We wanted to provide a brief update to our readers about the devastation in the southern United States by hurricane Helene.
First, given that our churches in the Southeast Region comprise churches in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, we wanted it to be known that all of our churches are safe and none of them were hit with the intensity you may be seeing on the news. We’re grateful that the Lord has protected our churches.
Second, because none of our churches are in direct need of disaster relief, and we’re still getting to grips with what needs exist, we are not presently collecting emergency relief funds in our office.
That being said, if you’re looking for a place to give, we wanted to provide you with some brief tips about how to select the kind of charity that you can trust to use your funds with integrity. Many people feel the urgent pressure to give but may fall prey to scams or may give to an organization with a poor track record of stewardship. We want you to be able to make the best-informed choice when selecting an organization to give your funds to.
How do I know which Charities are legitimate?
First, here are some things to note when looking for a non-profit to contribute to.
You can confirm a non-profit 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS using the following link:
Irs.gov
You can see the financial status of a non-profit organization by using either of these links to view information about their mission, Form 990 filed with the IRS, and board members. Charity Navigator and Guide Star gather data on non-profits and make that easier to see publicly. For instance, on Charity Navigator, you can see accountability metrics, tax disclosures, ratings and which organizations are tax deductible. That way you can be confident about where your funds are going.
There are many faith-based organizations who will work short term and long term to provide aid. Churches looking to begin to provide disaster relief long term, should look at requirements for disaster relief to ensure that they do not put their 501 (c)(3) status in jeopardy. Guidelines can be found at:
Irs.gov
Remember, long term aid will be done through organizations who specialize in disaster relief and have systems and processes in place to track the donations received and how the aid is distributed.
Who’s Helping?
Next, we’ve provided a snapshot of what some non-profits are doing to help with disaster relief, and links where you can find out more and donate.
North American Mission Board: The North American Mission Board is a Southern Baptist organization. Its recovery teams are providing food, showers, laundry services, and more across multiple states. You can find an explanation of the work they are doing all across the Southeast region of the United States here:
NA Mission Board
Save the Children: Save the children is an international charity that provides funds for a variety of causes. They are currently working specifically in Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee, providing hygiene kits, diapers, grants to childcare centers, and mental health services. You can find more here:
Save the Children
All Hands and Hearts: All Hands and Hearts is an international charity that has pledged to be on the ground for at least 12 months to help with “property cleanups, clearing hazardous debris, rebuilding critical infrastructure and restoring safe, livable spaces..” You can find more about their work and how to donate here:
All Hands and Hearts
Samaritan’s Purse: Samaritan’s Purse, one of the larger organizations on this list, provides a number of services, including food, water, and works with local churches to get these goods distributed. They are also deploying field hospitals in locations where medical needs are particularly dire. You can find out more and how to donate here:
Samaritan's Purse
This post will be a live blog. As we have more information about places to give, or specific needs within our denomination, we’ll update this page.
Please continue to pray for those impacted by hurricane Helene, for those who have lost loved ones, homes, and businesses. Please also pray for the recovery workers who are stretching themselves to reach and save every person they can.
CGGC eNews—Vol. 18, No. 41
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