In the wake of deadly earthquakes in Venezuela, an Alexandria charity is among the U.S. organizations lending a helping hand.
Various regions of Venezuela are reeling from a humanitarian crisis as the earthquakes have resulted in thousands of confirmed casualties and tens of thousands unaccounted for, as well as building collapses and structural damage.
Within 48 hours of the earthquakes, the Old Town North-based Good360 was ready to send critical items to nonprofit partners on the ground in Venezuela. To date, the organization reported nearly 50,000 donated products and 19 pallets of essential items shipped to Venezuela.
Morgan Loomis, vice president of disaster response and recovery at Good360, told ALXnow that U.S. nonprofit partners deployed in Venezuela “are doing everything they can under incredibly difficult conditions.”
“We mobilized quickly after the earthquakes and sent a shipment of tarps, camping gear, safety equipment, emergency first aid kits, and supplies to clean up debris,” Loomis said. “We are preparing additional shipments this week and working closely with nonprofit partners on the ground to ensure every shipment addresses what communities need most right now.”
According to Loomis, her conversations with almost a dozen nonprofits working in Venezuela revealed the dire situation people are facing. She said casualties from the natural disaster continue to rise, and the logistical challenges of getting resources to the hardest-hit areas have been ongoing.
“This tragedy hit a country already reeling from economic collapse, political instability, and a long-term health and humanitarian crisis,” Loomis said. “These communities were already hurting before the first earthquake struck.”
One thing relief nonprofits want to avoid is an influx of well-intentioned donations that may overwhelm communities. Loomis says monetary donations over sending items directly to the impacted areas help prevent what nonprofits call the “disaster after the disaster.” The monetary donations help Good360 and other nonprofits be more adaptable to meeting people’s needs as they evolve.
“Venezuela is already facing enormous logistical barriers including restricted access to the hardest hit areas. Sending an excessive amount of donations can make a complex response even harder,” Loomis said. “Right now, people need shelter supplies, safety equipment, cleaning supplies, and medical care. In the weeks to come, that may shift to clothing, hygiene products, and bedding. Months from now, it may be furniture.”
Alexandrians can help by donating to Good360 at good360.org/Venezuela. The organization also encourages product donations from corporate partners that can be held in warehouses until they’re needed.
