How to Help Those Affected by Hurricane Ian (And How to Get Help)

As Hurricane Ian barreled down on Florida, some on our team watched from afar, while others evacuated and waited to see if they would have a home to come back to.

Whether you’re in the lucky group who were able to watch or one of those who needed to flee, we gathered some resources for everyone.

Here is where you can get help and donate to those in need.

Main Resources for Hurricane Ian

In cases like this, the US Government provides FEMA assistance. The Red Cross also responds with resources for natural disaster victims and are currently on the ground in Florida.

• Apply for FEMA Assistance
• Volunteer at or Donate to FEMA
• Donate to the Red Cross

You can get support from (or donate to/ volunteer at) these resources, but there are more options that might be a better fit.

Local Resources for Floridians

There are a variety of local resources for those in Florida. At this time, these are the organizations we’re able to find information on. Please check back later for more.

1. Lee County has free TeleHealth services for those who need them. You can donate to this organization on their foundation website.
2. On Sept 30th and Oct 1st, there is a supply drive for Fort Myers in Orlando. Information can be found on Facebook.
3. Feeding South Florida is providing free meals. You can donate or volunteer on their website.
4. There are also a variety of local wellness check hotlines to use instead of 911 when looking for a missing loved one. Ensure that if you’re looking for someone, you call these hotlines, not an emergency response line. Find those numbers on the NBC website.
5. Homeless Services Network of Central Florida is coordinating free transportation to various homeless shelters in Orlando. Find information via their online flyer or learn how to help this cause on their website.
6. Orange County is also providing additional shelters for evacuees at a variety of schools in the area. There are places for those with pets and special needs at these locations.
7. Osceola County has five shelters available, with 2 of them pet friendly.
8. Sarasota County has a variety of shelters available for evacuees as well.

Additional Hurricane Recovery Support

Here are some additional resources for disaster recovery and hurricane information.

1. Florida Disaster Emergency Management Division has up to date information on services and news about Hurricane Ian.
2. The US Government also has a resource center dedicated to Hurricane Ian.
3. Volunteer Florida also has additional resources and people in the area to assist. You can give to them or volunteer through their website.
4. The Florida Healthcare Association also has a page full of information and resources for health care professionals.

Help Those Affected by Hurricane Ian

As usual, plese be diligent in your giving. In times of crisis, people take advantage of the situation and tend to set up fake fundraisers. Make sure you’re giving to the right places so that your money and volunteer hours are given to those in need.