With Hurricane Harvey leaving Texas in ruins and Hurricane Irma still in the midst of its violence through Florida and neighboring areas, the rest of the country is left wondering how we can help. Sometimes, it's difficult to give donations not knowing exactly where your money is going. Here, we have a list of transparent and accountable charities you can donate to worry-free.
Tip: If you want to do research about certain charities on your own, Charity Navigator ranks and reviews all legitimate charities on the local and national level.
Hurricane Harvey
We are all devastated with the outcome of Hurricane Harvey. With the worst over, there is still SO much recovery left to do. From rebuilding homes, roads, and communities, to housing and feeding those in need, there are many ways we can give back to those affected. Below are a few local and national charities that you can trust will put your donation to proper use.
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund -
Mayor Sylvester Turner and County Judge Ed Emmett have established the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund that will accept tax-deductible flood relief donations for victims affected by the recent floods. The fund will be housed at the Greater Houston Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Houston Food Bank -
Provide meals for hungry neighbors during this time of crisis. Just $75 will provide 225 nutritious meals for those in need!
Houston SPCA -
Your donation will help rescue and care for thousands of animals left homeless in Hurricane Harvey's wake.
American Red Cross -
Provide shelter, food and water to people affected by Hurricane Irma and Harvey by donating money to either one on their website.
Hurricane Irma
As Hurricane Irma still violently storms though Florida, many charities are working hard to provide food, water, shelter and medical service to those in the storm's path. Take some time out of your day to checkout these charities below and donate even a small amount to help families and communities in need.
Catholic Relief Services -
For International relief, the CRS provides emergency shelter, water and critical supplies for families in Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba and Caribbean Islands.
Americares -
For every $10 you donate, they will provide $200 in aid. They're responding to the urgent needs of people in Hurricane Irma’s path, but they're also still in Texas, distributing water, aid and mobilizing medical outreach with our local partners.
Heart to Heart International -
While HHI continues to provide free heath clinics for thousands of hurricane victims in Houston, simultaneous preparations for Hurricane Irma have already begun. Prior to Irma making landfall, they pre-positioned a mobile medical unit, along with medical teams, medicines and supplies.
Even with so many people affected by these deadly natural disasters, we can all come together to make our contributions and help those in need!
Written by: Samantha Townsend