Emergencies: How You Can Help
From war to natural disasters, through our annual campaign, we mobilize urgent relief to those in need during emergencies.
Tragedies affect thousands of people each year, leaving them in dire need of food, shelter, clean water, electricity, and medical care. Together, our community has stepped up to help those affected or on their road to recovery, guided by our Jewish values of tzedakah (giving with just intention), tzedek (pursuing justice), chesed (giving with love and compassion), and tikkun olam (repairing the world).
You can directly give to the organizations below or recommend a grant from your Federation donor-advised fund by searching for the organization by its EIN number (included below) in donor portal. If you’re interested in opening a donor-advised fund, contact us to learn more.
Below is a list of emergencies and ways to help. We will update this page on a regular basis.
On December 30, 2021, the most destructive wildfire in Colorado’s history swept through Boulder and Jefferson Counties.
This urban fire burned more than 6,000 acres, destroying up to 1,000 homes, and forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.
JEWISHcolorado is collecting donations to help provide relief. (EIN: 01-0831698)
100% of contributions will go to relief efforts in the most severely affected parts of the state. Select Boulder Relief Fund in the drop-down menu.
From December 10 -11, dozens of tornadoes hit six states: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing with the death toll now being at least 88 people, with 74 confirmed dead in Kentucky alone. 14 people have been killed across the other states hit. Meanwhile, tens of thousands are still without water or electricity – a problem Kentucky’s governor warned could extend for weeks.
The Jewish Federation of Louisville is collecting funds to help the hardest-hit communities. (EIN: 61-0444765)
Our hearts and prayers are with our neighbors and the families who have experienced the horrific loss of life and destruction of property. Donations will help those impacted by the extensive tornado and storm damage that has affected residents in Kentucky and surrounding regions. 100% of all contributions will go to the American Red Cross.
IsraAID has mobilized an Emergency Response Team to support communities in Kentucky. (EIN: 46-2118225)
After devastating tornadoes caused large scale destruction, IsraAID's team is partnering with Team Rubicon to support clean-up and recovery in Mayfield, the community that has seen the worst damage.
On Sunday, August 29, Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana, causing destruction, flooding, and power outages affecting millions.
The following organizations are supporting relief throughout the Gulf Coast.
Jewish Federations of North America (EIN: 13-1624240)
Jewish communities and others have significant needs in terms of shelter, recovery, aid, and rebuilding. Jewish Federations are uniquely positioned to help at times of need such as these. Jewish Federations of North America has established the Hurricane Ida Relief Fund to support relief and recovery efforts.
Jewish Federation of Greater Houston (EIN: 74-1109654)
The Houston Federation is raising money to meet the urgent needs of those individuals who have evacuated to Houston, and the longer-term needs of those individuals and organizations in Louisiana as they begin to recover.
On Saturday, August 14th, southwestern Haiti was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, which has killed hundreds of people and destroyed thousands of homes.
The following organizations are supporting relief efforts in Haiti.
Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) (EIN: 13-1656634)
Jewish Federations are collectively supporting relief efforts through the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), which is providing critically-needed medical supplies to local hospitals treating the wounded. Through our partnership with JDC, Federations provide a Jewish response to international humanitarian emergencies wherever they happen.
IsraAID (EIN: 46-2118225)
IsraAID is deploying an emergency response team, including Haitian former staff members, to distribute relief items and assess needs in the affected area.
American Jewish World Service (AWJS) (EIN: 22-2584370)
AJWS grantee partners deliver critical, emergency aid to communities affected by this earthquake.
Greater Miami Jewish Federation (EIN: 59-0624404)
The Greater Miami Jewish Federation has established an Emergency Relief Fund to assist those affected by the earthquake.
The Taliban took control of Afghanistan on August 15 after the U.S. withdrew troops and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. Many Afghans face violent retaliation, particularly those employed by the U.S., women and girls, minorities, and human rights activists.
The following organizations are working to aid people on the ground as well as coming to the U.S. after fleeing Afghanistan.
Jewish Family & Community Services East Bay (EIN: 94-3250304)
JFCS East Bay is helping to resettle more than 60 people feeling Afghanistan by the end of this month, and has already helped 40 people find homes in the region (such as this family, featured in the New York Times). JFCS East Bay needs financial donations and volunteers to assist case managers with tasks such as airport pickups, ESL language support and helping children register for school.
