Hurricane Maria slammed Puerto Rico and neighboring islands last week, and across the Caribbean they’re hurting right now. If you’re looking to lend a hand, here are some of the local ways to do so. We’ll be continually updating this list, so shoot us a note at [email protected] if you have a suggestion for something to add.
Where to donate money:
- The Miami Foundation’s US Caribbean Strong Relief Fund will be used to support all the affected islands.
- United for Puerto Rico/Unidos por Puerto Rico, an initiative started by First Lady Beatriz Rosello, is accepting donations here and supplies (details below)
- United Way of Miami-Dade has launched Operation Helping Hands to respond to the crises across the Caribbean and Mexico. Volunteer efforts are so far limited to Irma relief in Florida, but they are accepting donations for all spots here.
- Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami is accepting donations here.
Where to donate supplies:
- A collection of local groups including the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce and Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida is collecting supplies for Puerto Rico at the Mana Warehouse at 2251 NW 5th Avenue from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. They are also collecting at Ana G. Méndez University at 15201 NW 79th Court in Miami Lakes every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are asking for personal hygiene items (soap, diapers, tampons), bottled water, paper products, nonperishable food, medical supplies like first aid kit items and diabetic supplies, flashlights, batteries, cleaning supplies and items to protect from the elements (mosquito repellent, sunscreen, tarps). They especially need items from the last two categories. Details below on volunteer needs.
- United for Puerto Rico is collecting baby formula, diapers, flashlights, gloves, pedialyte, small tents, trash bags, non-perishable food, empty gasoline containers, mosquito repellent, toiletries, water purification tablets, baby wipes, first aid kits, hand sanitizer, sleeping bags, and towels at a warehouse at 885 W 18th St. in Hialeah.
- The City of Miami is collecting supplies to send to Puerto Rico at three locations. Click here for supply needs and drop-off locations.
- South Florida Caribbean Strong is collecting donations across the city.
- They’re asking for:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Tarps and plywood
- Toiletries
- Feminine hygiene products
- First-aid kits
- Medicine
- Batteries and flashlights
- Insect repellent
- Sleeping bags, blankets, pillows
- Building supplies
- Baby wipes and food, diapers
- Donations can be dropped off at:
- Caribbean Delight Restaurant, 9491 SW 160th Street, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157
- Jamaica Kitchen Restaurant, 8736 SW 72nd Street, Miami, FL 33173
- Tropical Feast Restaurant, 18400 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33169
- Broward County: Joy’s Liquors, 9280 W. Commercial Blvd., Sunrise, FL 33351
- Joy’s Roti Delight, 1205 NW 40th Avenue, Lauderhill, FL 33313
- Singh’s, 4244 N. State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319
- Fancy Loaf, 1014 N.E. 215th Street Miami, FL 33179
- Palm Beach: Taste of Jamaica, 10233 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33411
- They’re asking for:
Where to donate your time:
- The supply effort at the Mana Warehouse also needs volunteers to help sort and pack donations. Drop in between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
- The Cuba One Foundation is organizing a Hurricane relief trip to the most affected cities (Ciego de Avila, Sancti Spiritus and Santa Clara) Oct. 25 to 30. Each volunteer must raise $1,500 to cover their costs and go toward the relief effort. You can sign up for the trip here or donate to the relief fund here.
GoFundMe has also created a landing page for ALL Hurricane Maria relief campaigns here.