Despite a change in course and a weakening, Hurricane Irma has still left devastation and disruption in her wake. Below are local donation, supply, and volunteer opportunities. Have one to share? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll check it out.
Donate locally
The Miami Foundation has launched three different funds. The Miami Foundation Hurricane Relief Fund goes toward local recovery and rebuilding efforts. The Irma Strong Caribbean Relief Fund goes toward helping our island neighbors – who got hit even harder than we did. The Irma Community Recovery Fund is focused on helping Miami’s most marginalized communities access critical resources after the storm. You can find donation pages for all three here.
A bunch of South Florida’s most trusted local grassroots and social justice organizations came together to support the Hurricane Irma Community Recovery Fund, which will be focused on the county’s most vulnerable communities, like those living below the poverty line and undocumented immigrants afraid to get help through official channels. Donate here.
Where to volunteer
We’ll update this section often to keep it current. One-off volunteer events are welcome. If you would like to suggest a volunteer option, shoot us a note at [email protected].
After the storm come the FEMA assistance forms, which can help cover costs of everything from home repairs to hotel costs if you can’t stay in your home (full rundown from the Community Justice Project here).
With all the legalese, many people struggle to fill them out. Bring your laptop and drop in at one of these spots to help for as much time as you can:
- FANM, 100 NE 84th Street, 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Call Kencie at 786-738-4726 with questions.
- Culmer Center, 1600 NW 3rd Avenue, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call Aidil at 786-258-1641 with questions.
- Centro Campesino, 35801 SW 186 Avenue. Check in with Camilo at 786-302-8842 for hours.
Trail cleanup: The biking trails at Virginia Key, Oleta, and Amelia Earhart parks are looking rough after the storm, and they can’t reopen until the trails are clear. Come out and volunteer this weekend to help them get back in shape. Virginia Key cleanup details here. Oleta cleanup details here.
Bridge to Hope, 13295 SW 268th Street, Homestead / Show up at the address listed between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to assist with community outreach and food and supply distribution. Contact Vanessa Tinsley at 305 742 4122 with questions or check their Facebook page for the latest.
The American Red Cross specializes in providing emergency shelter and will be looking for people to assist at shelters, unload trucks, serve food, onboard other volunteers, and help set up other facilities. You can register to volunteer here. You might be used in Miami-Dade or elsewhere impacted by Irma.
United Way of Miami-Dade is the official volunteer arm of Miami-Dade County’s Office of Emergency Management. You can register to be contacted if they need volunteers here.
Volunteer Florida is the statewide volunteer agency. They’ve got several options for volunteering, and this is a good way to get in line to help the Gulf Coast as well. Details here.
Provide supplies
Sacred Heart Outreach Center, 20 SE 2nd Road, Homestead
Contact Tom Comerford at [email protected] or 305-245-0022 for the latest donation needs.
Feeding South Florida, Main Warehouse: 2501 SW 32 Terrace, Pembroke Park
This central location funnels donations to food pantries across South Florida. Call 954-518-1818.
Peréz Art Museum Miami (for Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade), 1103 Biscayne Boulevard
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade are collecting supplies to bring to their counterparts in the Keys. Plus, you get free admission to the PAMM through Sept. 26 if you bring supplies with you when you go.
- Water
- Bug Spray
- Diapers and Baby products
- Hygiene products
- Non-perishable food, easily opened
- Clothes and shoes for children and teenagers (pre-sorted)
Bridge to Hope, 13295 SW 268th Street, Homestead
You can drop supplies off daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Pet food
- Cleaning supplies
- Diapers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Spare internet-connected devices like laptops and tablets (many residents do not have a computer at home and need one in order to apply for post-Irma assistance)
FIU, for Florida Keys residents
FIU is sheltering evacuated Keys residents for the next couple weeks and need the following supplies:
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers
- Yoga mats (to serve as mattresses)
- Water,
- Non-perishable food
- Pillows, blankets, and towels
- Clothing
You can drop supplies off at the following locations:
- South Beach: Bolivar Restaurant, 841 Washington Avenue
- West Dade: Restaurante Mi Pueblo, 10910 W. Flagler Street
- Downtown: Cervera Corporation, 50 Biscayne at 20 Biscayne Blvd.
- Sunny Isles: Dezer Platinum Realty, 17191 Collins Ave.