Air Hait/WPBF-TV(MIAMI) — Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida on Sunday, days after the powerful storm’s winds and rain devastated many islands in the Caribbean.
Many humanitarian organizations are still reeling from the massive devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, which inundated Houston with deadly floodwater less than two weeks ago.
Here are some ways to help those impacted by Irma. All of the charity organizations below have been approved by the nonprofit group Charity Navigator as highly-rated organizations that are currently responding to areas affected by Irma.
American Red Cross
“The Red Cross has mobilized its second massive hurricane response in two weeks to help people affected by Hurricane Irma,” the organization said in a statement on its website. “Relief efforts stretch from the U.S. Virgin Islands through Florida to the mid-Atlantic region.”
The American Red Cross is accepting donations to help with Irma relief efforts on its website and by phone at 1- 800-RED CROSS. People can also text the word “IRMA” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
#Irma: We are providing safe refuge & mobilizing supplies. How to get & give help: https://t.co/QYAOI5hIgP (Esp: https://t.co/y2K5T2vWr8) pic.twitter.com/MQlMo7BWnP
— American Red Cross (@RedCross) September 9, 2017
Catholic Relief Services
This international humanitarian organization that is affiliated with the U.S. Catholic church and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, has already begun responding to the devastation in the Caribbean, providing shelter, water, hygiene kits and other supplies to those displaced by Irma. Information on how to donate and where the funds are being allocated is available on its website.
Our emergency team is standing ready to respond to Hurricane #Irma with relief supplies. How you can help: https://t.co/6whfkUo1tO. pic.twitter.com/HQBIxWwS4m
— Catholic Relief (@CatholicRelief) September 6, 2017
Direct Relief
The NGO Direct Relief has staff already stationed in Miami, ready to respond to medical needs that arise across Florida, according to its website, where information on how to help is available.
#Hurricane #Irma over Florida. @DirectRelief stationed in Miami w/ meds staged across state. For updates, visit https://t.co/y8ggskG2F0 pic.twitter.com/xcCuf0QCac
— Direct Relief (@DirectRelief) September 10, 2017
Heart to Heart International
Heart to Heart International, which focuses on providing access to health care, is preparing a disaster team and Mobile Medical Unit to respond in Florida and other parts of the U.S. where Irma hits, according to its website.
HHI is positioning our mobile medical unit, medical team & supplies to be ready to respond. Text IRMA to 41444 to give. #IrmaHurricane2017 pic.twitter.com/Gwx8MFjD0f
— Heart to Heart Int’l (@Heart_to_Heart) September 9, 2017
Americares
“Hurricane Irma has already caused significant damage, and millions more people live in its path. Our relief workers are on the ground in several different locations, coordinating with partners and standing ready to help address health needs resulting from the storm,” Garrett Ingoglia, Americares’ vice president of emergency response, said in a statement on the group’s website, which is currently accepting donations.
For every disaster that pulls at our heartstrings&calls upon our expertise, we look to those we serve | Help @#Irma➡️https://t.co/wibvPNz9I1 pic.twitter.com/23GO9CAwwu
— Americares (@Americares) September 10, 2017
UNICEF USA
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund has already begun responding to Irma’s devastation in the Caribbean. The humanitarian group, which focuses on advocating for children, is also preparing for its response to those affected in the U.S. The group is accepting donations via text and on its website.
#Hurricane season has forced vulnerable children into even more danger. Help now: https://t.co/QqgqsZD9zs #HurricaneIrma pic.twitter.com/Y01rhsVJSU
— UNICEF USA (@UNICEFUSA) September 9, 2017
Samaritan’s Purse
The non-demonimational Christian organization has already responded on the ground, bringing critical supplies to those affected by Irma in St. Maarten, and announced on its website that it is “ready to go” in Florida. Donations can be submitted on its website.
Please continue to #pray for Florida and all those in the path of #HurricaneIrma. https://t.co/nVKkYb4E4Y
— Samaritan’s Purse (@SamaritansPurse) September 10, 2017
Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.