This past month has been challenging to say the least. We've seen three historic hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria make landfall and devastate wide sections of Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and the Caribbean. Though the storms have passed, it will be a long time before their effects blow over. Tens of thousands of residents continue to struggle amidst the storms' widespread devastation.
As Floridians, were no strangers to the damage and heartbreak that tropical storms and hurricanes can bring, which is one of the reasons why watching natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey and Maria unfold from afar can be difficult. But we've also been affected, Hurricane Irma barreled into our community and left countless houses destroyed and millions of people without power.
The images from the areas affected have been horrific houses flattened, trees stripped bare, boats and cars strewn about like children's toys. It might seem hopeless, but there is always hope, even in the darkest of times. There are plenty of ways we can all get involved to extend compassion and help everyone in need.
We've compiled this list of six safe, simple ways you can support Hurricane Harvey, Irma, and Maria's victims in the coming days, weeks, and years:
Donate to the American Red Cross
AdventHealth encourages you to support the American Red Cross, one of the leading charitable organizations in the world. You can make a donation to the Red Cross online or call 1-800-RED-CROSS for more ways to help.
Donate to the United Way
The United Way has created the United Way Irma Recovery Fund to support local communities in the Southeast United States and the Caribbean affected by Hurricane Irma. As part of our goal to build stronger communities, and to fight for every person in every community, United Ways in the affected areas will continue to raise money locally and respond to emerging needs as appropriate. You can find details about how to give or receive assistance here.
Donate to Adventist Development Relief Agency
The Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) is a humanitarian agency operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the purpose of providing individual and community development and disaster relief. Learn how you can contribute to its emergency fund to provide disaster relief, as well as long-term support as people recover from disasters such as Hurricane Maria.
Donate to Adventist Community Services
Adventist Community Services (ACS), the official community outreach ministry of the Adventist church in North American Division territories, is providing disaster response, spiritual and emotional crisis care, and much more to Hurricane Harvey victims. If you are interested in supporting ACS in their efforts, consider making a donation.
Donate in Support of CHRISTUS Health
CHRISTUS Health, an international Catholic, faith-based, not-for-profit health system, includes hospitals in Hurricane Harvey's destructive path. Learn more about ways to support disaster relief efforts through a donation to Catholic Charities.
Can't Donate? Give Blood!
Your blood may be even more valuable for those in need of critical medical care. With a heightened demand for blood at Texas hospitals, its vital to give blood now so that the nations blood banks don't face a widespread shortage. OneBlood is currently sending blood to Texas and urgently needs more donations. Contact OneBlood to find a local drive or schedule an appointment to donate blood.
