Hurricane Relief Donations
The individuals and families affected by the horrific devastation resulting from the major hurricanes that have plagued parts of the country in recent months are still, and will be for a long time, in need of life sustaining care and support. The most effective means to support recovery of communities affected by major hurricanes is to donate time or money to trusted voluntary-, faith- and community-based charitable organizations. This gives these organizations the ability to purchase what survivors need right now. In addition, when these organizations purchase goods or services locally, they pump money back into the local and regional economy, helping businesses recover faster, which, in the long run, helps survivors get back to a normal way of life.
The number one need in any disaster is for financial donations. Donating money to trusted voluntary-, faith - and community-based charitable organizations allows these organizations the ability to purchase immediate needs survivors have.
Please remember that unsolicited donated goods (e.g., clothing, miscellaneous household items, mixed or perishable foodstuffs) require voluntary agencies to redirect valuable resources away from providing services to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.
Donate through a trusted organization
The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) lists trusted organizations receiving donations, many of which are already coordinating relief and response efforts in the Caribbean and other areas across the country that were affected by major hurricanes during this hurricane season. The NVOAD website has information on non-profit organizations accepting or registering individual in-kind donations here. For corporate donations connect here.
You may also make financial donations to a National VOAD member organization to help voluntary or charitable organizations continue to provide services to hurricane survivors.
Volunteering in Response to Hurricanes
Anyone seeking an opportunity to get involved in response and recovery operations is encouraged to volunteer with local and nationally known organizations. A list of volunteer websites is available at www.nvoad.org. Do not self-deploy to affected areas - doing so, causes additional burdens for first responders and other officials working to help communities recover. Instead follow the guidance below:
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands ask that those who wish to register to volunteer to support recovery efforts for Hurricane Maria go here for Puerto Rico (https://prvoad.communityos.org/cms/irma) and here: (https://usvivoad.communityos.org/cms/irma) for the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Florida asks that those who wish to volunteer to support recovery efforts for Hurricane Irma go to https://flvoad.communityos.org/cms/ for more information on how you can help.
Texas asks that those who wish to volunteer to support recovery efforts for Hurricane Harvey go to https://txvoad.communityos.org/cms/ for more information on how you can help.
To register as an affiliated volunteer with a voluntary or charitable organization, visit the National VOAD for a list of partners active in disaster. Alternatively, you may register your interest to volunteer here for partner organizations to reach out to you.
Patience is paramount, and the need for volunteers endures. Recovery activities associated with the devastation caused by the unprecedented hurricane activity in recent months will require volunteer engagement for many months and years to come, and the help of many will be required.
*Please keep in mind that the information on these websites is subject to change.