Our hearts have been so heavy watching the news come in from Peru, where families have been displaced by the worst flooding they’ve seen in 30 years. To date, 115,000 homes have been destroyed, 72 people have died, 117 bridges have been washed out, and the capital city of Lima hasn’t had drinking water in a week.
Latest reports estimate that more than 62,000 lives have been impacted.
Related: The best resources to help you talk to your children about tragedy
The situation is dire, and we know so many of you have been asking how to help. Even if you just have a little to give.
So I rounded up 7 organizations helping victims of the Peru flooding right now, to make your giving choices just a little easier.
Top photo: All Hands Volunteers
– The International Red Cross is providing first aid, pre-hospital assistance and are working to reconnect people separated from their families.
– You can contribute directly to a Go Fund Me account for the Meraki Peru NGO (below) which coordinates medical campaigns in response to emergency issues in Peru. They’re an established non-profit and you can learn more about them from their Facebook page.
– Direct Relief is a non-sectarian not-for-profit that offers direct and targeted assistance where it’s most needed. Right now they’re helping local healthcare providers in Peru by sending medicine and medical supplies. Check out their video of nearly 13,000 pounds of medical aid being delivered.
– A donation to Nature and Culture International helps build ecosystems that can prevent future mudslides, and supports indigenous tribes in Peru.
Photo: NGO’s Meraki Peru
– Working with indigenous women in Peru, the Hunger Project is focused on food security and helping to regrow crops that have been washed away by the flooding, particularly in indigenous areas, which will be essential for recovery.
– Operation Blessing International works with local churches in Cusco and members of the regional government. They’re helping families save what belongings they can from their homes, and are also providing temporary housing and distributing mattresses, blankets, and clean drinking water to families.
– The All Hands Volunteers (shown at top) connects volunteers with opportunities to serve, and they’re currently in Peru assessing the situation to identify ways to provide hands-on help.
Our hearts are with you, Peru.
