How You Can Help Hurricane Maria Victims

(FULL MARIA COVERAGE: Hurricane Central)

If you would like to help, giving money to vetted and established relief agencies is "always the best way to help," according to the U.S. Agency for International Development.

While supplies might seem like the most effective donation, "transporting, storing and sorting donated goods can divert resources away from more pressing work," the New York Times reported.

Find accredited relief funds, like Dominica Hurricane Relief Fund, by using tools like Charity Navigator.

American Red Cross

The humanitarian organization is sending volunteers and supplies to Puerto Rico. Consider downloading its mobile apps for emergency preparedness tips and other vital information. The organization also invites people to donate blood.

Donate to American Red Cross here.

Heart to Heart International

In the aftermath of the storm, the organization has sent medical teams and supplies to Puerto Rico. You can donate here. 

United for Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico's first lady, Beatriz Rosselló, has requested donations for the United for Puerto Rico fund. To make a donation to this initiative, which will go directly to helping the people of Puerto Rico, click here.

Catholic Charities USA

ConPRmetidos

This Puerto Rico-based nonprofit is accepting donations that will "be used first for immediate needs of food, shelter and water and then transition to long-term recovery efforts," the group says. You can donate here. 

Dominica Hurricane Maria Relief Fund

You can contribute to this crowdfunding effort here.

Global Giving

This crowdfunding nonprofit hope to raise $2 million to provide food, clean water, hygiene products and shelter to survivors. You can donate here.

Save the Children

Donate to Save the Children here. You can also make donations to their Facebook Page, and Facebook will match up to $1 million in donations. 

One America Appeal 

After Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of south Texas, former presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama launched the One America Appeal campaign, which allows donors to help with relief efforts for the victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

Organizers say 100 percent of proceeds received will go to the victims of the hurricanes.

To learn more and to donate, visit the website here.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

The organization is raising money to help children affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria, as well as the deadly earthquake in Mexico.

You can contribute to UNICEF's efforts here. 

Salvation Army

To donate to the Salvation Army's hurricane relief efforts donate online here, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or text STORM to 51555.

21 U.S. Virgin Island Relief Fund

Retired NBA star Tim Duncan is hoping to raise $5 million for his home country, the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"I was 13 years old when Hurricane Hugo ripped through my hometown in the Virgin Islands and had my life and community forever changed," Duncan said on his crowd-sourcing site. "I know exactly what kind of devastation a hurricane of this magnitude can cause and want to do all I can to aid in the relief efforts for the islanders."

Duncan said he will match donations up to $1 million. You can donate here.

GoFundMe

GoFundMe has created a centralized landing page to host all campaigns created for those affected by Hurricane Maria. This hub includes relief efforts for the victims and is being updated in real-time.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is assessing the housing and shelter needs in areas impacted by Hurricane Maria and is developing response options. Construction and long-term recovery plans will be determined after evaluations and will depend on the level of support it receives from donors, volunteers, corporate partners and other community organizations.

For more information on how to donate and volunteer, visit their website here.