On Monday, Sept. 19, more than three million people in Puerto Rico woke up without power. Many were also without running water, and have been for days. Plenty of people still don’t know when the lights will turn back on. Hurricane Fiona — which was ranked as a Category 1 storm at its onset — ripped through the island Sunday, Sept. 18 into Monday. On Sunday, President Joe Biden declared an emergency in Puerto Rico, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to plan disaster relief efforts as the hurricane touched down. As of Wednesday, Sept. 21, Hurricane Fiona has developed into a Category 4 storm as it approaches Bermuda, and it has reportedly killed at least four people. The hurricane caused up to 30 inches of rain in the southern and southeastern parts of Puerto Rico, setting off a chain of mudslides and floods. On top of that, the island is facing a massive heat wave that will cause temperatures to skyrocket to 112 degrees.
Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi called the damage on the island “catastrophic,” according to NPR — and the territory is still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Maria five years ago, making relief efforts even harder. With many Puerto Ricans without electricity or running water, and with many who have lost their homes, here are some organizations you can donate to and help make a difference.
- Brigada Solidaria del Oeste
-
Brigada Solidaria del Oeste is a mutual aid group asking for donations for emergency essentials for impacted Puerto Rican residents — including water purification tablets, solar lamps, water filters, and first aid kits.
Supplies can be sent to their mailing address, which is P.O. Box 1073, Boquéron, PR 00622-1073. Monetary donations are also being accepted and can be paid via PayPal at brigadasolidariaoeste@gmail.com.
- Global Gifting
-
Global Gifting is a nonprofit organization that connects other nonprofits with donors to fuel their cause, and they created the Hurricane Fiona Relief Fund. According to Global Gifting, your donation will be used to deliver food and emergency supplies; provide shelter, clean water, and hygiene products; and support longer-term recovery efforts following the aftermath of the hurricane.
If you don’t have the means to send in a monetary donation, you can share the relief fund with your friends, family, coworkers, or even Instagram followers to spread the word.
- Taller Salud
-
Taller Salud is a community-based, feminist, non-profit organzation dedicated to improving Puerto Rico women’s access to health care. The organization is now accepting non-monetary donations to help those in need, like solar lanterns, water filters, over-the-counter medications, and hygiene products. The organization is also operating two community kitchens and needs cooking supplies and dry foods, like pasta and rice.
To donate any of these items, send to Calle 1 D40 Urb, Jardines de Loiza, PR 00772 or Carr 187 km 24.4 Parcelas Vieques #33, Mediania Alta Loiza, PR 00772. Taller Salud is also accepting monetary donations to their PayPal account.
- Techos ‘Pa Mi Gente
-
Following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria five years ago, Techos ‘Pa Mi Gente was formed to help repair and support areas affected by natural disasters. The non-profit organization helps build permanent roofs and is mobilizing to help repair the damages of many homes affected by Hurricane Fiona.
To donate, Venmo Techos ‘Pa Mi Gente at @TPMG-CORP or their PayPal @TechosPaMiGente. Every donation helps, no matter how small.
- The Hispanic Federation
-
The Hispanic Federation is a Latino non-profit membership organization that works to support Hispanic families and strengthen Latino communities and institutions. In the wake of Hurricane Fiona, the Hispanic Federation is taking donations to help support local relief efforts in both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
If you don’t have the means to donate yourself, the Hispanic Federation also has a community fundraising tool that lets you create a customized donation form that you can share with your friends, family, and followers. To create your own fundraiser, press “Start Fundraising” on the website and set up an online account with JustGiving. It takes just a few minutes, but can make all the difference.