Do you want to help the people affected by Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico? Here’s how
Hurricane Fiona has left several dead, millions without power and running water as scores of others remain displaced in Puerto Rico — leaving many in mainland United States wondering how they can help.
If you are looking to help Puerto Rico, here’s a list of local nonprofits and grassroots organizations you can donate to.
Best way to aid Puerto Rico
Although people may feel compelled to help Puerto Rico right away, they may find themselves doing more harm than good if they aren’t careful.
A stockpile of about 20,000 pallets of undistributed water bottles delivered in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria were found spoiled on a runway in the eastern coastal town of Ceiba in 2018. And up to three years after Maria, journalists and even social media influencers kept discovering pounds upon pounds of expired baby food, medicine and other humanitarian aid meant for hurricane survivors.
READ MORE: Hurricane Fiona causes ‘catastrophic’ damage, island-wide power outage in Puerto Rico
According to Charity Navigator, a New Jersey-based organization that rates nonprofits, money is the most effective gift.
“A monetary donation allows the charities working on the ground to quickly purchase the supplies they need to address the ever-changing needs of those affected,” Charity Navigator says on its website.
South Florida organizations
- United Way: Donations can be accepted at United Way Miami | Operation Helping Hands at portal.unitedwaymiami.org/hurricanefionarelief or 1-800-226-3320. The Miami chapter is working with partner chapters in Puerto Rico, unitedwaypr.org/en/give, and in Turks and Caicos, unitedway.org/local/turks-and-caicos.
- Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami: Visit ccadm.org. Funds collected by Catholic Charities will be sent to Cáritas Puerto Rico and Cáritas República Dominicana for hurricane disaster relief in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
- Neighbors 4 Neighbors: Visit neighbors4neighbors.org/fiona. Neighbors 4 Neighbors, which was created in the days following Hurricane Andrew 30 years ago, is working to help the victims of Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and other nations. The Doral-based organization says it will “identify the neediest areas and are working with the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) to provide relief and recovery to the communities impacted.”
Food and medical care
In addition, there are several grassroots organizations in Puerto Rico, including:
- La Fondita de Jesús: This nonprofit keeps people who are homeless fed, clean and healthy. It also helps them find jobs, among many other services. lafonditadejesus.org/donar.
- Comedores Sociales: Since 2013, this grassroots organization has fed many in Rio Piedras and Caguas and expanded its services after Hurricane Maria. comedoressocialespr.org/aportar.
Fundación Mochileando 100x35: After Maria left Puerto Rico in ruins, this organization rose up to deliver free food to remote communities. Now it is feeding Hurricane Fiona survivors. fundacionmochileando.com.
Legal aid
There is at least one organization currently offering free legal help to hurricane victims in Puerto Rico.
Ayuda Legal: From assisting people with FEMA claims to helping tenants and domestic violence victims, this nonprofit aids people from all walks of life free of charge. ayudalegalpuertorico.org/donativos.
Sustainability
The following groups have focused on rebuilding self-sustainable neighborhoods able to withstand natural disasters.
- Brigada Solidaria del Oeste: Since Hurricane Maria in 2017, this group has focused on helping western communities become self-sustained. They need water purification tablets, solar lamps, water filters and first aid kits. bsopr.com.
- Techos Pa’ Mi Gente: This organization has a proven record in restoring homes destroyed by Hurricane Maria. tpmgcorp.org.
Centro para la Reconstrucción del Hábitat: This nonprofit focuses exclusively on rehabilitating deteriorated and abandoned structures to create affordable housing, community centers, other public spaces and private facilities. crhpr.org.
Domestic violence and children
Studies suggest that domestic violence increases after natural disasters. These organizations are focused on helping victims and children.
Pets
Dogs and farm animals have been rescued from flooded waters in Puerto Rico, and the shelters that are keeping them safe are asking for donations from pet lovers.
- El Faro de los Animales: Based in the eastern town of Humacao, this nonprofit rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes dogs and cats off of the streets and beaches of Puerto Rico. They also work with community leaders to educate others on the importance of spaying and neutering pets. elfaropr.org/donate.
- The Sato Project: “Satos” are what Puerto Ricans call mixed-breed dogs, particularly the ones that live on the streets. This nonprofit is dedicated to rescuing abused and abandoned dogs. thesatoproject.org/donate-1.
- Santuario de Animales San Francisco de Asís: This nonprofit has rescued, rehabilitated, sheltered and facilitated the adoption of cats and dogs for the last decade. asfapr.org/donate.
This story was originally published September 19, 2022 at 7:53 PM.
