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People are coming together to help Puerto Ricans afterHurricane Fionacaused anisland-wide blackoutover the weekend.
On Sunday, PresidentJoe Bidendeclared an emergency in Puerto Ricoand authorized the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency “to coordinate all disaster relief efforts,” with FEMA specifically authorized to “identify, mobilize and provide at its discretion equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.”
On Monday, FEMA shared onTwitterthat cash donations are “the most direct, efficient, & flexible way to help” people in need.
FEMA suggested people make donations to trusted organizations throughNational Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, which has 75 active members, including theAmerican Red Cross.
World Central Kitchen
ChefJosé Andrés' non-profitWorld Central Kitchenshared onTwitterSunday that its teams in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic were preparing sandwiches to deliver to people in need as soon as the storm passed over the islands.
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WCK’swebsitestates its teams of chefs are now preparing hot meals as it continues to assess needs across Puerto Rico. People interested in donating to the organization’s efforts may contributehere.
Global Giving
Non-profitGlobal Givingon Monday launched theHurricane Fiona Relief Fundas it aims to raise $1 million to “meet emergency needs, such as the provision of food, water, and shelter, and provide long-term support in affected communities, including in the Dominican Republic and Guadeloupe,” according to the fund’s website.
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Direct Relief
Direct Relief"is in communication with local health facilities about medical needs" and haveemergency medical supplies in storageat health clinics across Puerto Rico, according to their website. These supplies include “trauma supplies, antibiotics and medications for diabetes, hypertension and other chronic conditions.” People interested in donating to Direct Relief may donatehere.
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Hispanic Federation
The non-profitHispanic Federation, which provides support to Hispanic and Latino communities across the country, stresses that flooding and power outages on the island “are already far more severe and life threatening than they should be” as it continues to rebuild fromHurricane Maria’s impactnearly five years ago. You can donate funds to the grouphere.
The Salvation Army
TheSalvation Armyhas responded to many storm-related disasters, and provides “food, drinks, shelter, emotional and spiritual care and other emergency services to survivors and rescue workers.” You can send a donation for Hurricane Fiona efforts through theirwebsite.
source: people.com
