Help Disaster Survivors
The best way for individuals to assist people facing disaster is to donate financially to an organization currently working in those areas. Researching the work of organizations will help you determine where to direct a 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 emergency management offices. These government officials work with New Jersey Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (NJVOAD), which is comprised of nonprofit 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.
Many worthwhile organizations are doing good work, and rearching their work will help you determine where to direct your donation. HelpNJNow.org is designed to connect resources with up-to-date community needs to best respond to disasters. Visit HelpNJNow.org to learn about many of the organizations in NJ that help in a time of disaster.
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.