. Then Irma hit Florida and several Caribbean islands, knocking out power, leaving thousands homeless, and killing at least 41 people.
Maria followed, ripping through Puerto Rico and Dominica and killing at least 17 people. The Category 3 storm, which was approaching the Turks and Caicos islands on Friday, has brought torrential downpours and powerful winds that have uprooted trees, demolished homes, and inundated roads on several Caribbean islands.
You might be wondering how to help these storms' victims.
According to The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI), which is part of the US Agency for International Development, donating money is almost almost the best way to give aid. Before donating material goods (like blankets, food, or toys), CIDI recommends confirming with relief organizations there is an actual need for them.
If you want to assist in person, nonprofits both international and local are looking for volunteers.
Reputable, local charity organizations to donate to after Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria are listed below, followed by larger nonprofits that operate on a national or global scale.
Note: It is not clear whether all these organizations will spend 100% of donations received on hurricane relief and associated expenses. But in past large-scale disasters, they have given high percentages of donations directly to victims, especially if there is a specific fund set up. To avoid scams, it's always good to research a group before donating by checking scores from independents groups like Charity Navigator and Charity Watch.
Hurricane Harvey: Local organizations in Texas
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
General relief:
The Greater Houston Community Fund, established by Mayor Sylvester Turner, will provide a broad range of relief efforts related to food, housing, and health.
The Carter BloodCare and the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center are accepting blood donations.
United Way of Greater Houston has instituted a 24-7 helpline, which provides information to victims about how to access food, shelter, and supplies. The nonprofit is also working with social service providers to address community needs.
Food:
The following food banks are collecting items, as well as monetary donations, for Harvey victims: Houston Food Bank, Galveston Food Bank, Coastal Bend Food Bank in Corpus Christi, San Antonio Food Bank, Feeding Texas. It's best to call them to ask what they need before bringing food items.
Shelter:
The Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County has created a disaster recovery shelter transition housing program to help displaced families.
The Houston chapter of Habitat for Humanity is working to rebuild destroyed homes.
Community support:
The L.G.B.T.Q. Disaster Relief Fund is supporting individuals and families by providing counseling, case management, shelf-stable food, furniture, housing, and more. Its team has also been on call to assist homeless youth, seniors, HIV-positive people devastated by the storm.
Dedicated to people with disabilities, Portlight Strategies is aiding storm victims find medical equipment, housing, and addressing other needs they might have.
The Greater Houston Community Foundation launched a relief fund for victim support, with the money going toward housing, food, supplies, healthcare, transportation, and child care.
Hurricane Harvey: Local organizations in Louisiana
Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank
General relief:
Covenant House New Orleans is offering food, emergency shelter, clothing, medical attention, and housing solutions to families and kids.
The United Way of Central Louisiana is working with social service providers to address community needs.
Food:
The Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, and the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana Inc are collecting food items and monetary donations for Harvey victims. It's best to call and ask what they need.
Shelter:
The New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity and the New Orleans-based SBP are rebuilding homes in Louisiana.
Hurricane Irma: Local organizations in Florida
United Way of Miami-Dade
General relief:
Volunteer Florida has an open call for volunteers and donations.
The Neighborhood Health Clinic is addressing storm victims' medical needs.
The Heart of Florida United Way and United Way of Miami-Dade are providing food, shelter, and health services.
Food:
The All Faiths Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida are collecting food items and monetary donations for Irma victims. It's best to call and ask what they need.
Shelter:
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation established a disaster relief fund that will support immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts to rebuild the region.
The Habitat for Humanity of Key West and the Lower Florida Keys is working to rebuild destroyed homes.
Community support:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade is accepting donations of items and money. The nonprofit has requested water, bug spray, baby products, hygiene products, non-perishable food that's easy to open, and pre-sorted clothing for children and teenagers. Supplies can be donated through its Amazon wish-list.
Place of Hope, based in Palm Beach Gardens, provides family-style foster care for abused children. The nonprofit hopes to repair some of its facilities damaged by Irma.
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