How to help Tampa Bay efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Fiona
Five years after Hurricane Maria devastated the island, another storm hit Puerto Rico.
Earlier this week, Hurricane Fiona made landfall, dumping more than 2 feet of water on the island and flooding houses and agricultural land.
Since then, local groups have been mobilizing to bring aid to Puerto Rico. Here are some ways to help.
1. Somos Puerto Rico Tampa
About this organization: It was founded by Puerto Ricans in Tampa in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. For the last five years, the organization has worked to coordinate relief efforts for people on the island, as well as supporting those who have migrated to Florida following natural disaster. Currently, the organization is accepting donations through an online fundraiser, with a goal of supplying food, water and solar-powered lanterns to survivors.
Link to fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ayuda-para-pr-huracn-fiona
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/somospuertoricotampa
2. Boricuas de Corazon
About this organization: Provides disaster relief and accepts both monetary donations and tangible goods. Currently the organization is seeking medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches), diapers, over-the-counter medicine and bathroom goods, senior diapers, and basic hygiene kits.
Link to fundraiser: https://www.boricuasdecorazoninc.com/donations
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/Boricuasdecorazoninc/
3. Puerto Rico Rises, Florida
About this organization: Founded by Puerto Ricans living in the mainland U.S., with a goal of supporting people on the mainland and those who have migrated due to natural disaster or violence.
Link to fundraiser: https://prrises.org/index.html
Learn more: https://www.prrises.org/ourmission.html
4. Mujeres Restauradas Por Dios
About this organization: This Tampa organization supports women and survivors of domestic violence by providing shelter, a food pantry and crisis support services. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, this organization worked to support survivors who had migrated to the mainland U.S. following the storm and plays a key role in helping people evacuated after natural disasters.
To support the organization: https://www.facebook.com/MujeresRDios/
Learn more: https://www.tampabay.com/news/2021/06/28/latinas-needing-help-have-a-friend-in-tampas-nancy-hernandez/
5. Neighbors 4 Neighbors
About this organization: This organization, based in South Florida, was founded after Hurricane Andrew struck 30 years ago. It is a member of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), and works to provide relief to communities impacted by disaster, including Puerto Rico.
Link to fundraiser: https://neighbors4neighbors.org/fiona
Learn more: https://neighbors4neighbors.org/about
