Florence, a category 1 hurricane, hit the East Coast around 7:15 A.M. the morning of September 14.
Due to the slow-moving nature of this storm, heavy damages are expected throughout the weekend as storm surges stall and wind repeatedly pummels homes and buildings along the Carolinas.
For those not affected and looking to help, donating cash over clothes and dry goods is the best way to lend assistance. Below, we’ve rounded up a list of charities and organizations that have been approved by nonprofit watchdogs Charity Navigator so you can be assured any all donations are going to those directly affected by the storms.
And if you’re currently in the area, please exercise the utmost vigilance and safety. A number of corporations (like Airbnb and Tesla) are also offering support to displaced peoples, evacuees and volunteers within the region. Godspeed.
General Aid:
Samaritan’s Purse
A Christian organization run by Billy Graham’s son, Samaritan’s Purse says organizers are “preparing to help affected homeowners by cutting downed trees, tarping roofs, and working on mud-outs.”
Donate: Online here
St. Bernard Project
Founded after Hurrican Katrina, “each of SBP’s interventions are designed to fortify people against reaching their breaking point by providing a prompt, efficient and predictable path forward,” according to their website.
Donate: Online here
The Salvation Army
Already having deployed feeding crews and volunteers to the East Coast ahead of Hurricane Florence, each unit in the area can provide up to 1,500 meals a day, according to the nonprofit.
Donate: Online here
Volunteer: Register here
American Red Cross
While drawing criticism for mishandeling funds and disorganization after Hurricane Harvey, the organization has promised that 91 cents of every dollar donated will go directly to Florence relief and the other 9 cents to administrative costs. They’re also urging people to donate blood as drives in the area have been canceled due to the storm.
Donate: Online here or text the word FLORENCE to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Donate blood: Register here
Habitat for Humanity
The organization is currently planning its repsonse to Hurricane Florence in tandem with local organizations in the hurricane’s path. They’ll need more volunteers in the coming months to help rebuild communities affected.
Donate Here: Online here
Volunteer Here: Register here
GoFundMe
The crowdsourcing website has aggregated a list of verified campaigns on its site and are working with officials in North and South Carolina to guarantee all donated funds go directly to the intended reciepents. The company has even changed their transfer system so money is sent directly to those in need and not handled through the organizer.
Donate: Choose from a list of campaigns online here
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
This website list vetted organizations to volunteer through and will coordinate your service. NGOs are even catergorized by states affected by Florence. Be sure to read their explainer on why self-deployment is a bad idea, too.
Volunteer: Register here
Foods Banks:
Harvest Hope Food Bank
With locations throughout South Carolina, just $10 can help feed 50 people.
Donate: Online here
Second Harvest Food Bank
This food bank provides meals and groceries across 19 counties in North Carolina.
Donate: Online here
Loaves and Fishes
This organization provides short term food assistance in and around Charlotte.
Donate: Online here
Animal Rescue:
American Humane
Having already relocated dozens of animals before the storm hit, the team here will need help rescuing those left to face the storm.
Donate: Online here
Charleston Animal Society
After evacuated shelters along the coast, “more assistance is being planned” for other areas in South Carolina, according to their site.
Donate: Online here
For Specific Communities:
Diaper Bank of North Carolina
The nonprofit is currently taking donations to help provide diapers, feminine hygiene products and adult incontinence supplies to Hurricane Florence victims.
Donate: Online here or email info@ncdiaperbank.org for info on creating a disaster relief kit
Rural Advancement Foundation International
This organization specifically supports rural communities and farms. They’re asking for donations to support farmers and others who will suffer financially from property destruction and loss of crops.
Donate: Online here
Team Rubicon
This organization trains and deploys military veterans to help with disaster relief across the country. They’re currently asking for support with Hurricane Florence.
Donate: Online here
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children
Specific accomodations are needed to help adults and children with various disablities both during and after the storm. FODAC is taking cash donations to help with Hurricane Florence relief as well as donated medical supplies in cities close to the disaster site.
Donate: Online here
Main image via Atilgan Ozdil/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
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