Top 5 Ways Charlotteans Can Help Hurricane Irma and Harvey Victims Rebuild

By
Steve
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588

Two of the most damaging hurricanes in US history have just slammed our coastlines, causing billions of dollars in damages and ruining thousands of lives.

It’s now estimated that Hurricane Harvey dumped more than 27 trillion gallons of water on Texas and Louisiana (the largest rainstorm in recorded history), destroying thousands of homes and killing at least 70 people.

Hurricane Irma inflicted more wide-spread chaos, including the destruction of entire homes and villages in the Carribean, Florida Keys, and South Florida, the loss of power for thousands throughout the southeast, and record flooding in Jacksonville, FL and Charleston, SC from storm surges. It’s now estimated that the storm caused over $14 billion in damages and killed at least 53 people.

While the storms are now over, the relief work is just getting started.

Here are the top 5 ways Charlotteans can help the victims of Hurrican Irma and Harvey.

#1 Give Blood

With hundreds of people hospitalized from the hurricanes, and power outages and flooding destroying entire blood supplies through the southeast, the need for donations is now higher than ever.

#2 Help The Animals

Thousands of pets were left behind by people rushing to evacuation or escaping flooded homes. Consider donating to some of the most active charities that are now caring for lost and hungry pets are the ASPCA, Best Friends and South Florida Wildlife Center.

#3 Open Your Home

Airbnb is looking for housing for those who are still displaced by the storms. If you can provide shelter, please consider making your home available at airbnb.com/welcome/evacuees

#4 Help Rebuild

Sign up at Habitat for Humanity’s Hurricane Recovery Volunteer Registry to serve as a volunteer when teams are deployed.

You can also join a Samaritan’s Purse team on a short-term relief work trip;

#5 Give To Relief Efforts

Convoy of Hope:

Salvation Army USA:

The Salvation Army is helping distribute water, food, and supplies to those hardest hit by both Hurricanes. You can donate online at helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800 SAL-ARMY.

Save The Children: 

Save the Children’s emergency responders are seeking donations to help kids and families whose lives will be impacted by the hurricane.

Samaritan’s Purse:

You can either donate online, or volunteer to travel down with a team from Boone, NC to help in person with relief efforts:

American Red Cross:

The Red Cross has already helped over 1,800 people in 35 Red Cross shelters in Texas. You can help them by giving online or by donating blood at a local Red Cross center;

North American Mission Board:

The North American Mission Board is now on the ground in Texas, preparing thousands of hot meals and performing mud-out, chainsaw and cleaning services to restore survivors’ homes.

Please spread the word and continue to pray for Texas, Florida, the Carribean, and the rest of the South East!