While the damage of Hurricane Ian is still being quantified, it is clear that the impact is historically devastating. The death toll continues to climb and the damage is imagined to be in the billions.
We evacuated when the forecast was that the storm would hit hardest right by us in Tampa Bay, and as we packed up our home and drove away, we didn’t know what we’d be returning to. As much as I’ve been through hurricane evacuations before, this was the most unsettling. Our immediate community has been relatively fortunate, but recovery efforts for those down south of us, and even across parts of Central Florida, will be extensive. Some of the organizations listed below also provide global relief including to places like Cuba and Puerto Rico who are also recovering from hurricane damage.
I’ll continue to share opportunities to give and volunteer over on Instagram, but I also wanted to create a landing space here on the blog for a few vetted organizations that are either local or are partnering with community groups to deploy trained volunteers and supplies where they are needed the most.
There are many organizations beyond these that are doing wonderful things. Whenever I’m researching new charities I use charitynavigator.org to evaluate the impact and trustworthiness.
Convoy of Hope
Stationed in the most heavily impacted areas, this organization brings in highly trained volunteers who are experienced in providing disaster relief. They have been handing out food, water, ice, and supplies each day since Hurricane Ian hit. Additionally, they have been removing debris and providing clean up.
Florida Disaster Relief Fund
The Florida Disaster Fund distributes funds to service organizations that will serve individuals within their communities with disaster response and recovery. For Hurricane Ian relief, all administrative and credit card fees have been waived so that 100% of every donation can be used to help Floridians recover.
If you prefer to donate by check, you can make your check out to “Volunteer Florida Foundation” and include “Florida Disaster Fund” in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to:
Volunteer Florida Foundation
Attn: Florida Disaster Fund
1545 Raymond Diehl Road
Suite 250
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Feeding Tampa Bay
Feeding Tampa Bay and their Disaster Readiness team are FEMA trained and prepared to handle disaster situations. In partnership with the Tampa Bay Area Emergency Operations Centers, they work directly with local emergency management operations to provide food, water, and hygiene items during crisis situations. Click here if you’re interested in volunteering.
World Central Kitchen
A nonprofit organization lead by celebrity chef Jose Andres, works to get food to first responders and residents after disasters. WCK works by quickly mobilizing chefs in affected areas, and they’ve been providing meals since 10/29. Sign up to volunteer here They’re also partnering with local non-profit, Metropolitan Ministries. You can learn more about donating funds, non-perishable goods, as well as your time, by clicking here
211 Tampa Bay
This organization serves as an ultimate resource hub for those in crisis, with assistance for everything from figuring out insurance claims, prescription medicine, mental health support, food distribution and more.
Direct Relief
Direct Relief will use all contributions designated for Hurricane Ian solely for related relief and recovery efforts. The organization is currently coordinating multiple rapid response shipments of medical aid across the state, and will continue to respond to requests in the coming days and weeks. They have been in daily communication with the Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, as well Florida VOAD, or Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.
Direct Relief is also ready to deploy additional medicines and supplies as well as a variety of backup power options, as needed.
Disasters like hurricanes disproportionately impact vulnerable people, including children, older adults, people without access to transportation, people with disabilities, and those for whom English is a second language.
People with chronic conditions are also at risk if they lose access to medications needed to manage their health. Conditions like asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure can prompt emergency room visits during times of high volume for acute injuries.
Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together’s Disaster Readiness and Recovery program offers disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and long-term recovery support to help families and communities affected by natural disasters to rebuild their homes and lives.” Having previously helped communities after Hurricane Katrina, Sandy, Harvey and more, Rebuilding Together Tampa, Central Florida and North Central Florida – the affiliates of the national organization – are already on the ground helping neighbors in Florida rebuild and recover from the effects of Hurricane Ian. Their Hurricane Ian Fundraising Page is set up so thar 100% of funds given go to the impacted communities.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
To learn about on-the-ground, immediate volunteer opportunities to support Hurricane Ian relief, look for updated postings on www.volunteerFlorida.org
