Hurricane Ian left a trail of damage throughout Cuba and Florida. As it moves through Florida, downgraded now to a tropical storm, it’s left thousands of residents scrambling to recover.
Organizations are already mobilizing to assist in the relief and recovery efforts following the destructive storm.
How to help Florida after Hurricane Ian: GoFundMe verified fundraisers
GoFundMe has corralled many different funds focused on both long-term and short-term relief efforts in Florida following Hurricane Ian. Some fundraisers are aimed toward funding evacuation expenses, local disaster relief teams on the ground, and animal rescue missions.
Fundraisers have been vetted by GoFundMe:
Damaged boats are seen amid a downtown condominium after Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction, in Fort Myers, Florida, Sept. 29, 2022.
Marco Bello/Reuters
Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon is a disaster relief group composed of military veterans, with a focus in serving “underserved or economically-challenged communities.” The organization is raising funds to support its work in Florida.
It said it had route clearance teams prepared ahead of the Hurricane’s land impact to assist with clearing trees and debris from roadways.
Feeding Tampa Bay
Feeding Tampa Bay provides food to almost 1 million food insecure families in west central Florida. The group’s Disaster Readiness team is “FEMA trained and prepared to handle disaster situations.”
It works in collaboration with the Tampa Bay area Emergency Operations Centers to provide food, water and hygiene items during disaster relief situations.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen, started by chef Jose Andres, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate and community crises. The group has people staged across Florida, so their relief team can begin serving meals to those who need them as soon as Hurricane Ian passes.
They are raising money to support their efforts feeding the communities, he organization said.
People embrace as they survey property damage from Hurricane Ian, Sept. 29, 2022, in Bonita Springs, Fla.
Sean Rayford/Getty Images
CDP Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund
This fund “supports initiatives that prioritize communities devastated by Atlantic hurricanes, especially those facing systemic barriers to equitable recovery,” according to the organization’s website.
It focuses on meeting medium- and long-term needs, like rebuilding homes, funding mental health services, and other challenges communities face in the recovery process.
Florida Disaster Fund
The Florida Disaster Fund is Florida's official private fund that provides financial assistance to cities across the state during emergencies and disasters.
