Disaster Relief Efforts
Over the past several weeks, a series of devastating hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes have impacted the United States, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Mexico, resulting in catastrophic damage and displacing thousands of people. Many within the HGSE Community have asked how they can help. Listed below are links to organizations in each of these areas that are doing relief work.
*Harvard University encourages all individuals to use independent judgment and discretion in their interactions with any organization.*
India, Nepal, and Bangladesh
The death toll from monsoon floods during the June-September monsoon season in India, Bangladesh and Nepal has climbed above 1,200, as rescue workers scramble to provide aid to millions of people stranded by the worst such disaster in years.
Rapid Response
Rapid Response is an award winning organization, providing disaster relief, rehabilitation and preparedness services across India.
GOONJ
GOONJ (means an echo) a multi award winning social enterprise focused to work on ignored basic needs like clothing, sanitary pads for village and slum India while changing the dynamics of giving & receiving with dignity.
OXFAM
Oxfam is helping people with clean water, food supplies, emergency shelter, and hygiene kits.
Puerto Rico
On Wednesday, September 6th, Hurricane Irma passed just north of Puerto Rico at 16 mph as a Category 5 storm with 185 mph winds. On Tuesday, September 19th, Hurricane Maria made landfall. By 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 20th, the entire island nation was without power. High winds and rain pummeled the country. At its peak, Maria had sustained winds of at least 175 mph. The majority of homes, roads and vegetation across the island have been either severely damaged or completely destroyed, creating a potential humanitarian crisis.
Fundación Bechara
Fundacion Bechara established an alliance with the School of Pharmacy of the University of Puerto Rico to develop collaborative efforts among non-profit organizations and doctors to be able to provide aid in this critical moment. In accordance with their mission, 100% of the donations will go towards the area of health.
ConPRmetidos
ConPRmetidos mission is to connect people to foster commitment with the personal, social, and economic development of Puerto Rican communities, wherever they are.
Unidos (Hispanic Federation)
A coalition of New York City civic leaders including Mayor Bill DeBlasio, U.S. Congress Members Nydia Velázquez and Adriano Espaillat, and New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito have joined the Hispanic Federation and its partnering community based organizations to launch “Unidos” (United), a hurricane relief fund to help those impacted by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
Unidos por Puerto Rico
Unidos por Puerto Rico is an initiative created by the office of First Lady Beatriz Rosselló and a private sector group who joined forces to help those who lost their belongings during the Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Ricky Martin for Puerto Rico
The Ricky Martin Foundation team on the ground is already working with the local government, local volunteers and the First Lady of Puerto Rico to provide urgently needed food, water, clothing and medical supplies.
Mexico
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday, September 19th killed more than 300 people in Mexico City and toppled dozens of buildings. In addition, hundreds of structures sustained significant damage and now pose a risk to rescue workers and residents.
Cruz Roja Mexicana
The Mexican Red Cross is a non-governmental humanitarian assistance organization affiliated with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to help those in dangerous situations, such as natural disasters, as well as providing human health services.
Direct Relief
Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, has staff members in Mexico City and has pledged that 100 percent of its donations will go directly to relief efforts, which it says will include facilitating the delivery of medical supplies to affected areas.
Global Giving
GlobalGiving connects nonprofits, donors, and companies in nearly every country around the world. They help local nonprofits access the funding, tools, training, and support they need to become more effective.
Caribbean Islands
More than 15 people have died and 20 are missing on Dominica, the first island hit by Maria.
The British and the US Virgin Islands were still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Irma when Maria passed through.
In Turks and Caicos the damage caused by Hurricane Irma is preventing relief agencies from accessing areas most affected by the storm, including South Caicos, where some areas are almost totally destroyed.
Houston, TX Area
Harvey made landfall in Texas as a Category 4 hurricane on Friday, August 25th as the strongest hurricane to hit the U.S. in more than a decade. Harvey's death toll has risen to at least 45, and officials fear as floodwaters finally recede, the death toll will continue to rise.
Houston Independent School District Foundation
The HISD Foundation is dedicated to the support of the Houston Independent School District and its mission of providing every student with a consistently rigorous education in a safe environment.
Tony's Place
Tony’s Place is a drop-in center in center focusing on LGBT+ youth up to 25 years of age who are unstably housed, couch surfing or experiencing homelessness.
Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (t.e.j.a.s.)
t.e.j.a.s. has worked directly with frontline and grassroots communities addressing air and chemical pollution for decades in Houston and across the Gulf Coast. They have been on the ground in the communities that have been most affected by the catastrophic aftermath of Houston’s floods and three known chemical spills thus far.
Greater Houston Community Foundation
After receiving an overwhelming number of inquiries from citizens and companies who want to help, 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
Florida
Hurricane Irma had a devastating impact on many in Florida. Damage to trees and property can be seen throughout South Florida. In the days and months ahead we will discover the economic impacts of Irma, especially to small businesses and the tourist industry.
Bridge to Hope
Bridge To Hope provides a comprehensice set of programs designed to bridge the gap to self-sufficency, to raise the quality of life and standard of living, and to restore dignity, and hope to those in need.
Broward Cares
Broward Cares is a collaboration between the Community Foundation of Broward, the Jewish Federation of Broward County, and United Way of Broward County. 100% of proceeds go toward Hurricane Irma relief.
Feeding Florida
Feeding Florida is a state-wide set of food banks that are now providing food and supplies for those affected by Hurricane Irma. Part of the larger Feeding America program.