12/10/2024
🌪️ Hurricane Relief: How to Help Each Other Locally 🌪️
📢 Dear Community,
We understand that the recent hurricane has left many of us in need of assistance. Here are some practical ways we can help each other, focusing on immediate relief and support. 🤝
Food and Cooking Resources 🍔🍦
BBQ Grills and Ice 🧊:
Donate Ice (to keep food/medications safe) 📞: Find or Create a page or Nextdoor message asking neighbors if they have extra ice to donate. Offer to coordinate a central location where people can pick up ice.
Community Cooking (because we need hot meals and many still have no power)🍳: If you have a grill, offer to cook meals for neighbors who are without power. Share the location and time on community platforms.
Non-Perishable Food 🍲:
Food Donations 🍞: Ask neighbors to donate non-perishable food items. Collect and distribute these items to those in need.
Meal Sharing 🍽️: If you have extra food, offer to share meals with neighbors who are struggling to cook.
Errands and Transportation 🚗🚲
Volunteer Drivers 🚘:
Offer Rides 🚖: Create a list of volunteers who can help run errands for those in need. Use Facebook posts or community bulletin boards to coordinate. Ensure volunteers follow safety protocols and have fuel.
Bicycle and Walking 🚴: Let's Organize a group of younger volunteers to deliver supplies by bicycle or on foot to neighbors who cannot leave their homes.
Fuel Assistance ⛽:
Fuel Sharing 🛢️: If you have access to fuel, offer to help neighbors who cannot find gas. Consider carpooling or sharing rides to get essential supplies.
Lighting and Power 💡🔦
Candles and Flashlights 🕯️:
Donate Light Sources 🎃: Create a Facebook post asking neighbors to donate extra candles, flashlights, and batteries. Set up a distribution point for these items.
Solar Lights 🌞: If available, use solar lights to illuminate homes and walkways.
Charging Stations 📱:
Power Generators ⚡: If you have a power generator, offer to charge devices for neighbors who need to stay connected.
Community Centers 🏢: Identify local community centers or businesses with generators that can serve as charging stations. Share the locations on community platforms.
Water and Hydration 💦🚰
Bottled Water 💧:
Donate Water 📞: Create a Facebook post asking neighbors to donate bottled water. Collect and distribute the water to those in need.
Avoid Tap Water 🚰: Be mindful of boil water notices and avoid using tap water for drinking or cooking.
Comfort and Support 😊🤗
Comfort Stations 🛋️:
Set Up Stations 🏠: Identify local community centers, schools, or homes with power that can serve as comfort stations. Provide seating, water, and snacks for those in need.
Offer Shelter 🛌️: If you have space and resources, offer to host neighbors who need a place to stay.
Health and Medical Support 🩺:
Medication Distribution 💊: If you have extra medication, offer it to neighbors who need it. Ensure it is properly labeled and safe to share.
Health Check-ins 🩹: Check on neighbors with health conditions to ensure they have their medication and necessary supplies.
Communication and Coordination 📲📢
Social Media Platforms 📱:
Facebook Groups and Nextdoor 🌐: Use these platforms to coordinate donations, volunteer efforts, and share important information.
IG/Twitter 🐦: Use hashtags like to share updates and resources.
Community Apps 📲:
Zillow 🏠: Use Zillow to find homes with generators or power and offer to stay with neighbors in need.
Airbnb 🏠: Look for hosts offering free or discounted stays for those affected by the hurricane. Offer to pay for a week or so to families with minor children/etc. if your budget allows to assist.
Communication Apps 📞:
WhatsApp and GroupMe 📲: Create groups to stay in touch with neighbors and coordinate relief efforts.
Walkie-Talkie Apps 📡: Use apps like Zello or Two Way for real-time communication during power outages.
Cash Donations 💰
Direct Donations 💸:
PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, or Walmart to Walmart 💳: Create or share verified campaigns for individuals and families in need. Use platforms like GoFundMe or direct payment apps to send financial assistance.
Specific Actions and Tips 💡
Neighborhood Check-ins 📞:
Phone Calls and Texts 📲: Reach out to neighbors via phone calls or texts to check on their well-being. Offer to help with tasks such as getting food, water, or medication.
Virtual Check-ins 💻: Use video calls to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may be isolated.
Emotional Support 😊:
Listen and Support 🤗: Be there to listen and offer emotional support to those who are stressed or anxious.
Share Resources 📚: Provide information on mental health resources and support groups.
Contact Information 📞
For more information or to offer assistance, please contact:
Sherletta Denice
Hurricane Milton Survivor and Advocate
Email: [email protected]
📣 Please Like and Share this post to help spread the word and support our community! 📣
