Three Ways to Help after Hurricane Matthew

Everyone in the Lowcountry has had a hectic week as we prepared for and weathered Hurricane Matthew. If you’ve returned to Charleston to find your house still standing strong, you may be thinking, How can I help those whose homes and resources have been devastated by the storm? We’ve compiled three ways to lend a hand, both at home and abroad. Let’s band together as a community and make a difference for those in need!

 

1. It’s the little things. In many areas of the Lowcountry, one home could be safe and sound while a neighbor faces water damage or destruction from debris or fallen trees. If your home is okay and you’re safe, take a moment to help your neighbors by cleaning up their yards, removing plywood from windows, or cooking a meal for another family without power. Little acts of kindness make the community stronger.
2. Send funds to those less fortunate. Many organizations are already on the ground in third-world countries—like Haiti—affected by Hurricane Matthew. Find an organization you trust—perhaps the Red Cross or the locally headquartered Water Missions International—and help fund their response efforts to underprivileged areas in the Caribbean.
3. Join a disaster relief group. If you’re up for the challenge, consider joining a team to go to a disaster area and help. Currently, organizations like CARE are looking for volunteers to help those affected by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti, especially if you speak the native language (French or Creole) or have a highly valued skill, like medical training or construction expertise.

 

There are many ways to help our neighbors, our surrounding states, and countries abroad in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. Take a moment to lend a helping hand today!