On Wednesday, September 28th, Hurricane Ian left a devastating mark on the beautiful western coast of Florida. Thousands of residents were desperately seeking rescue from the life-threatening flooding, record-high storm surges and extremely strong winds. The impacts were catastrophic, with thousands of people losing their homes and all of their belongings in the process. To help Hurricane Ian recovery efforts and fellow Floridians in need, we've compiled a list of resources available where you can either donate or volunteer your support.

Florida Resources:

• Florida Disaster Fund: Florida's official private relief fund, established to assist Florida's communities as they respond and recover during natural disasters. You can donate online here, or text "DISASTER" to 20222 to make a $10 donation.
• The Red Cross: A non-profit dedicated to helping people affected by disasters like Hurricane Ian. You can donate online here, or text "IAN" to 90999 to make a $10 donation. The Red Cross is also seeking blood donors.
• Volunteer Florida: Seeking volunteers to assist with Hurricane Ian recovery efforts, such as volunteering with the Red Cross or assisting with mental health services. You can apply online here.
• Convoy of Hope: Convoy of Hope is a non-profit with a caravan of response vehicles in Florida, providing groceries to impacted communities and assisting Hurricane Ian survivors. You can donate online here.
• Feeding Florida: Feeding Florida is Florida's food bank network, and they are currently coordinating with food banks across the state to provide food to victims of the hurricane. You can donate online here.
• Farm Share: Farm Share is a non-profit that sources leftover fruits and vegetables from farms and distributed them across the state. They are currently sending truckloads of nutritious food donations to Hurricane Ian victims. You can donate online here.
• CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort): CORE is a global disaster relief program providing support and relief supplies to the people of Florida. You can donate online here.
• Dream Defenders: Dream Defenders is a community emergency operation center collecting food and supplies to deliver to hurricane victims. You can donate online here.

Local Resources:

• St. Francis Housing Crisis Center: St. Francis Housing Crisis Center is located in St. Augustine and helps feed hungry, give homes to individuals and families in need, help people find jobs, and more. Due to the impact of Hurricane Ian, they are currently in need of bagged lunches and bottled water at their downtown shelter. You can take items to 70 Washington Street, Downtown St. Augustine or donate online here.
• Epic-Cure: Epic Cure is located in St. Augustine, FL. Their mission is to improve the environment by reducing food waste and implementing an after-school care program using senior citizens to teach young students food preparation, nutrition and sustainable practices. The meals they prepare are taken home to feed their families. Epic Cure has been providing hot meals and free groceries to locals impacted by Hurricane Ian in St. Augustine. You can donate online here.
• Salvation Army of NE Florida: The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida provides approximately 1,500 meals per day when disaster strikes. Their mobile Canteen units offer snacks, meals, and hydration to rescue workers and survivors, as well spiritual support to anyone in need. You can donate online here here.