Photo: Noel Cells
As many of us are aware by now, Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda has completely ravaged and devastated the Philippines. Coastal areas of Northern Vietnam suffered losses as well, but was spared the brunt of the storm due to significant weakening by the time it hit landfall. There's been a shocking lack of reactions and news on my various social media outlets outside of those who have family in the affected countries despite the facts: an estimated 2,500 death toll, hundreds of thousands of people evacuated and displaced, the difficulty of aid reaching those in need. Photo after photo, article after article, video after video, the desperation and panic is heartbreaking.
And now the rebuilding process begins. For me, the options on which charities to donate to were a bit overwhelming. Although most of us are well-meaning, it's easy to overlook how charities allocate their funds (some more than others) or the incredible amount of inappropriate donations (ie: old clothing, toys, used medication, etc). It's easy to donate to orgs such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Unicef, and other well known names, but I think it's crucial to also give thought and funds to the local organizations who know the area, who know the people, who have been a part of the community from the beginning.
I've compiled a short list below of both local and well known organizations who are accepting donations and mobilizing. If you are interested in the transparency of whichever group you are donating to, most sites have public finances page for potential donators. Please feel free to leave any additional resources in the comments section and I will promptly add them to this post!
CSFI (Community & Family Services International) - "a humanitarian organization committed to peace and social development, with a particular interest in the psychosocial dimension. The purpose of CFSI is rebuilding lives. Based in the Philippines, CFSI works internationally, primarily but not exclusively in the Asia and Pacific Region."
NAFCON (National Alliance For Filipino Concerns) - "a national multi-issue alliance of Filipino organizations and individuals in the United States serving to protect the rights and welfare of Filipinos by fighting for social, economic, and racial justice and equality / relief and support work for Filipinos facing crisis’ while in the midst of chronically impoverished situations."
MORE: Oxfam America // Asia America Initiative // World Food USA // World Vision
NAFCON (National Alliance For Filipino Concerns) - "a national multi-issue alliance of Filipino organizations and individuals in the United States serving to protect the rights and welfare of Filipinos by fighting for social, economic, and racial justice and equality / relief and support work for Filipinos facing crisis’ while in the midst of chronically impoverished situations."
MORE: Oxfam America // Asia America Initiative // World Food USA // World Vision
