Since Hurricane Ian hit Cuba on Tuesday and Florida on Wednesday, millions of people have been without power and authorities have launched a massive relief effort as they try to determine the death toll from the storm.
The storm, a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 155 miles per hour at its peak, destroyed homes, businesses, cars and major infrastructure in its path. It brought record levels of flooding and storm surge. Rescue efforts are still underway in parts of Florida to help people trapped in the storm.
Hurricane Ian hit Cuba’s Pinar del Rio province and southwest Florida hit hardest, causing large-scale power blackouts and damage to water systems that left some without clean running water. Many of those who were unable to evacuate have moved to shelters and are seeking emergency assistance.
Here’s how to help the victims of Hurricane Ian.
How to help Cuba and other areas affected by the storm
The People’s Forum, a group that supports working class and marginalized communities, is accepting donations for Cubans affected by Ian to “restore houses and buy life-saving supplies.”
Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization, is also coordinating the delivery of medical supplies to communities in need in Florida, Cuba, Georgia and the Carolinas. They are accepting monetary donations online to help the effort.
GoFundMe has created a Hurricane Ian relief page for various relief projects, which the site says was verified by their “trust and safety team.” Donors can donate to individuals, families or businesses that have lost possessions or suffered damage.
How to help Florida
The Florida Disaster Fund is the state’s official private fund to help communities with disaster and emergency recovery efforts. The group accepts payments and checks online, and donors can make contributions by visiting www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or by texting “DISASTER” to 20222. Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis said Wednesday that donors Donated funds would help “those affected by Hurricane Ian.”
Volunteer Florida, true to its name, is connecting volunteers with communities in Florida in need of help after the storm, partnering with authorities, local relief groups, and larger organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army. They are asking for volunteers who can provide mental health services and sign up for temporary shelter shifts.
CORE, a nonprofit organization that coordinates relief efforts in underserved communities, is accepting monetary donations to help local partners based on need, particularly in the most impacted and vulnerable communities.
Dream Defenders, a BIPOC-focused organization working to empower youth and communities of color, is accepting water, non-perishable food, medical supplies and hygiene products. They are also accepting donations of money and volunteers.
Operation BBQ is providing meals to first responders and those affected by the storm in Florida. They are looking for donations and volunteers.