What You Can Do Right Now to Help the Bahamas
Hurricane Dorian caused massive damage in the Bahamas. With thousands of people displaced by the storm, recovery efforts are underway. Here's how you can help.
After the recent devastation of Hurricane Dorian, you’re seeing coverage in the news and your heart is breaking for the people affected. If you’re wondering what you can do to help the Bahamas, here’s where to start.
Give money
The best way to help survivors of a disaster like Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas is with a donation to a reputable organization that’s responding. That way, you can be sure that exactly what is needed makes it to survivors, as quickly as possible.
You may want to donate clothing, medicines or other items, but managing and shipping donated goods from individuals is costly and time-consuming. And the items might not be what an affected community needs, or the government may not allow those items to be imported.
But when you give money, responders can buy exactly what’s needed. And often they buy locally, which helps the local economy to rebuild after a disaster, in addition to getting the right assistance to people much more quickly.
Get everyone you know to give money
You can raise money in a variety of ways, from a bake sale or big fundraiser to allocation a portion of proceeds from your business. The easiest way, though, is to do an online fundraiser.
It takes just two minutes to set up a fundraiser to help power Project HOPE’s Hurricane Dorian response, and it’s easy to share with your friends on Facebook or your social media of choice. You can support an existing fundraiser, or start your own. Try it now and see what happens!
Learn more about the disaster and share what you’ve learned
Aid workers are often among the first to respond to a disaster area. As a result, media interviews with them and with disaster survivors can help make sense of what’s happening in human terms, and what challenges people are facing.
Our field team is doing interviews with media outlets, from MSNBC to PBS to Telemundo and more. Read the latest coverage on our HOPE In The News Page or check out some of these videos below. Then share them with your friends so they can be in the know, too.
Our emergency response team in the Bahamas has also been sending us videos of what they’re seeing. To see more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Prefer to read updates? We have a crisis page you can read and visit regularly to follow what’s happening on the ground. Don’t forget to share it with friends! Get the facts about Hurricane Dorian.
Stay involved
Even after the headlines fade, a major disaster like Hurricane Dorian affects the lives of survivors for months, even years. They need you to show you care now – and they need you to keep on showing your support so that they know the world hasn’t forgotten about them as the headlines fade.
One easy way to ensure you’re helping communities prepare for disaster and recover quickly is with a monthly gift. Lift hope all year long by signing up now.
Are you a health care or other professional who would like to learn more about volunteering abroad with Project HOPE? Learn more about our volunteer program and join our volunteer roster.
Stay up-to-date on this story and our lifesaving work around the world by following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter, and help spread the word by sharing stories that move and inspire you.