HELPING STORM VICTIMS

In response to the impact of Hurricane Ian, Volunteer Florida has activated the Florida Disaster Fund, established to provide financial assistance as communities respond to and recover from a disaster. Donations can be made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and are tax-deductible. To donate, go here or text DISASTER to 20222.

Project HOPE has an emergency-response team on the ground in Florida and is tending to the urgent needs of those affected by the storm. Project HOPE staff are positioned to immediately enter the affected areas when it's safe to do so to distribute supplies and support on-the-ground partners, including local health clinics, shelters and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. Project HOPE teams are equipped with necessary supplies like over-the-counter medication, pain relievers, diapers, tampons, bottled water and meals-ready-to-eat (MREs).

Convoy of Hope’s caravan of response vehicles is en route to Florida. Once Ian is no longer a threat to the area, team members will set up points of distribution (POD) and begin assisting survivors.

The Red Cross of central Florida is offering free disaster assistance.

Meanwhile, coastal South Carolina is now under a hurricane warning as Ian is expected to hit the state on Friday afternoon.