Hurricane Michael became the third-largest hurricane ever to hit the United States when it raged through Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas just weeks after Hurricane Florence devastated some of the same areas according to CNBC.
CNN reports that the death toll has risen to eighteen, more than 243,000 people are without power and floodwaters are still threatening the safety of those in the affected areas. The damages are still being assessed, but an early figure from Time predicts the storm caused $8 billion in insured damages alone.
The recovery process is just beginning and could take years. Here is a list of reputable non-profits, both local and national, who are working in the impact area and in need of donations.
Americares
This Connecticut-based organization is focused on providing medical relief after large-scale emergencies. They have an emergency team on the ground in the Panhandle, assessing the damage and distributing supplies. You can donate here.
Feeding the Gulf Coast
This local organization runs meal programs to provide food for those in need, as well as providing assistance in the wake of naturald disasters. The organization is coordinating with other non-profits to distribute food to those displaced by the storm. They are looking for volunteers to help collect and pack donations. You can donate here.
Florida Disaster Fund
The Florida Disaster Fund is a state fund run in partnership with businesses to help those impacted by large disasters. Governor Rick Scott activated the fund in the wake of Hurricane Michael. All funds donated will go directly to disaster relief. You can donate here.
Florida Urgent Rescue
This local organization is dedicated to rescuing and sheltering animals in danger. They pull pets from kill shelters, coordinate foster care and adoption, and are on the front lines when natural disasters strike. The organization was able to rescue 120 animals before Hurricane Florence and is in need of foster homes to shelter dogs rescued from the impact areas in Florida. You can also donate here.
Global giving
This crowdfunded non-profit supports causes around the world and has a four star rating on Charity Navigator. Their Distaster Recovery Network is dedicated to supporting and funding locals in affected areas. They have set up a Hurricane Michael Relief Fund to help with immediate needs and plan to transition the fund to long-term recovery efforts over time. You can donate 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.” SBP is deploying a team to assist with clean up, and will begin rebuilding structures as soon as it is safe. You can donate here.
Team Rubicon
This non-profit provides deploys military veterans to help in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters. Their number one goal is to assist those affected by these disasters, but they also strive to provide veterans with purpose, community and identity. They already had a team in North Carolina responding to Hurricane Florence, and have deployed a team to the Panhandle to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. You can donate here.
