Who & How to Help

Photos by Mark M. Hancock
© The Beaumont Enterprise

Our hearts are broken as the entire country mourns those sweet souls lost in the floods this month. While we can’t do anything to fix the past, we can help first responders who will arrive to help after the inevitable disasters of the future. 

You can volunteer your time, donate goods, or make a financial contribution. You can help the professionals and volunteers who arrive first to assist you and your neighbors.

Natural disasters are inevitable. Disasters are heartbreaking when they affect humans. During these times, emergency professionals can be the difference between life and death for many victims. We previously learned about Severe Weather Damage Help to care for yourself, your family and your possessions during and after a storm. Let’s discuss who is ready to help others and how you can help them.

As always, beware of scammers attempting to steal money, goods and gifts intended for legitimate charitable organizations. Check websites and online reviews before any donations.

Check a secular charity’s IRS tax-exempt status and search for its Form 990 (an annual information return). Churches and integrated auxiliaries are exempt from filing Form 990. These organizations may be organized as relief ministries supported or operated by several entities.

Donations are always welcomed by legitimate charities.
• Cash donations are ideal because cash allows the organization to leverage volume and charitable discounts. It also requires no transportation costs and can help the locally affected community. For example, cash can buy locally produced ice where there is limited or no power and transport is unfeasible.
• Volunteers’ time is invaluable. Specialized skills from engineering to public relations are always needed. Someone must drive the relief truck, distribute food, organize the logistics and perform basic construction. A volunteer is preferred.
• Goods are also accepted by most large organizations. Non-perishable food, toiletries, clothes and other items are accepted by most charities.

While most of the goods will be sorted and packed onto trucks headed to specific disasters, some items, such as furniture, may be sold at storefronts that provide jobs for the unemployed. The sales liquidate the assets to better serve the organization as cash after disasters. Call ahead to see what a charity accepts.

The Salvation Army is typically the first organization to arrive with food and relief. The Emergency Disaster Services teams stage in nearby towns when weather disasters are anticipated. Next, they arrive in easily identifiable trucks and fill immediate needs. They also help organize local distribution centers and are often the only option in very rural areas.
They accept cash, volunteers, most donated items, and more.

Team Rubicon “is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities before, during and after disasters and crises.” Some of their services include: disaster response, hazard mitigation, home repair, volunteer management, emergency medicine, long-term recovery, community engagement, global impact, and veteran transition to civilian life.
They accept cash, volunteers, specific heavy-duty tools, and vehicle donations to liquidate.

American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization founded in 1881, dedicated to preventing and alleviating human suffering during emergencies, primarily through disaster relief, blood donation services, health and safety training, support for military families, and international humanitarian aid.
They have Disaster Action Teams to help with everything from local house fires to large natural disasters. The teams provide emotional support, financial assistance, and information to help families begin the process of recovery.
They accept cash, volunteers, blood donations, and specific bulk products from manufacturers.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) is a cooperative partnership of churches and ministries within the Southern Baptist Convention. It provides immediate assistance to individuals, families, and communities affected by disasters. SBDR offers a wide range of services, including mass feeding, debris removal (especially known for chainsaw work), home repair, childcare, chaplaincy, and showers/laundry services, all delivered by trained volunteers.
They accept cash, volunteers, and local drives for particular items of need.

You can also view or download the whole Information Of Value or my other books for free here.

I've Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com

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