Hebrew Immigration and Aid Society (HIAS) (EIN: 13-5633307)
HIAS is providing food, housing assistance, job training, gender-based violence counseling, and other critical needs for arriving Afghan citizens into the United States. HIAS needs volunteers to help welcome refugees and provide temporary housing.
Afghan Friends Network (EIN: 65-1275552)
Afghan Friends Network (AFN) is working hard to improve the lives of women and children in Afghanistan and empower educators in a country that has been ravaged for nearly 30 years by war and political strife. Primarily focused on education, they are currently working with teachers and program leads in Afghanistan to help them and their families get to safety.
Afghan Literacy Foundation (EIN: 80-0376335)
Afghan Literacy Foundation is collecting funds to provide food, water, medicine, shelter, clothing, and other essential items for internally displaced Afghan families.
Refugee & Immigrant Transitions (EIN: 94-3112099)
Refugee & Immigrant Transitions (RIT) provides free education, family engagement, and community leadership programs for those who have sought refuge due to war, violence, persecution, or economic duress. They are currently helping staff and community members to get family members out of Afghanistan and are preparing to increase their services to support Afghans arriving in the coming weeks.
The following organizations are working to provide wildfire relief in Northern California and statewide.
Northern California: Dixie Fire Relief and Response
The Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region (EIN: 94-1156558)
The Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region has opened a fund to help those affected by fires across Northern California, with 100% of all funds raised to be allocated to the victims.
Hebrew Free Loan (EIN: 94-1156545)
Hebrew Free Loan offers interest-free disaster relief loans to provide a helping hand for those in the Northern California Jewish community rebuilding their lives after the devastation.
Caring Choices (EIN: 68-0337307)
Caring Choices is collecting donations to help those affected by the Dixie Fire.
North Valley Community Foundation (EIN: 68-0161455)
North Valley Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund supports the rebuilding and revitalization of communities throughout the region impacted by wildfire. Immediate assistance is their top priority as the Dixie Fire continues to force evacuations and impact communities.
Almanor Foundation (a fund of the North Valley Community Foundation) (EIN: 68-0161455)
The Almanor Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund provides emergency relief and supports through grants to nonprofits and agencies primarily supporting Plumas County residents impacted by wildfires.
United Way of Northern California (EIN: 94-1251675)
The Wildfire Recovery & Disaster Response fund supports wildfire recovery for the Dixie Fire and other fires from the 2021 wildfire season.
American Red Cross (EIN: 53-0196605)
The American Red Cross is helping evacuees in California find a safe place to stay, food to eat, and emotional support during this challenging time. Anyone who has been affected by the fires is welcome to stop by a shelter to get a hot meal, take a shower, and access other support. Those who want to help the organization can make $10 donations to the Red Cross by texting REDCROSS to 90999.
The Salvation Army (EIN: 94-1156347)
The Salvation Army is providing food and support at the Dixie Fire.
Community Foundation of the North State (DBA Shasta Regional Community Foundation) (EIN: 68-0242276)
The Community Foundation’s North State Wildfire Recovery Fund will support intermediate and long-term recovery efforts for major wildfires within Shasta, Siskiyou, and Tehama Counties, as well as preparedness efforts. This fund is not specific to anyone named wildfire disaster.
Tiny Pine Foundation (EIN: 84-3455731)
Tiny Pine Foundation is providing drive-through distribution events and direct aid for the thousands of families evacuated due to Northern California wildfires.
Statewide Support
California Community Foundation (EIN: 95-3510055)
California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund has supported preparedness, intermediate and long-term recovery efforts for major California wildfires for 15 years. Grants support rebuilding homes, providing financial and mental health assistance, and helping those affected to get medical treatment.
California Fire Foundation (EIN: 68-0118991)
California Fire Foundation provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect.
DirectRelief (EIN: 95-1831116)
Direct Relief provides N-95 masks, medicine, and other resources to healthcare agencies and first responders in wildfire-affected communities across California.
United Policyholders (EIN: 94-3162024)
United Policyholders through its Roadmap to a Recovery program is providing free insurance and decision-making guidance, tools, and resources to people, businesses, and communities affected by the 2021 California Wildfires.
