Helping Those in Need: How to Support Americans Affected by Natural Disasters
Matthew Russell
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, can have a devastating impact on communities in southern states. These events can cause widespread damage to homes and businesses, as well as knock out power grids and disrupt access to critical services. For residents of southern states, the challenges associated with these disasters can be especially difficult to overcome.
One of the most pressing challenges that residents of southern states face during natural disasters is power outages. According to the Department of State, hurricanes and tornadoes can cause widespread damage to power lines and infrastructure, leaving large numbers of people without electricity. This can be especially dangerous for those who rely on medical equipment that requires power, such as dialysis machines or oxygen tanks. In addition, power outages can also disrupt access to clean water and make it difficult to cook food, reports the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research.
Photo: Adobe Stock / bilanolAmericans may suddenly lose everything to fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, or other disasters.
Hope for Americans after disaster
Thanks to generous readers like you, many Americans will have hope this year.
GreaterGood's non-profit partner Greater Good Charities is stepping up to provide desperately-needed essentials to thousands of homeless Americans, many of them veterans of the U.S. military, so that people in need can start to build their lives again.
Photo: Adobe Stock / GageThere are several actions that individuals can take to help Americans who are the victims of natural disasters.
"Our southernmost counties in our service area (Manatee, Highlands, and Hardee County) have been impacted the most from the storm," reports our charitable partners at Feeding Tampa Bay. "We have been monitoring the effects of power outages across the region to help our agency network get stabilized. Due to the impacts from Hurricane Ian, we are assisting our Feeding America network food banks in the south (Harry Chapin and All Faiths) to ensure that they have the resources necessary to begin to stabilize the neighbors in their community-this includes resources such as MREs, water, prepared meals, grocery boxes, etc."
Another significant challenge that people face during natural disasters is the loss of access to critical services. As FEMA reports, hospitals and emergency services can be shut down or overwhelmed during natural disasters, leaving people without access to medical care. Schools and other public buildings may also be closed, making it difficult for people to access food, shelter, and other basic needs.
Photo: Adobe Stock / bennymartyIt is essential to advocate for policy change that will help those in poverty to better prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Keta, a student and full-time single working mom of two beautiful girls, ages 5 and 11, said making ends meet is a constant challenge when living in an area that is prone to natural disaster.
"I grew up dealing with food insecurity and unfortunately continue to face similar setbacks as an adult," Keta said. "I’m grateful to have access to local food pantries and friendly neighbors-they help my little family get by. It’s a constant fear not knowing where my next meal will come from, and I work hard to stay healthy and provide for my girls so that they don’t have to worry about that. But I don’t just want to teach my girls to accept a hand out. I want them to know how good it feels to give back too! Once a month I cook a meal to share with my neighbors. I have seen first hand the impact food relief can have on a struggling population and hope to start a soup kitchen someday.”
Photo: Feeding Tampa BayKeta, a student and full-time single working mom is living in an area that is prone to natural disaster.
Full-time caregiver and Uber driver, Eman works hard each day to support her youngest of three children finishing medical school. Already mother to a practicing doctor and media production executive, there isn’t anything Eman wouldn’t do to help her family get ahead. Divorced from her husband of 33 years--Eman is searching for new found stability. Recently, she was made aware of a food pantry near her home that can help her during this transitional time.
With the help of donations from generous individuals like you, we can nutritious foods to help create a more secure future for single mothers like Eman.
Photo: Feeding Tampa BayFull-time caregiver and Uber driver, Eman works hard each day to support her youngest of three children finishing medical school.
For people living in poverty, these challenges can be even more severe. According to during and after a natural disaster.
As ABC News reports, Southern states are also more prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes, which can lead to increased economic burden for communities and businesses.
According to the National Climate Assessment of the U.S. Global Change Research Program, the damage caused by these disasters can disrupt transportation and communication networks, causing long-term economic downturns. Businesses may struggle to recover from the loss of property, inventory, and customers.
Photo: Adobe Stock / GageIn addition to the destruction of homes and property, natural disasters can also lead to job loss, food insecurity, and emotional trauma.
Natural disasters in southern states can cause significant challenges for residents, especially those living in poverty.
Power outages and loss of access to critical services can be especially difficult to overcome, the CDC reports. It's essential for communities, state and federal governments to work together in providing aid, support and resources to those affected. This includes preparing for these events in advance and ensuring that residents have access to the resources they need to recover and rebuild.
How you can help
In addition to the destruction of homes and property, natural disasters can also lead to job loss, food insecurity, and emotional trauma, Investopedia reports. For those living in poverty, the impact of a natural disaster can be particularly severe, leading to long-term financial and emotional struggles.
Photo: Adobe Stock / bilanolThere are many organizations that provide support to disaster victims, including Greater Good Charities.
There are several actions that individuals can take to help Americans who are the victims of natural disasters:
10. Donate to reputable disaster relief organizations
Organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army provide much-needed support and resources to disaster victims. You can donate money, time, or supplies to these organizations, which can be used to help those in need.
The people of Florida need assistance now and in the months ahead, as they recover from the damage done by the hurricanes. Donations to Greater Good Charities help support our programs to feed people in need. Help our friends in Florida get through these hard times.
9. Support local organizations
In addition to large disaster relief organizations, there are also many local organizations that provide support to disaster victims. Look for groups in your community that are working on the ground to help those affected by the disaster, and consider volunteering or making a financial contribution.
Photo: Adobe Stock / tannujannuFor those who have lost everything in a disaster, financial support can be the difference between rebuilding and giving up.
8. Donate to food banks
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, many families struggle to put food on the table. Consider donating to your local food bank, which can help to provide food and supplies to families in need.
7. Volunteer your time
Volunteering your time is a great way to help disaster victims. There are many opportunities to volunteer, including helping with disaster cleanup and recovery, assisting with food and supply distributions, and providing emotional support.
Photo: 6. Advocate for policy change
While direct aid is important, it is also essential to advocate for policy change that will help those in poverty to better prepare for and recover from natural disasters. This can include advocating for better disaster preparedness planning, stronger building codes, and more robust support services for those affected by disaster.
5. Provide financial support to families
For those who have lost everything in a disaster, financial support can be the difference between rebuilding and giving up. Consider making a financial contribution to families in need, or starting a crowdfunding campaign to support disaster victims.
Photo: Adobe Stock / marchello74A significant challenge that people face during natural disasters is the loss of access to critical services.
4. Share resources
If you have access to resources that could be helpful to disaster victims, consider sharing them. This could include offering a place to stay, providing transportation, or connecting people with resources and services.
3. Provide emotional support
The aftermath of a natural disaster can be emotionally devastating. Consider volunteering as a crisis counselor, or reaching out to offer emotional support to those who have been affected by the disaster.
Photo: Adobe Stock / RyanPledge to take the following actions to help Americans who are the victims of natural disasters.
2. Participate in fundraising events
Many communities hold fundraising events to support disaster victims. Consider participating in these events, or starting your own fundraiser to help those in need.
1. Spread awareness
Raising awareness about the impact of natural disasters on those living in poverty is critical to ensuring that resources and support are directed where they are most needed. Consider sharing information about the impact of natural disasters on poverty, and the importance of supporting those who have been affected.
There are many actions that individuals can take to help Americans who are the victims of natural disasters, especially those living in poverty. Whether it is volunteering time, donating money, or advocating for policy change, every action can make a difference.
Help us continue to make a positive impact in the lives of Americans affected by disaster! Take the pledge to help Americans recover and thrive after disaster and click below to show your support!
