Hurricane Ian made landfall as a Category 4 storm on Wednesday afternoon near Fort Myers, Florida, and moved across the state to the Carolinas. With sustained winds of 155 miles per hour and a storm surge that inundated homes and destroyed bridges, Ian was one of the strongest hurricanes recorded in the United States. In the midst of emergency response efforts and the storm’s continued march, here’s how you can help.
Florida Disaster Fund
The state’s official private disaster relief fund is aiding the response and recovery of impacted communities. Click here to donate, or text DISASTER to 20222.
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties
The local organization has partnered with Fort Myers–based Collaboratory to create a disaster relief fund, with 100 percent of the proceeds supporting local nonprofits and areas experiencing the most immediate needs. Read more and donate here.
Collier Community Foundation
The charitable foundation of Collier County, home to the city of Naples, has launched the Collier Comes Together Hurricane Relief Fund to benefit relief efforts and programs. Give here.
Captains for Clean Water
The Fort Myers–based group is setting up drop-off sites on Florida’s East Coast to collect supplies to be delivered to the relief efforts on the West Coast. See details here or donate to the group here.
World Central Kitchen
This aid group mobilizes meals to communities in crisis, and has already set up shop on Sanibel Island, an area devastated by the storm, to provide food and water. The group is also staged across Florida in partnership with local restaurants, food trucks, and emergency kitchens. Donate to their efforts.
Cajun Navy Ground Force
One of several groups using the “Cajun Navy” moniker, this disaster relief nonprofit is on the scene in Southwest Florida. Follow updates on their Facebook page and donate here.
Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida
The nonprofit supports conservation efforts for native flora and fauna all over the state. Many of its staff have been affected by Ian, and the foundation is asking for donations to support them here.
Southern Smoke Foundation
Dedicated to supporting workers in the food and beverage industry, this nonprofit is offering financial assistance to those in the industry affected by Ian. Apply for funds or donate here.
Feeding South Florida
The South Florida food bank is delivering ready-to-eat meals, clean water, and snacks to families affected by Ian. Donate here.
Samaritan’s Purse
The Boone, North Carolina–based organization sent two disaster relief units to Florida. The group is seeking volunteers to help recovery efforts when it’s safe to do so. Sign up to volunteer and donate here.
All Faiths Food Bank
Partnering with Feeding America, Feeding Florida, and the Florida State Emergency Response Team, this Sarasota food bank is providing food and water to Floridians in need. Make a donation here.
Feeding Tampa Bay
This Tampa food bank works directly with local emergency management operations to deploy food, water, and hygiene items in times of crisis. Donate here.
American Humane Rescue
This nonprofit is sending out rescue teams to save animals from the storm, shelter them, feed them, and help them heal. Make a gift here.
CARE
The global humanitarian aid agency is partnering with local organizations in areas hardest hit by the storm, helping to deliver food, water, emergency shelter, and emergency cash. Donate here.
Other Large-Scale National Organizations
One of the most helpful ways to provide aid is to give to national organizations such as American Red Cross, which is operating evacuation shelters throughout Florida; the ASPCA, which is helping to relocate homeless animals; United Way Suncoast; and the Salvation Army.
We will continue to update this list and monitor ways to help.
To learn more about a charity before donating, consult Charity Navigator.
