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Maryland Department of Emergency Management

How can I assist with hurricane relief and recovery efforts?

How can I assist with hurricane relief and recovery efforts?

Many of us have witnessed the devastating effects that hurricanes have caused to fellow Americans this hurricane season. Many organizations and individuals are generously offering to support affected areas, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, by donating their time, money, and supplies. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) continues to work with our sister emergency management agencies in the affected areas and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assess and coordinate requested resources. Federal, state, local officials and numerous non-profit, private sector, faith-based, and volunteer organizations are currently lending a hand in this effort. The following outlines the ways that you can assist, too.

Donate through a trusted organization

According to FEMA, one of the best ways to assist is to donate to the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). The NVOAD website has information on non-profit organizations accepting or registering individual in-kind donations: www.nvoad.org/howtohelp/donate/. You may also make financial donations to a National VOAD member organization to help voluntary or charitable organizations continue to provide services to Hurricane Maria survivors: www.nvoad.org/voad-members/. To make a cash donation directly to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, visit www.unidosporpuertorico.com/en.

Volunteer in response to Hurricane Maria through an established organization

Anyone seeking an opportunity to get involved in response and recovery operations is encouraged to volunteer with local and nationally known organizations. A list of volunteer websites is available at www.nvoad.org.

According to FEMA, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands ask that volunteers not self-deploy, as unexpected arrival in affected communities creates additional burden for first responders. Those who wish to register to volunteer to support response efforts for Hurricane Maria can go to the following websites:

Maryland agencies and local jurisdictions throughout the State continue to assist areas affected by recent hurricanes. MEMA leads the State’s coordination of resource support and is actively continuing to work with affected areas to find ways to support them. Thank you for your interest in becoming part of this effort!