Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of hurricane Irma. As residents of Jacksonville, FL we know how devastating the storm and subsequent flooding has been to Jacksonville residents. Here are several resources for those in need of help and for those who would like to provide help for those in need.

Help for victims of Hurricane Irma:

Lodging

Airbnb – If your home has been destroyed or damaged and you need a place to stay you can find many Airbnb homes available for free. Click here to see a listing of Airbnb homes available in your area.

HomeAway – Find free or greatly discounted rental homes for those who have been displaced by the storm. You can call 1-888-336-7713 for more information or click here.

Rescue

If you need rescuing or are currently in a life-threatening situation contact 911 or your local emergency number. If you are a mariner in distress, or in need of water rescue, contact the Coast Guard through 911 or via VHF-FM Channel 16 (156.8MHz).

FEMA

FEMA provides resources and relief for victims of natural disasters like hurricane Irma. In addition to help FEMA provides resources for helping children cope, tips for cleaning up after the storm and how to avoid scams and fraud. Click here to explore the FEMA website.

How to Help Victims of Hurricane Irma

American Red Cross – While blood is always in demand, now is a much better time to donate money. Click here to donate to the American Red Cross. If you would like to donate blood consider waiting a week or two.

A Place to Stay – If you have a home that you want to donate for those who have been displaced by the storm you can make your home available on HomeAway or Airbnb.

Monetary Donations – If you would like to donate to a charity but aren’t sure which one to donate to check out Charity Navigator to find a reputable charity.

Volunteer your Time – If you are in Florida and would like to donate your time, or you are planning on coming down here, check out the National Voluntary Organizations Active Disaster website.

Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) – USAID CIDI provides information and guidance on the best way to help support relief efforts following disasters around the world.  With more than 20 years of experience working in disaster areas and with relief organizations on the ground, USAID CIDI knows that monetary donations are the best way to help people affected by international disasters. Their goal is to ensure that America’s generosity results in the most effective relief, and we focus on helping donors make informed decisions about how to help.

GoFundMe – There are many GoFundMe pages established for those in need of support after Irma. Click here to donate funds or to help raise money.