A Helping Hand In A Time Of Need
UPDATED: This list has been updated to include Hurricanes Katia, Irma and Maria, the earthquakes in Mexico, and the tragic shooting massacre in Las Vegas.
These past six weeks have been tragic as it relates to natural and human disasters. Hurricanes and earthquakes have decimated the Western Hemisphere, wiping out communities or leaving the most marginalized extremely vulnerable and despondent. In Las Vegas, a mass shooting has left dozens dead and hundreds injured.
Want to know what you can do and where you can go to help? Look at our list below. If you know of any other opportunities or organizations, please contact us and let us know.
Las Vegas Shooting
Mexico Earthquake and Hurricane Relief
Project Paz- An nonprofit organization that helps Latino chilldren
Topos- Topos is a Mexican rescue brigade that was formed after the 1985 earthquake in Mexico City. For those fluent in Spanish, you can donate directly to rescue team via their website.
Helping South Florida and The Caribbean: Hurricane Irma and Maria Relief Efforts
All Hands Volunteers - A disaster relief organization dedicated to worldwide disaster recovery.
Americares- A global health organization that has deployed emergency teams to the islands of Dominica and Puerto Rico
ConPRmetidos- A Puerto Rican nonprofit dedicated to the political, social and economic development of Puerto Rican communities.
Dominica Hurricane Maria Relief Fund- A relief fund to help the citizens of the island nation Dominica
Global Giving: Puerto Rico and Caribbean Hurricane Relief Fund
Students With Puerto Rico- A relief fund started by American college students with connections to the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.
United For Puerto Rico- The First Lady of Puerto Rico has created a fund to provide hurricane victims.
Team Rubicon- Organization for volunteering in Puerto Rico and other damaged communities
Houston/Southeast Texas
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund- Relief fund created by the Mayor of Houston
Living Hope Wheelchair Association- A nonprofit that helps to serve individuals with disabilities
Portlight- Organization that assists people with disabilities who have immediate medical needs
SHAPE Community Center- Organization in Houston that aims to “improve the quality of life for people of African descent (all people) through programs and activities, with emphasis on unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.”
South Texas Human Rights Center- An organization that advocates for immigrant families living in south Texas, specifically those who live along the Texas-Mexico border.
Texas Diaper Bank- Provides emergency diaper kits for babies, seniors and individuals with disabilities
The Way Home- Organization working to end homelessness in the Houston metropolitan area.
Volunteer Houston- website that connects you with nonprofit organizations seeking volunteers to help with relief efforts
For those of you who are looking for local south Louisiana efforts:
St. Bernard Project- A national nonprofit created after Hurricane Katrina to ensure that victims of disasters recover quickly and efficiently
South Asia
UNICEF- The United Nations Children's Fund has an emergency relief fund designed to help children impacted by disasters such as the flooding in Mumbai.
OXFAM- OXFAM is an international organization that works with over 20 NGOs worldwide to alleviate poverty.
