As home builders and remodelers in Salt Lake City, we know how important home is. Our hearts go out to those in Houston, Florida and those in the Caribbean who have suffered a loss of home due to the recent hurricanes in those areas.
Now is a time when people come together to rebuild and as home builders we’re proud to see the people in our industry volunteering their time to help rebuild after these devastating storms. Of course not everyone can up and travel down to Texas, Florida or the Caribbean to help the rebuilding process, but still they would like to help. There are many ways you can help the victims of these storms.
Giving blood is always a great way to help so consider giving blood in a few weeks when things have settled down. A donation of money is probably the easiest and most efficient way to help and listed below are some resources to make sure you are donating to a reputable charity. Clothing, food and even shelter are other things in great need.
Finally, don’t forget the four legged friends who have also suffered great loss due to the hurricanes. A donation to the local humane society will go a long way in caring for pets until they can be reunited with their families.
How to Help those Affected by the Hurricanes
American Red Cross – While blood is always in demand, now is a much better time to donate money. Click here to donate to the American Red Cross. If you would like to donate blood consider waiting a week or two.
A Place to Stay – If you have a home that you want to donate for those who have been displaced by the storm you can make your home available on HomeAway or Airbnb.
Monetary Donations – If you would like to donate to a charity but aren’t sure which one to donate to check out Charity Navigator to find a reputable charity.
Volunteer your Time – If you are in Florida and would like to donate your time, or you are planning on coming down here, check out the National Voluntary Organizations Active Disaster website.
Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) – USAID CIDI provides information and guidance on the best way to help support relief efforts following disasters around the world. With more than 20 years of experience working in disaster areas and with relief organizations on the ground, USAID CIDI knows that monetary donations are the best way to help people affected by international disasters. Their goal is to ensure that America’s generosity results in the most effective relief, and we focus on helping donors make informed decisions about how to help.
GoFundMe – There are many GoFundMe pages established for those in need of support after Irma. Click here to donate funds or to help raise money.
Best Friend Animal Society – Best Friends Animal Society is the only national animal welfare organization focused exclusively on ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. A leader in the no-kill movement, Best Friends runs the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as lifesaving programs in collaboration with its nationwide network of members and partners working to Save Them All. All funds raised to support Hurricane Irma victims goes to the reuniting families with their pets.
South Florida Wildlife Center – SFWC depends on the generous support of the community to fund our lifesaving work of rescuing and rehabilitating imperiled wildlife. SFWC receives no government funding or public assistance. Please help us continue our work by donating today.
ASPCA – The ASPCA remains on the ground, assisting in recovery efforts for the animals impacted by Hurricane Irma. We’ve established an ASPCA mega emergency shelter in South Carolina where more than 600 shelter animals can be transported, so that animal shelters in hard hit areas have the capacity to accept the displaced pets coming in after the storms. We’re also working on distributing much needed supplies to emergency shelters and local animal shelters all across Florida.
Your support is needed now. 100% of your donation today will go to the ASPCA’s Field Investigation and Response Fund.This fund is used to support all of the ASPCA’s life-saving efforts for animals in disaster and cruelty situations.