How to Help Hurricane Idalia Victims in Florida

Aug 17, 2023

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Here’s how to connect with verified aid groups working in the areas affected by the storm.

By Claire Moses

Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida on Wednesday, causing devastating flooding. It then moved on to bring surging water into Charleston, S.C., before heading toward North Carolina on Thursday.

Volunteers and aid groups are working to help the affected communities. If you wish to help, here’s some guidance.

When natural disasters arise, so do the opportunities for fraudsters who prey on people in need and exploit the generous impulses of others. Officials with the Federal Communications Commission have said that scammers may use phone calls, text messages, emails, post mail, and even go door to door. The Federal Trade Commission has tips on how to spot a fraudulent charity or fund-raiser.

Charity Navigator and GuideStar are two organizations that provide information on nonprofit groups and aid agencies. These organizations can also direct you to reputable ones.

Florida has activated its Florida Disaster Fund to support communities affected by Idalia. The fund is part of the Volunteer Florida Foundation, the state’s charitable organization that supports volunteerism, community service, and disaster recovery.

The American Red Cross is also providing relief for people affected by the storm. (Specify “Hurricane Idalia” in the drop-down menu if you wish to donate.)

CARE is providing emergency cash assistance to help people access food, water, emergency housing and other supplies. It is also helping to distribute emergency supplies.

The disaster relief group Mercy Chefs has arrived in Live Oak, Fla., and is accepting donations to support its efforts to provide thousands of meals to people harmed by the storm, and to emergency workers helping with the response.

Save the Children is working with local partners to determine the urgent needs of children and families in the path of the storm.

Another charity focused on children, the Christian humanitarian organization World Vision, is sending relief supplies, including flood buckets, socks and personal care items, to people who have been affected by the storm.

In Florida, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay is taking donations for repair and rehab work on the homes of low- to moderate-income homeowners.

For a more general approach, GoFundMe.org has a dedicated “Hurricane 2023 Relief Fund.” The fund aims to prepare before storms hit to provide direct relief when a storm hits.

The Salvation Army has activated its response teams in Lakeland, Fla., and is accepting donations, including by check and online.

Second Harvest of the Big Bend has set up a disaster relief fund for those who have been hit by Idalia. The food bank is one of three Feeding America food banks in Florida that is designated for disaster and crisis response, according to the organization. It’s also asking people to volunteer on Thursday to bag ready-to-eat produce and box disaster relief food kits.

Don’t forget about the animals. Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Florida is asking for help as it tries to rescue pets in need who were in the storm’s path. “Animals most in need will find relief through our efforts, but we can’t do it alone,” the organization said on its Facebook page.

Claire Moses is a reporter for the Express desk in London. More about Claire Moses

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