Puerto Rico

How to Help Puerto Rico After Deadly Earthquake

Here are some organizations involved in relief efforts in Puerto Rico that you can help.

People whose homes are unsafe to enter after the previous day's magnitude 6.4 earthquake line up for lunch in an outdoor area of the Bernardino Cordero Bernard High School in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020.

A magnitude 6.4 quake struck Puerto Rico early Tuesday killing at least one person, injuring nine others and knocking out power across the U.S. territory.

Hundreds of homes and businesses in the southwest region of the country were damaged or destroyed, and thousands of Puerto Ricans were left without water and power, which has also affected telecommunications. In addition, more than 1,000 people were staying in government shelters.

Since Dec. 28, hundreds of quakes have rattled the island nation that is still struggling to rebuild after Hurricane Maria devastated much of Puerto Rico in September 2017.

Here are some organizations involved in relief efforts in Puerto Rico that you can help:

HISPANIC FEDERATION: The nonprofit organization launched the UNIDOS initiative for disaster relief in Puerto Rico in response to Hurricane Maria. Hispanic Federation said that through contributions to UNIDOS thousands of solar lamps are being made available for distribution, as well as emergency funds for local health and human service providers working in communities affected by the earthquake. Hispanic Federation has also partnered with the University of Puerto Rico to provide mental health services across the island focused on trauma therapy after natural disasters. To donate to UNIDOS click here.

DIRECT RELIEF: The organization offers support to healthcare providers across the island, in coordination with the Puerto Rican Department of Health, the Puerto Rican Hospital Association, the Puerto Rican Medical Reserve Corps, and the Puerto Rican Primary Care Association. Direct Relief will be organizing teams of doctors, nurses, and mental health counselors to offer medical and mental health services to residents and those staying in shelters. To donate to Direct Relief click here.

WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN: Founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen prepares meals for people affected by disasters. World Central Kitchen has served nearly 10 million meals on the front lines of emergencies since the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and is on the ground in Puerto Rico serving hot meals to families displaces by the earthquake. To donate to World Central Kitchen click here.

AMERICAN RED CROSS: The American Red Cross is on the ground in Puerto Rico, working with local and federal workers at government shelters to provide emotional support and distribute emergency supplies to those impacted by the earthquakes. To donate to the Red Cross click here or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

ALL HANDS AND HEARTS: is a volunteer-powered nonprofit that works to address the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters around the world. All Hands and hearts has been on the ground in Puerto Rico since September 2017, helping remove debris, repair roofs, and rebuild infrastructures damaged by Hurricane Maria. To donate to the All Hands and Hearts click here. For more information on how to volunteer click here.

AMERICARES: The Stamford, Connecticut-based nonprofit has been on the ground in Puerto Rico helping the island nation's health services recover from Hurricane Maria since 2017. Americares trains local health workers to help people cope with the trauma of natural disasters and provides medical assistance to health facilities throughout the country. To donate to Americares click here.

SALVATION ARMY: The Salvation Army is serving hot meals to disaster survivors and rescue workers and opened four Salvation Army Recovery Centers for relief efforts. To donate click here.

PUERTO RICAN ARTS ALLIANCE:  To make a donation, write a check payable to the "PRAA Earthquake Relief Fund" and deposit it directly at Wintrust Bank-Logan Square Branch, 2814 W. Fullerton, Chicago, or mail it to PRAA. You can also donate through the organization's website.

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