{"id":1574,"date":"2017-09-15T00:42:54","date_gmt":"2017-09-15T00:42:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thewanderingrumpus.com\/\/?p=1574"},"modified":"2020-01-07T20:23:57","modified_gmt":"2020-01-07T20:23:57","slug":"be-the-change-how-to-help-with-hurricane-relief-recovery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thewanderingrumpus.com\/index.php\/2017\/09\/15\/be-the-change-how-to-help-with-hurricane-relief-recovery\/","title":{"rendered":"Be The Change: How to Help with Hurricane Relief & Recovery"},"content":{"rendered":"

My brother and his family live on the west coast of Florida – just south of Tampa on Anna Marie Island. They evacuated last week and they were expecting the worst. Their home – which is on the beach – and a rental condo across the street which is prone to flooding – were miraculously unharmed with the exception of some fallen trees and power outages. Hurricane Irma made a last-minute turn inward barely missing their beloved Island and home. Our family went from full on panic and anxiety to relief. After it was determined that their home was safe, my brother made a social media request:<\/p>\n

Emotions have shifted from fear of losing everything to guilt over why we were spared while others lost so much.<\/em><\/p>\n

We thank you all for your thoughts and kind words. So many of you have told us to let you know if we need anything.<\/em><\/p>\n

I am asking you now to give! Donate money to one of the many organizations working so hard to help those who need help! There are many people suffering in Texas and Florida and beyond and we all need to dig a little deeper to help them out.<\/em><\/p>\n

I love that he shared this…and then I had to figure out how to fulfill his request. Admittedly, I tend to get overwhelmed with disaster donating – and I\u2019ve heard similar concerns from friends – where will my money and\/or time best be used? There are so many incredible organizations and many others that pop-up in these times of need.\u00a0 Usually, these groups do great work…but every once in a while there are problems with the allocation of money and resources that plant a seed of doubt.<\/p>\n

I\u2019d like to share one of my favorite organizations to support, The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP)<\/a>. To be honest, until recently, I assumed the CDP was only for large donors and organizations, but after Hurricane Harvey struck, I was able to donate a small amount \u2013 that worked for our family – to help with recovery that was both easy, efficient and put me at ease that my money will be spent the way it is needed.<\/p>\n

Here’s why I love the CDP to donate during and after disasters as a family and a mom:<\/p>\n

1.It’s Easy!<\/h1>\n

The\u00a0donate tab<\/a> on the webpage allows you to donate any amount on the spot.<\/p>\n

2.Disaster Perspective from a Fellow Mom<\/h1>\n

My dear friend and Vice President of CDP,\u00a0Regine<\/a>, has given me guidance on how to respond, prepare and support disasters worldwide. This is huge for me as I grapple with how to help. She is the one who calls me when it’s time for my family to get into the basement during tornado warnings here in Nashville (we’ve even made our way into HER basement with all of our kids once or twice), she checks in with me on family and friends affected by disasters in New Orleans, Florida and beyond. She’s also explained storm surges to me, earthquake intensities and the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane \u2013 in language that I can understand. Regine also frequently writes informative, thoughtful and educational blog posts about her experiences and thoughts around disasters as a mom to two young girls. Here are a few of my favorites over the years and you’ll see what I mean:<\/p>\n