Teresa Reynolds sits exhausted as members of her community clean the debris from their flooded homes in Ogden Hollar in Hindman, Ky., Saturday, July 30, 2022, after record rains struck the area. (AP Photo by Timothy D. Easley)
Teresa Reynolds sits exhausted as members of her community clean the debris from their flooded homes in Ogden Hollar in Hindman, Ky., Saturday, July 30, 2022, after record rains struck the area. (AP Photo by Timothy D. Easley)

When disaster strikes, locally or nationally, the first question for many, especially in Pittsburgh where philanthropy is so embedded in the community, is “How can I help?” Sending emergency supplies is usually not the most effective way to give, particularly in communities where disasters may have weakened the infrastructure. This is especially true in the event of floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters. 

Where to Give

The best practice is to give money to charities that know the affected community well and are positioned to provide immediate and longer-term response. Here are a few that we recommend:

Additional Resources

If you want to learn more, this additional information about best practices in giving in times of disaster should be helpful: 

Support relief efforts for Los Angeles wildfires

Raging wildfires in Los Angeles County, California, have caused fatalities and injuries and displaced tens of thousands. The crisis has touched every corner of the Los Angeles region. Recovery from natural disasters span years, leaving communities grappling with impacts long after media attention and initial donations fade. Here are several organizations and localized community foundations who are accepting emergency relief donations to help those in need.

Help Florida respond and recover from Hurricane Milton

Just two weeks after Hurricane Helene hit the Florida Big Bend region, Hurricane Milton made landfall in the area late Wed. Oct. 9, 2024, as a Category 3 hurricane. The devastation from the additional rainfall, winds and flooding compound the already complex recovery efforts for Florida communities.