Many of us were able to witness Hurricane Ian at a safe distance thanks to TV news outlets and webcam footage and enjoy viral moments on the internet such as a shark swimming down the flooded streets of Fort Myers, Florida.
But, obviously, for many living in the most impacted areas in Florida, Hurricane Ian was much more than a historic natural disaster to marvel at. With a rising death toll, hundreds of thousands still without power, and entire towns decimated beyond recognition, the destruction Hurricane Ian has left in its path is becoming clearer every day.
Just as the internet comes together to see meteorologists stand in the pouring hurricane rains, it can also come together and raise money for those in need. Here are a few organizations doing the work on the ground to help those affected by Hurricane Ian that you can donate your time or money to.
World Central Kitchen
Everyone needs a good meal and that's what Chef José Andrés' organization, World Central Kitchen, provides to those recovering from disasters. If you're on social media, you've likely come across World Central Kitchen because Andrés keeps his followers updated with the aid they provide.
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World Central Kitchen has been dropping in via helicopter to some of the most devastated areas with food and drink and has already served tens of thousands of meals. If you go to Twitter and search the hashtag "#ChefsForFlorida" right now, you can see exactly where and how your donation is being put to use.
Florida Disaster Fund
The State of Florida has an official fund where individuals can help with disaster recovery called the Florida Disaster Fund. As of Friday, more than $12 million has already been donated through the fund.
100 percent of your donation made through the Florida Disaster Fund goes to recovery and aid efforts as it has waived all administration and credit card fees as a result of Hurricane Ian.
Ian Response Fund
Grassroots organizations have on-the-ground experience and deep knowledge of their communities and their needs. Groups such as Florida Rising, Dream Defenders, Florida Immigrant Coalition, FL Jobs With Justice, and Faith in Florida banded together in 2017 to help with Hurricane Irma relief efforts.
These groups have now launched the Ian Response Fund to help once again.
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Community Organized Relief Effort
CORE distributes resources to the most impacted, underserved communities and is currently on the ground in hard-hit areas such as Fort Myers, Bradenton Beach, Sarasota, Venice, and Port Charlotte.
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The organization is currently providing aid such as debris removal assistance and internet and cell services to individuals trying to reach families or apply for aid.
Rebuilding Together
Many homes that were in Hurricane Ian's path are now destroyed or inhabitable. Rebuilding Together is a non-profit that helps those affected by natural disasters with home repairs and construction. After the immediate rescue efforts, rebuilding homes and, in some cases, entire towns, will be where the help is needed most.
Vacation booking website Evolve has already donated $50,000 to Rebuilding Together and will be matching donations up to an additional $50,000.
Red Cross
If you're looking to volunteer to help in Florida, the Red Cross has an application form in order to best decide how you can be of assistance. Red Cross has been on-the-ground preparing for the worst in Florida before Hurricane Ian even hit land and has been providing services throughout. You can make a donation to the Red Cross here.
Good360
Good360 provides goods like clothing and furniture to nonprofits so those nonprofits can focus on programs and services for disaster relief rather than having to raise money for essential products as well.
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Good360 will work with nonprofits on the ground to distribute care and clean-up materials like water, tarps, non-perishable foods, hygiene kits, blankets, and mold remediation products.
