Ways To Help Those Impacted By Hurricane Ian

As we take our first steps toward recovery in Southwest Florida following Hurricane Ian, it's inspiring to see the support for local emergency services, relief efforts, and charitable organizations that come from across the country. Whether you have a personal connection to Southwest Florida or simply want to provide assistance to communities in need, we've put together a list of organizations that would welcome your support after Hurricane Ian.

 

The American Red Cross is in need of donations and volunteers throughout Southwest Florida communities. Learn more about Red Cross Hurricane Ian relief efforts, which include opportunities to donate and volunteer through Redcross. You can also donate by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word IAN to 90999 to make a $10 donation. The Red Cross also welcomes the support of corporate donors and organizations through the Annual Disaster Giving Program and Disaster Responder Program.

 

The Salvation Army is offering vital support on the ground to those who need it most by providing food, drinks, shelter, and emotional and spiritual support in Southwest Florida. You can make a donation online, and 100 percent of every donation goes toward supporting the disaster relief operation of your choosing.

 

The Premier Mobile Health Services organization is providing free healthcare, food, water, and clothing to people in need through its mobile clinics, which can be found in many affected communities. In addition to volunteers, donations of funds, non-perishable food, gently used clothing, shoes, and durable medical equipment are vitally needed.

 

With the help of local builders and support from the community, Lee BIA Builders Care is providing support through emergency construction services. These services include a wide range of emergency home repairs, as well as the delivery of food, water, and essential items. Services are available at no charge to elderly homeowners and disabled homeowners in need. You can make a donation by visiting Lee Builders Care.

 

Following Hurricane Ian, the Collier Community Foundation has reactivated the Collier Comes Together Disaster Relief Fund, which provides emergency financial support with no administrative fees to nonprofits helping with disaster relief and crisis services. You can learn more about the fund and make a donation by visiting the dedicated Collier Comes Together Disaster Relief Fund page.

 

A nonprofit based in Fort Myers, Collaboratory has partnered with the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties to raise money for the SWFL Emergency Relief Fund. 100 percent of the funds raised go toward supporting people who have been directly affected by Hurricane Ian. You can donate directly by visiting their SWFL Emergency Relief Fund donation page.

 

The Florida Home Builders Association has established a dedicated fund for disaster relief to support the communities hit hardest by Hurricane Ian. This fund is designed to reduce the costs of recovery for community members in need. You can contribute funds through the Florida Home Builders Foundation website.

 

The Harry Chapin Food Bank of Lee County is currently in need of non-perishable food items, which can be donated at the Fort Myers distribution center at 3760 Fowler St., Fort Myers, FL 33901. Learn more by visiting the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Lee County website or calling 239-334-7007.

 

The Charlotte Community Foundation has activated the Charlotte County Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance and resources to residents of Charlotte County in need after Hurricane Ian. Visit the CCF donation page to make a monetary donation online or the volunteer page to learn more about volunteering.

 

 non-denominational nonprofit, Feed Thy Neighbor, Collier and Lee offers meals to those in need from its kitchens at St. Monica's Episcopal Church in Naples and on Pennsylvania Avenue in Bonita Springs. Learn more about how to contribute by visiting the Feed Thy Neighbor donation page.