2017 Hurricane Irma and Maria Relief Efforts

As you know, the 2017 hurricane season was unprecedented in the number and intensity of storms that wreaked havoc across the U.S. and the Caribbean. Before 2017 comes to a close, I wanted to share an update on our Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria relief efforts.

In early September, Hurricane Irma caused extensive destruction across the Caribbean, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Florida -- less than two weeks after Hurricane Harvey had devastated parts of southern Texas. And a third, equally catastrophic storm, Maria, followed a few weeks later, impacting many of the same Caribbean islands -- especially Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Thanks to donors who stepped up and made a difference, AARP Foundation’s Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria emergency relief funds have distributed grants totaling more than $2,255,000 for recovery efforts across Florida, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and other islands in the Caribbean affected by these storms.

Hurricane Irma emergency relief fund raised more than $1.75 million -- which includes $850,000 in matching contributions from AARP, AARP Foundation and the Miami Dolphins organization.
Hurricane Maria emergency relief fund raised more than $505,000 -- which includes $250,000 in matching contributions from AARP Foundation.

In collaboration with AARP Foundation field offices and AARP state offices in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with relief organizations in the Caribbean, AARP Foundation has worked to identify community-based groups with a focus on helping vulnerable older adults. Emergency grants will be made to 31 organizations to help provide food, home repair, legal advocacy and support as the affected communities continue the long rebuilding process.

Florida:

Alliance for Aging in Miami-Dade and Monroe
Council on Aging of Martin County
ElderSource
Feeding Tampa Bay
Friendship Centers of Southwest Florida
Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida
Heart of Florida United Way
Jewish Family & Community Services of Southwest Florida
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County
Legal Services of Greater Miami
Lutheran Social Services of NE Florida
Miami Rescue Mission
Nassau County Council on Aging
Senior Connection Center
St. John's Council on Aging
United Way of Broward County
United Way of Miami-Dade

Puerto Rico:

Foundation for Puerto Rico
Fundación Fondo de Acceso a la Justicia
Fundación Angel Ramos
Hispanic Federation
Instituto Desarrollo Socioeconomico y Vivienda de Puerto Rico
World Central Kitchen

U.S. Virgin Islands:

American Red Cross of the Virgin Islands
Legal Services of the Virgin Islands
Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands
St. Croix Foundation
Women's Coalition of St. Croix

Carribean:

Habitat for Humanity
HelpAge USA
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The process of reconstructing homes and lives is under way. The generosity of donors is fueling that work and truly making a difference in these trying times.

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2017 Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria Relief Efforts

AARP Foundation’s Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria emergency relief funds have distributed grants totaling more than $2,255,000 for recovery efforts across Florida, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and other islands in the Caribbean affected by these storms.