As the search and rescue mission continues to save as many of the 149 missing residents of Champlain Towers, the surfside community still needs our help. Here’s how you can contribute.
Champlain Towers South Condo, an oceanfront condominium in Surfside, collapsed in the early hours of Thursday morning, June 24, causing more than 70 units to be damaged or destroyed, according to more than 70 units were damaged or destroyed. The tragic event has left at least 10 injured and at least one dead according to Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett, but Miami-Dade authorities continue their search through the rubble to find any possible survivors.
Resources to share with those affected by the Champlain Towers collapse:
The Miami-Dade Fire Department has set up a reunification hotline and center to help the families of those affected to reunite with their loved ones after the collapse. Authorities are asking that those who have relatives who live or work at the building who are accounted for or known to be safe are asked to call 305-614-1819 to notify officials or direct themselves to the family reunification center located on 9302 Collins Avenue.
Residents of Champlain Towers are encouraged to fill in a Wellness Check Form as part of the efforts to ensure all residents are located and accounted for. You can find more information on Miami-Dade County’s website here.
For members of the public looking to help out:
For those interested in helping out in the aftermath of such a tragic disaster experts recommend donating money and goods or volunteering. The SupportSurfside emergency fund has now reached over $1.2 million thanks to the outpouring of support from the local community and individuals around the world; however, financial donations are still much welcomed. Some organizations are also accepting specific goods to help take care of those displaced and their families.
These are some of the organizations taking donations for the Surfside condo collapse:
- Support Surfside.org — The Coral Gables Community Foundation, The Key Biscayne Community Foundation, The Knight Foundation, The Miami Foundation, Miami HEAT, and Miami HEAT Charitable Fund have come together to build a hardship fund for those affected.
- The Shul of Bal Harbour — In response to the terrible tragedy the organization has created a central fund to be dispersed as needed directly to the victims and families.
- Skylake Synagogue — The Skylake Synagogue has been collecting sweatshirts, phone chargers, drinks, pillows and snacks for the people impacted by the collapse, which will be taken to the Shul of Bal Harbour. They’re asking that you bring your donations to 1850 NE 183rd Street, North Miami Beach, FL 33179. For any inquiries, their phone number is 305-945-8712.
- The Greater Miami Jewish Federation — The Federation has opened an emergency assistance fund for the short- and long-term needs of those in the community affected by the tragic collapse. They will be providing financial assistance, chaplaincy support, crisis counselling and social services to people impacted by the tragedy.
- Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami — Catholic Charities is currently on-site to see what resources families may need. They are also accepting donations for those affected by Thursday’s tragedy.
- Bodega taquería —Bodega is accepting donations to send meals to the Miami Dade Fire Rescue, they will be matching all donated meals placed.
- Operation Helping Hands — Created in 1998 in the aftermath of hurricanes Mitch and Georges by United Way of Miami-Dade and the Miami Herald/el Nuevo Herald, the partnership has since reactivated its response to ther emergency situations such as the COVID-19 global pandemic and now, the aftermath of the building collapse in Surfside. You can join the initiative by donating online or signing up as a volunteer for VolunteerMiami.
On the other hand volunteering with recognized organizations can also be of great help. Assistance will likely be needed for months after the disaster. However, experts recommend not just showing up to the site as it can complicate the efforts of responders. Instead, learn how you can contribute by working with organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other similar ones.
In this instance, the South Florida Red Cross will be on-site at Surfside’s square today and on the days ahead working with officials to help all those affected.
[Featured image: Twitter / Miami-Dade Fire Rescue]