Hurricane Irma swept across the Caribbean last week, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake before moving onto Florida, forcing millions to evacuate and leaving entire islands uninhabitable.
The Category 5 hurricane brought 145 mph winds and dangerous flooding to places like Puerto Rico, Antigua, Barbuda, and St. Martin, slowly losing strength and registering as a Category 4 storm by the time it made landfall in Florida. From there it tracked as a tropical storm, dumping buckets of rain in places like Georgia and South Carolina. For those already looking to rebuild, the picture is bleak.
At one point, more than 12 million Floridians were without power. As of noon Friday, that number has fallen to 1.68 million people. The island of Barbuda has been declared uninhabitable. Families have lost their homes, people have lost their lives, and the widespread destruction caused by the storm is predicted to cost nearly $50 billion. In other words, people need help. With so many organizations still on the ground in Texas helping residents rebuild after Hurricane Harvey, victims of Hurricane Irma are hoping not to be forgotten once the storms leave.
Thankfully, some wonderful organizations are already on the ground in the Caribbean and Florida, helping those affected. Here are a few that are in need of monetary donations and supplies as they continue their good work.
Oxfam
The worldwide development organization whose mission is to mobilize against poverty is assessing the damage in Haiti and the Dominican Republic after Irma. They’re seeking donations to help rebuild infrastructure and insure safe drinking water for residents who weren’t able to evacuate before the storm. You can donate here.
Americares
This health-focused organization needs donations to help provide emergency medicine, supplies, and medical outreach to victims and first-responders in Florida and the Caribbean. You can donate here.
All Hands
This nonprofit relies on volunteers and focuses on helping people rebuild after natural disasters. They helped homeowners in Texas clear debris and gut damaged property after Hurricane Harvey and they’re currently assessing damage in the Caribbean. You can donate here.
Convoy of Hope
This nonprofit aimed at solving the hunger crisis delivered more than 100 trucks with supplies to victims of Hurricane Harvey and they’re now mobilizing to deliver meals to people in Haiti and other hard-hit places in the Caribbean. You can donate here.
Global Giving
This crowdfund is looking to raise $2 million to give to local organizations in the Caribbean and Florida to help people recover. You can donate here.
United Way of Miami-Dade
This major local nonprofit is focusing on recovery now that Hurricane Irma has passed. Along with other organizations, they’ll be helping people in Miami and other parts of Florida rebuild. You can donate here.
Hurricane Irma Community Recovery Fund
This umbrella fund is helping grassroots organizations in Florida who are focused on aiding marginalized communities in the area. Working with nonprofits like Dream Defenders and Make The Homeless Smile, the fund seeks to help those living in poverty and immigrants recover from the storm. You can donate here.
South Florida Wildlife Center
The South Florida Wildlife Center is focusing on rescuing animals and offering shelter to pets left displaced by Hurricane Irma. You can donate here.
As always, be diligent in your research of any charities asking for donations following natural disasters. When in doubt, consult watchdog agencies like Charity Navigator or Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
