Hurricane relief: how to help

Note: this post was originally published on August 28, and has been updated to include information on how to help victims of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

New Hampshire is no stranger to natural disasters. Flooding, ice storms, blizzards and even the odd hurricane or tornado mark the legends of extreme weather in the Granite State. In the aftermath of a disaster, New Hampshire people have a great track record of supporting those in need and helping to rebuild communities.

Hurricanes Harvey, Maria and Irma have devastated communities from Houston to Florida to Puerto Rico.

These communities need help in the immediate aftermath – and will continue to need help in months to come.

Maria and Irma relief:

The U.S. commonwealth of Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria. Puerto Rico’s community foundation Fundacion Comunitaria – de Puerto Rico has established the Puerto Rico Community Recovery Fund to help people on that island who were affected by the storm.

Hispanics in Philanthropy, an established nonprofit, has set up a Hurricane Relief Fund to help Puerto Rico and other locations affected by recent storms. Donors can designate where their funds should be sent.

The Cleveland Foundation, the oldest community foundation in the U.S., has established an online giving platform to help support ongoing recovery and relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s 2017 Hurricanes in the Caribbean page offers information on relief efforts in the region (scroll to “NGOs” section of page.)

The Miami Foundation has established funds to help those affected by Hurricane Irma across the state, in the Caribbean, and a fund dedicated to helping already-struggling families deal with the storm’s aftermath. The Southwest Florida Community Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation have disaster relief funds to help people affected by the storm.

Many well-established Florida non-profit organizations are working to help the state’s residents rebound from the effects of the storm.

The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands has established a fund for the Virgin Islands, and is working closely with government and community providers in the recovery efforts.

Harvey Relief:

The Greater Houston Community Foundation is operating despite the flooding, and administering the Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Fund, which was established by the city’s mayor.

A number of nonprofit organizations with established track records are also actively serving the hardest-hit communities by providing volunteers, donations and supplies, including:

American Red Cross, Central and South Texas Region  – food, shelter and disaster relief services

All Hands Volunteers – volunteers for both immediate and long-term recovery efforts

Feeding Texas – a network of the state’s food banks

Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, Greater Houston Community Foundation – the local community foundation is administering the mayor and county’s joint relief fund to aid disaster victims

Texas Diaper Bank – disaster relief kits for families with young children

Portlight Inclusive Disaster Strategies – relief and medical equipment to the disabled and older adults

SPCA of Texas – temporary housing and care for animals displaced by the storm or whose owners are in evacuation shelters

In the weeks and months to come, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy will be updating Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma disaster profiles with information on philanthropy’s response and how to help.

Closer to home, the Upper Valley is still recovering from flash flooding in July that caused millions of dollars in damages. Upper Valley Strong is supporting home repairs and stands ready to help communities rebuild when the next natural disaster strikes.

Donations can be made directly to any of these organizations online.

Holders of donor-advised funds at the Charitable Foundation can click here to recommend grants for disaster relief from donor-advised funds.