Hurricane Dorian (see our travel resource page here) has left death and destruction in its wake, most of all in the Bahamas. At least 23 people are dead after the storm arrived in the Bahamian islands as a Category 5 and moved slowly over its Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama. Homes and buildings have been flattened. Now, the rescue efforts have begun.
So how can you help? What can you do to help the Bahamas recover from Hurricane Dorian? The Miami New Times‘ Jess Nelson put together a great story rounding up good outlets for your compassion. For starters, if you live in Miami, you can donate water and other goods at pre-determined sites listed here. Next, here are a few of the places she suggests donating money:
Bahamas Red Cross
The organization is helping on the ground. It’s also requesting donations of non-perishables, cleaning supplies and more (brought or sent to its JFK headquarters; see more here).
National Association of the Bahamas
The non-profit’s “Hurricane Relief Fund” is accepting donations to put towards its own work on the ground. The city of Miami endorses it as a way to help the Bahamas.
World Central Kitchen
Chef José Andrés’s non-profit is working to feed those in need, just as it did in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. “If kitchens are destroyed,” he tweeted, “we build one and cook in big paella pans!”
The Smile Trust
The Smile Trust, “a Miami-based nonprofit that assists the homeless community and provides disaster relief” in Jess’s words, is taking donations into “Hurricane Dorian Relief Fund.”
Have a suggestion?
If you have another organization you’d suggest donating to or another way to help the Bahamas recover, please share it in the comments below.
See the damage in photos
For a sense of the destruction and the work ahead in the Bahamas, this New York Times story contrasts before and after photos of different parts of the nation. It’s pretty striking.
