Typhoon Haiyan Disaster Resources

Hey folks, the Philippines could use a lot of help right now.  Super Typhoon Haiyan is the strongest storm to ever make landfall. A total of 9.5 million people across the Philippines were affected when Typhoon Haiyan slammed into the Philippines on Friday, according to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The disaster has left an estimated 2.5 million people in need of emergency food assistance according to the World Food Program.

There are a lot of really good orgs and people who are helping out.

• The American Red Cross is accepting tax-deductible donations, and the Philippine Red Cross is sharing news and updates.
• The Red Cross has a service called Restoring Family Links that links separated family members together again. Free of charge, this service gives families a way to restore contact. To begin a search, or for any questions on the Restoring Family Links program you can call: (626) 407-4536 or email: IntlTracing@arcla.org.
• AT&T and Verizon are offering free calls and texts to the Philippines for customers trying to contact friends and family there in the wake of disaster.
• Google set up a person-finder and relief map, as more than 600,000 people have been displaced. The tool is available online and on mobile (including texting) & allows people to ask for or give information about people.
• The International Medical Corps has a team on the ground delivering life-saving medical supplies. They also allow your company to match your gift if your org is willing.
• Folks from around the world have been using a Facebook group called TACLOBAN (and nearby WARAY towns) YOLANDA UPDATE to share information and locate loved ones.
• More resources for finding loved ones, donating, and volunteering.

If you’re able to help out, folks, this is really important as lots of people are in need. What resources have you found to be useful?