Hurricane Ian is one of the deadliest and largest hurricanes to ever hit Florida, leaving residents of the state’s southwest region without electricity or potable water — and many without homes. Further complicating recovery, rescue, and repair efforts is a lack of cell service in many affected areas and the majority of those impacted not having flood insurance. You might be wondering how to help Hurricane Ian victims and where to start.
“The impacts of this storm are historic, and the damage that has been done is historic,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a press conference. “We’ve never seen a flood event like this. We’ve never seen a storm surge of this magnitude.”
The statistics are harrowing and heartbreaking, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless right now, but one way to feel better is to do something about all of this devastation. Here’s how to help Hurricane Ian victims and survivors begin to rebuild their homes, their businesses, and their lives.
If you are currently in Southwest Florida and need essentials like food or supplies, check out our list of businesses that are open in Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties.
How to Help Those Affected by Hurricane Ian
Donate Blood
Donating blood is free, and there is a high level of need for it in Florida following Hurricane Ian. If you’re able to donate blood (especially if you’re Type O, the universal donor), please click here to find a blood drive near you.
How to Help Hurricane Ian Victims: Donate to All Hands and Hearts
All Hands and Hearts is providing infrastructure and home repair services to those impacted by Hurricane Ian — and $0.95 of every dollar donated goes directly to relief efforts, not overhead costs.
Donate to the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross provides disaster aid, and Hurricane Ian’s damage to Florida homes and infrastructure is, in no uncertain terms, disastrous. The organization provides essential care and shelter to those affected.
Donate to CARE
CARE provides financial relief to women and families to provide shelter, food, and other essentials while they get back on their feet following Hurricane Ian.
Donate to Convoy of Hope
Donating to Convoy of Hope helps provide everything from hygiene kits to emergency supplies and tractor trailers where they’re needed most.
Donate to CORE Response
CORE Response provides emergency supplies to those in need.
Donate to Direct Relief
Direct Relief has a fund specifically for Hurricane Ian aid, providing medical supplies, power systems, and more to those in need.
Donate to Dream Defenders’ Community Emergency Operations Center
Dream Defenders’ Community Emergency Operations Center provides food, clean water, care packages, and more to Black and Brown communities impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Donate to Farm Share
Farm Share is a Florida charity that sources fresh produce from local farms and provides it to those in need; they have been distributing fruits and vegetables to Hurricane Ian survivors throughout the state.
How to Help Hurricane Ian Victims: Donate to Feeding Florida
The economic impact of Hurricane Ian is unprecedented, especially with so many affected lacking flood insurance. As such, many more Floridians may go hungry without help to make ends meet and provide food to their families. Feeding Florida, the state subsidiary of Feed America, will help provide food and meals to those in need.
Donate to the Florida Baptist
Florida Baptist is providing disaster relief to Hurricane Ian survivors.
Donate to the Florida Disaster Fund
The state of Florida established the Florida Disaster Fund, which will directly aid those impacted by Hurricane Ian. Click here to donate to the Florida Disaster Fund or text “disaster” to 20222.
Donate to Jewish Federations of North America
Jewish Federations of North America provides relief to Jewish communities impacted by Hurricane Ian to help displaced persons find shelter and rebuild their homes and businesses.
Donate to Mercy Chefs
The teams at Mercy Chefs are set to provide 30,000 meals per day in Hurricane Ian-stricken areas.
Donate to the Midwest Food Bank
The Midwest Food Bank provides food for families within 24 hours of requests, and they accept donations from around the country.
Donate to Operation BBQ Relief
Operation BBQ Relief provides hot comfort meals to those affected by disasters, including Hurricane Ian, as well as to first responders and volunteers on the ground.
Donate to Project HOPE
Project HOPE provides medical supplies, hygiene kits, food, and clean water to those impacted by Hurricane Ian and other disasters. They also have on-site clinics to provide medical care to those in need.
Donate to Save the Children’s 2022 Hurricane Relief Fund
The Save the Children 2022 Hurricane Relief Fund helps provide aid to survivors of Hurricane Ian. Save the Children provides clean water, diapers, hygiene kits, and other essential items to those in need following Ian’s wrath.
How to Help Hurricane Ian Victims: Donate to the Salvation Army Hurricane Relief
The Salvation Army provides food, shelter, healthcare, and essential supplies to survivors of hurricanes and other disasters.
Donate to Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon aids in clearing debris and downed trees from roadways and infrastructure to help first responders rescue those in need, as well as helping families and communities kick-start their efforts to rebuild properties.
Donate to World Central Kitchen
The World Central Kitchen serves fresh meals to those impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Volunteer Your Help
If you’re local to Florida and can get to impacted areas, there’s a slew of volunteer opportunities available, from disaster responders on the ground to providing mental health care to those in disaster zones.
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