What an exhausting and tragic past few weeks for the world. If you’re like us, you see disaster happening, people losing their lives, their houses, their possessions and you simply feel overwhelmed, and somewhat helpless. In this article, we hope to provide a simple guide for some ways you can help as well as a status update on where things currently stand. 

Mexico City Earthquake

What happened:

On Tuesday September 19, Mexico City was hit with a 7.1 magnitude earthquake. Mexico City is located in the central part of Mexico and has a population of around 9 million people. Over 200 people were killed, many buildings collapsed, hospitals and schools collapsed, and millions are currently without power. This came just two weeks after an even more powerful 8.2 earthquake hit another part of Mexico.

How you can help:

The Mexican Red Cross has set up an Amazon Wishlist of items needed for the victims. You can actually purchase the goods identified as being the most important for the victims. Upon checkout you simply select the address of the Mexican Red Cross which then receives the item and donates it to 20 area shelters. (Note: the Wishlist is on the Spanish Amazon website. It might be necessary to either have a translator with you, or Chrome users can use Google translate to navigate the website).

Hurricane Maria

What happened:

On Wednesday September 20, a powerful category 4 hurricane directly hit Puerto Rico — this just a week after Hurricane Irma devastated the island. At the time of writing this article, it is too early to tell what sort of damage has been done, but we know it was a powerful storm, we know it has knocked out power to the entire island which could take months to restore, we are seeing images of major flooding, and we know it has done a significant amount of damage. As such, relief efforts have already begun.

How you can help:

The American Red Cross is already sending volunteers and supplies to Puerto Rico. It encourages people to download its mobile apps for emergency preparedness tips and to stay up to date on vital information.

Global Giving is a 4/4 star charity according to Charity Navigator. It is simply a crowdfunding source which is raising funds to provide food, clean water, hygiene products and shelter to survivors of Hurricane Maria. The goal is $2 million. You can donate here, or you can even text “MARIA” to 80100 to give $10 to the Caribbean Hurricane Maria & Irma Relief Fund (Message and data rates may apply).

Hurricane Irma

What happened:

Hurricane Irma was a strong hurricane that delivered a blow to the Caribbean and the U.S. on September 7-10, killing over 100 people. 5 million people were left without power and it is reported that 95% of buildings in Barbuda were destroyed.

How you can help:

While it may not seem as urgent now that Irma has made its way out of the daily news, replaced with Hurricane Maria and the earthquakes, victims of Irma still need help. Many people have had significant damage to their homes and do not have insurance coverage or the funds to rebuild.

The Salvation Army is providing hot meals, drinks, snacks, blankets, shelter, as well as emotional and spiritual care to individuals and families affected by Hurricane Irma. You can donate at www.HelpSalvationArmy.org. To volunteer, register at disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and someone will contact you with further information.

Those in the state of Florida or planning a trip who want to physically help, might check out Volunteer Florida. This is a state-based group accepting both volunteers and donations.

Hurricane Harvey

What happened:

Hurricane Harvey was the most powerful hurricane in the U.S. since 2005. It brought 40 inches of rain which caused major flooding, especially in Houston where over 30,000 families were displaced from their homes and 17,000 people needed to be rescued. It is responsible for 83 deaths.

How you can help:

The city of Houston will be rebuilding for years to come after Hurricane Harvey left the city largely underwater. The Houston Press compiled a list of food banks including Houston Food Bank, Galveston County Food Bank, Corpus Christi Food Bank and Southeast Texas Food Bank. They recommend contacting a food bank directly about their need and what you can do.

It is difficult to see our world suffer. The emotional response embedded in most of us is to want to help. In times of crisis volunteers are needed, supplies are needed, blood is often needed, but perhaps the best way you can help relief efforts is from your own living room. Simply donating money so the respondents and agencies on the ground have everything they need to help a community recover.