Help Disaster Survivors
The best way for individuals to assist people facing disaster is to make a financial donation to one of the organizations currently working in those areas. Researching the work of organizations will help you determine where to direct your donation. Monetary donations allow organizations to respond quickly to recovery efforts and provide direct financial assistance to disaster survivors.
Government Officials and Volunteer Organizations Answer the Call
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) takes the lead during any disaster in New Jersey and works closely with county offices of emergency management. These government officials work together with New Jersey Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (NJVOAD) to respond to emergencies and disasters of every kind. NJVOAD is comprised of non-profit and faith-based organizations and is the umbrella organization, under which all County Organizations Active in Disaster fall. This network, in which NJ 211 is an active participant, is finely tuned and familiar with emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
There are many worthwhile organizations doing good work locally and throughout the world. Researching the work of organizations will help you determine where to direct your donation. HelpNJNow.org is designed to connect resources with up-to-date community needs in order to best respond to disasters. The site was built and is maintained by a partnership between NJVOAD, NJOEM, and the Governor’s Office of Volunteerism. Visit HelpNJNow.org to learn about many of the organizations in our state whose members step forward to help whenever a disaster or emergency event occurs.
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD)
The NVOAD continues to respond to disasters in the United States and around the world. Find out about the events they are currently responding to.
Learn about the work being done
Interested donors can visit InterAction to obtain a list of credible responding agencies for international emergencies. InterAction is an alliance organization with over 180 non-governmental U.S.-based organizations that work around the world. These organizations are committed to working with the world's poor and vulnerable. Give.org also offers valuable, unbiased information on making informed decisions when supporting charities.
The American Red Cross Online Disaster Newsroom is a good resource for current information on the organization's activities.
The United Way and its partners work to rebuild lives and communities struck by disasters.
Verifying the credibility of an organization
To verify the legitimacy of any organization you can check the Charitable Registration Section of the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, or call 973-504-6215. Call for the most current listing as the website is updated monthly.
Charity Navigator, an independent organization that evaluates charitable efforts and works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace, offers advice on how your money will best be spent and evaluates emergency response efforts.