Hurricane Florence is one of the strongest storms to hit the United States in decades. Forty three people have died, hundreds of thousands of people were left without power and flooding is still rampant. Moody’s Analytics estimates Florence has caused $17 billion in property damage.
The storm wreaked havoc and the clean-up will take months, but there is hope and you can help. Here are some non-profit organizations accepting donations:
Americares
This Connecticut-based organization is focused on providing medical relief after large-scale emergencies. They deployed a team to North Carolina to provide medical supplies and assist health clinics. They have also shipped supply kits from their offices in Connecticut to North Carolina. You can make a donation here.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (ASPCA) mission is to rescue and protect animals from abuse. ASPCA has responders on the ground in North Carolina who are working to identify and rescue animals affected by the storm. In addition, they helped evacuate animals from shelters in impacted areas and are continuing to care for these animals.
Gleaning for the World
This organization’s mission is “alleviating suffering by efficiently distributing critical humanitarian aid.” They focus on keeping clothes and other useful supplies out of landfills, and re-purposing them to help those in need. In response to Hurricane Florence, they sent hygiene kits to North Carolina, and are filling more trucks with supplies to send to the hardest hit areas. You can donate here.
Hope Heroes
Formerly known as the Hardest Hit Family Relief Fund, this disaster relief organization is focused on long-term assistance and rebuilding communities after immediate survival needs have been met. They are coordinating with other organizations to distribute aid and supplies. You can donate here.
The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics
This organization is devoted to helping those in need receive access to medical care. The nonprofit runs free health clinics around the country, including over 100 in the Carolinas. These clinics served as first response teams during the storm and continue to provide medications and supplies. You can donate to their disaster relief fund here.
SBP
This disaster relief organization (formally known as the St. Bernard Project) was founded by Zack Rosenburg and Liz McCartney after they witnessed the difficulties faced by New Orleans residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The non-profit works to “shrink the time between disaster and recovery.” They have deployed two teams to assist in the Carolinas. Once initial clean-up has been completed, their teams will work with residents to rebuild homes. You can donate here.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Since 1981, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina has been working to end hunger in 19 counties in the Carolinas. Most of the food they serve is donated. The food bank has stockpiled food near the impact areas and is partnering with food banks in those counties to feed residents. The organization is in need of water, cereal and peanut butter among other non-perishable items. You can donate here.
