I was born and raised in Palm Harbor, Florida, just north of Clearwater Beach. My FL friends and family from all over the state have been checking in, including my main MVP Erica who was Team A Disaster Protocol at Morton Plant Hospital in Dunedin and worked throughout the entire ordeal, her view from the hospital parking lot:
The real heroes:
<3 <3 <3
There are LOTS of ways to help the victims of this historical storm who will need support and resources for a long time to come.
1. Donate or volunteer
Multiple organizations are appealing for donations so they can send volunteers and supplies to the disaster areas.
They include the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities USA, UNICEF, Oxfam America, Americares, Habitat for Humanity and Save the Children.
Crowdfunding site GlobalGiving’s “Hurricane Irma Relief Fund” aims to provide food, water and medicine to survivors. It also plans to offer longer-term recovery assistance in helping people rebuild their communities.
GoFundMe is hosting dozens of crowdfunding campaigns that have been launched by individuals hit by the storm, or by those who want to help.
With Irma expected to displace thousands of pets, the ASPCA Field Investigation and Response Fund, Best Friends Animal Society, The Humane Society of the United States and my personal friends at The Humane Society of Pinellas are seeking donations to boost animal rescue efforts.
Feeding Florida is working with the state’s food banks to make sure people in need are kept fed and hydrated.
Donors Choose has launched a recovery fund to help teachers in Florida and other parts of the southeastern U.S. rebuild their classrooms and replace supplies.
2. Give blood
Blood centers in Florida anticipate a shortage in supply, as their counterparts did in Texas following Hurricane Harvey.
Search online for blood drives local to you via the Red Cross website to book an appointment, or visit the LifeSouth website if you are in Florida.
3. Provide accommodation for evacuees
Airbnb is seeking homeowners in Florida and northern Georgia who are willing to open their homes for free to people who have been displaced by the hurricane and for relief workers who are deployed to help.
