Hurricane Ida: How to help
Our thoughts are with our colleagues in the South and with all those impacted by Hurricane Ida. We know that in times of disaster, our community has one question come to mind: How can we help?
Donate. The best way to help those impacted is to donate to a long-standing nonprofit with a history of helping people in a disaster. Avoid agencies with sound-a-like names or that have popped up overnight.
Now is not the time to:
- Go to the affected area: Right now, first responders need the space to access and respond to the early days of the disaster. Unless you are asked by a reputable organization, please do not travel to the impacted area.
- Hold a collection drive: Collection drives can be a great way to help in some situations. In a natural disaster hundreds of miles away, collection drives can cause unforeseen issues. The logistics of transporting, warehousing, sorting and distributing can cause backups for authorities trying to help. Unless you are asked by a reputable organization, please do not hold a collection drive.
In the coming weeks and months, volunteers and items may be needed. Stay tuned with on-the-ground agencies to understand their needs.
