Disaster Relief

Habitat for Humanity will send 2,000 shelter repair kits to Puerto Rico to help families repair their damaged homes following Hurricane Maria. The kits—which are being assembled by Habitat volunteers in metro Atlanta this week—are the first phase of the Habitat Hammers Back recovery initiative in Puerto Rico.

In the past months, many Benevity clients stepped up their disaster relief efforts to mobilize rapid response from their consumers, vendors, partners, the personal networks of their people and the public at large. These companies raised half a million dollars through the portals in the first two days alone, bringing much-needed funds to communities in distress. As usual, more dollars and hands are required, but where and, perhaps more importantly, when?

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Mexico City on Sept. 19, killing 369 people, collapsing 38 structures and leaving nearly 200 buildings severely damaged—but through the chaos, goodwill is prevailing

Zachary Dearing was living with his father on a houseboat in Rockport, Texas, when Hurricane Harvey hit. After his father evacuated to Houston, Zachary sought cover at the Live Oaks Learning Center. Upon his arrival at the city-designated shelter, he found that there was no one in charge to help evacuees or even to distribute supplies. With a team of volunteers, he helped more than 200 shelter occupants make it through the night, and worked with local law enforcement agencies to organize evacuation to Austin.

The Ingersoll Rand crisis response team has now made contact with all Ingersoll Rand employees and all of its contractors in Puerto Rico. While the devastation that Hurricane Maria left in her path has impacted the entire island of Puerto Rico, the resolve and positivity portrayed by the people is amazing.

As Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico face the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, Points of Light is honoring everyday citizens who stepped up to serve their communities during the immediate response and to embark on the long road to recovery.

FedEx has committed an additional $1 million in cash and transportation support to deliver critical medical aid and supplies to help communities recover after the devastating hurricane season, as well as the earthquake in Mexico.

After leaving the U.S. Army in 2015, Derek struggled to find purpose outside of the military – but he found his place when he heard about The Mission Continues, a nonprofit that empowers veterans by engaging them in service to the community. Through the organization’s fellowship program, Derek volunteered for six months at Up2Us Sports, where Derek recruited and mentored veteran coaches to give underprivileged youth the opportunity to develop positive relationships with adults. At the conclusion of his fellowship, he was hired full-time by Up2Us.

Flooded streets, collapsed buildings, growing inequality, healthcare, citizenship and more. Of course we’re all wondering how we can help and wishing we knew precisely how and where to show up.