Hurricane Irma victims require recovery efforts of all sorts. Rebuilding will take immeasurable resources and months of living without normalcy. Charitable organizations like those featured below will play key roles in allocating resources strategically and purposefully so that the greatest impact can be made across all of Florida. These nonprofits are maximizing inbound donations by eliminating overhead costs and establishing dedicated hurricane funds.
Heart of Florida United Way
Based in Orlando, this United Way branch prioritizes education, financial stability, health, and basic needs. Lately this impactful group has switched gears and focused resources on preventing community issues rather than simply addressing those fully developed problems in their area of service. Their research suggests that for every dollar donated toward the prevention of common social issues in Central Florida, at least seven dollars can be saved on intervention projects. In response to the devastation caused by hurricane Irma, United Way has set up a recovery fund with 100% of funds directly supporting residents from Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties.
Volunteer Florida
Volunteer Florida has a bipartisan board of commissioners who are appointed by the Governor to manage over $30 million in federal, state, and local funding for national service and state-wide volunteer programs. The organization leads several of Florida’s national service days including the September 11 Day of Service and Remembrance and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. When you visit the Volunteer Florida site, you’ll find opportunities to get involved in hurricane Irma relief projects as well as a page for donating to The Florida Disaster Fund. Since there are no overhead costs associated with this particular privately established fund, every cent donated will benefit communities affected by the disaster who require response and recovery efforts.
All Faiths Food Bank
This food bank utilizes a vast network of 184 partners and programs to deliver healthy meals to citizens of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. People are encouraged to get involved by volunteering at their facilities, donating funds, or hosting drives to collect food and monetary donations. Floridians who fared okay during Hurricane Irma are encouraged to share their leftover supplies like nonperishable food, toiletries, diapers, cleaning supplies, and more with those in need by donating it to this organization. Learn more on their site about items to donate, how to volunteers, or how to make a direct gift. If you or a friend were affected by the storm, visit their website for information on food distribution schedules.
Bridge To Hope
This steadfast organization was formed in 1988 with a goal and mission to distribute hygiene products to Florida citizens food stamp recipients. Today, Bridge To Hope offers multiple programs and services designed to supplement public assistance programs. Following the devastation of Hurricane Irma, this nonprofit is supporting the elderly, the chronically ill, the homeless, and low-income households who they recognize are most vulnerable to the wrath of the storm. You can donate and get involved at their Homestead, FL location by visiting their site.
Early Learning Children’s Foundation
This hands-on organization recognizes the gravity of providing child care during times of disaster and periods of recovery for without it, adults are strained and often unable to return to work and resume everyday life. Day to day, this foundation strives to, “create scholarships to support high-quality early care and education opportunities for children of low income families between the ages of 0 – 5 who are at-risk of school failure or have special needs.” With regards to Irma relief, the foundation aims to help child care providers establish services as soon as possible. You can donate the fund online.
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