How To Help Communities In Crisis
September 30, 2022
Natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, earthquakes, wildfires, or even war — can occur close to home or far away. But regardless of where we are in the world—when we hear the news, it affects us. We feel for people who might be hurt and the communities that are damaged. And if you know someone who has been directly impacted, it concerns us deeply.
How Can We Help?
If you want to help your community in the aftermath of a natural disaster, here are some things you can do:
- Send Funds or Crucial Supplies. Usually, the most effective way to help victims of a natural disaster is to donate to groups that are established for disaster relief. (TIP: If you donate goods, be sure that they are needed or part of a list of donatable items. Storing and sorting unnecessary or an overabundance of goods can be very costly and time consuming for relief efforts.)
- Volunteer to Help. When you see the destruction aftermath of a natural disaster, it’s normal to feel the need to lend a hand to rebuilding efforts. (And thank goodness for people like you being in the world, if you’re a kind-hearted person with these instincts!) There are many ways you can help volunteer for disaster relief and doing something that you are efficient in is the best way to help your direct community. Think about helping communities in ways that deal with shelter, nutrition, and emotional support. Local nonprofits need all the help they can get in these situations and any assistance you can provide can go a long way in the rebuilding process.
- Organize a Fundraiser. Start a drive to collect money or supplies for disaster victims. Or plan a walk, run, bake sale, or other activity to raise money. A good place to do it is through your place of worship or your kids’ school.
If you’d like to make a donation or volunteer to help communities after experiencing a natural disaster, here are five amazing organizations to help you get started:
From all of us at The Balancing Act — we hope you stay safe out there! Click here to get our Top Five Hurricane Hacks.
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