We can’t all be Pitbull, who sent his private plane to Puerto Rico to transport cancer patients to the mainland for care. But there are plenty of ways that regular folks can help support relief efforts on the hurricane-ravaged island.
Nonprofits and volunteer organizations are a vital part of recovery efforts, but you know who else should be helping? The United States dang government. So the first thing you can do to help is to call (or fax, or otherwise contact) your senator and representatives to ask them to fight for federal assistance for Puerto Rico. Things are changing fast, but as of publication, here are the specific things to ask for:
Push for a new bill authorizing a second round of disaster relief funding ASAP.
Temporarily suspend section 27 of the Jones Act.
The White House should appoint a point of contact to coordinate the response.
You can reach your senators and representatives via the Capitol switchboard, at (202) 224-3121, or call their regional offices in your state. Font of action items @Celeste_pewter on Twitter has a whole script, and you can check her timeline for updates.
Many cities are also organizing supply drives. Hispanic Federation is collecting donated supplies in New York City, and The Puerto Rican Leadership Council of South Florida is collecting material donations in Miami. MedShare is collecting supplies in Decatur, Georgia, San Leandro, California, and Secaucus, New Jersey.
Considering the challenges of getting supplies onto a devastated island, your best bet may be to donate funds to a charity that’s responding to the crisis, so they can pay for their supplies—which they can buy in bulk—and fund their work. (While you’re responding to a specific crisis, consider not earmarking your donation for Puerto Rico. Read more on why here.) As always, see if your employer matches donations first.
Where to Donate
Americares is providing medicine and medical supplies, and responding to recovery needs as they arise.
Catholic Relief Services is partnering with local organizations and working to provide “shelter, water and critical supplies, including tarps, tents, and hygiene and kitchen kits to families affected by these disasters.”
Convoy of Hope, another faith-based organization, provides food, water, and emergency supplies.
GlobalGiving is a global crowdfunding network (with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator). Their fund for hurricane recovery in the Caribbean encompasses emergency supplies and long-term recovery and rebuilding, channeling donations to vetted local organizations.
Hispanic Federation launched Unidos, a disaster-relief fund for Puerto Rico and Mexico.
International Medical Corps provides emergency relief and longer-term training programs to help communities recover from disaster.
Mercy Corps responds to crises with immediate and long-term recovery support. In Puerto Rico they’re collaborating with local organizations, focusing on helping families and children.
Oxfam is supporting relief and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico, and advocating in Washington for more support for rebuilding.
The Sato Project is rescuing displaced and homeless dogs and transporting them to shelters outside of Puerto Rico.
Unidos por Puerto Rico was launched by Beatriz Rosselló, the first lady of Puerto Rico, “with the purpose of providing aid and support to those affected in Puerto Rico by the passage of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane María.”
Updated 10/4/17 10am: Since this post was first published, Oxfam and Mercy Corps have joined the relief efforts—their information has been added above.