Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria - How to Help
Hurricane Season 2017 was devastating. On the personal front, my parents (in St. Martin) do have electricity again but still no phone service. I haven't spoken to them since the day before Hurricane Irma.Most of the power is back in St. Martin, over 90%. Meanwhile in Puerto Rico, 80% of the island is still without power, there's a lack of running water, and people are dying one month after the hurricane. This is unacceptable. The United States is a wealthy country. However, the administration's response was/is so slow, international organizations like Oxfam had to step in. Oxfam normally works in places like Yemen, South Sudan, Bangladesh, etc.Hurricane Cat's (from Houston) face sums up how we feel about this hurricane season.
I've received many emails/texts/DMs asking how to help. Thank you! I thought it would be a good idea to have a place to list relief efforts. If you have any to add that focus on helping those on the ground (and not administrative costs), please do so in the comments. HARVEYHouston Food BankUnited Way of Greater HoustonYMCA of Greater Houston IRMARebuild AnguillaRebuild St. Martin/St. MaartenUnited Way Miami-Dade MARIANew York State Relief for Puerto Rico and US Virgin IslandsSave the Children Hurricane Relief in Puerto RicoUnited for Puerto Rico Charities that are working in several impacted areas:All Hands Hurricane reliefAmericaresOne America Appeal. A fund supported by the USA's ex-Presidents.Salvation Army
St. Martin and Anguilla Pre Hurricane Irma
As many of you know, my family is from the Caribbean with the majority living in St. Martin and Anguilla.There have been plenty of articles in the international press, and videos, showing the complete devastation and aftermath. As of today, we're still waiting to hear about one of our relatives. We are sick with worry but thankful that most of our friends and family are safe. Many have lost their homes, or have sustained major damage, and the non-retired members, their jobs (for now).It may take up to three years for St. Martin to rebuild. I haven't heard any estimates yet regarding Anguilla.I know these are tiny islands so no one really cares what happens to them. I was speaking to a Hollywood exec friend of my mine whose parents are also from the Caribbean and she noted the overall silence from well known African-American celebrities, including the ones who are from the region (seriously?) and the ones have vacationed on the islands.Perhaps this will change in the coming days.
