Hurricane Maria — the third-strongest hurricane to ever hit the United States — devastated Puerto Rico, and its power grid is still unstable. On Wednesday, Puerto Rico suffered an island-wide power outage — the first since the hurricane occurred last year, according to The AP.
Puerto Rico was just hit by an island-wide power outage — here are the best charities to donate to for victims of Hurricane Maria
On Wednesday, Puerto Rico suffered a power outage that could last up to 36 hours, due to its unstable power grid following Hurricane Maria. Here's how to help.
The storm made landfall last September, cutting communications, flooding neighborhoods, demolishing homes, and wiping out crop fields. At its peak, Maria was a Category 4 storm with 155-mph winds, according to the National Hurricane Center. At least 112 people have died because of the storm, some are still homeless, and around
It could take 24 to 36 hours to restore power to everyone on the island, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority told The AP, adding that it was prioritizing hospitals, water pumping stations, and San Juan's International Airport.
You might be wondering how to help.
According to
The United Funds of Puerto Rico
Puerto Ricans in Action
Several local charities and food banks are partnering to raise $10,000 through Puerto Rican Hurricane Relief Fund.
Money raised will be given to Puerto Ricans in Action, a Los Angeles-based Puerto Rican group. They will then distribute the funds among local nonprofits to pay for food, medical supplies, clothing, social services, and other resources.
ConPRmetidos
Friends of Puerto Rico
Friends of Puerto Rico, a charity organization based in Washington, DC, set up a Hurricane Maria Recovery Fund for rebuilding homes and infrastructure.
Last September, the organization also announced that it will raise additional funds to rebuild centers run by the Boys and Girls Club in
The Center for Popular Democracy
Food Bank of Puerto Rico
Feeding America, an organizationbased in Chicago, is also partnering with the food pantry. You can donate through either organization.
Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico
The Habitat for Humanity division in Puerto Rico is fundraising to rebuild homes and neighborhoods on the island.
Information on how to donate via wire transfer is on its Facebook page. The organization told Business Insider late last year that it is having trouble access the internet, due to down power.
GoFundMe and ConnectRelief
GlobalGiving
Convoy of Hope
Heart to Heart International
All Hands Volunteers
Americares
Americares is asking people to donate money to pay for medicine and emergency supplies — donations can be made online via this direct link.
Direct Relief