By
Eniola Adeeko

Floods are the most prevalent natural disaster worldwide. They cause widespread devastation in entire communities, resulting in loss of life and damage to personal property and essential public infrastructure. Fortunately, charitable organizations are working tirelessly to assist those affected by floods worldwide, by providing support to help them rebuild their lives. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that help flood victims?

The best charities that help flood victims are All Hands and Hearts and Direct Relief. Charities like Americares, International Relief Teams, and Team Rubicon provide health and other supportive services to disaster survivors locally and globally.

Whether you want to assist flood victims to find shelter, provide disaster relief to affected communities, or reduce human suffering in times of crisis, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that help flood victims are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Help Flood Victims Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, impact and transparency ratings, and achievements.

They operate in the US and globally, providing humanitarian aid to victims of floods and other natural disasters.

Many of these charities help those affected by floods to rebuild disaster-resilient homes, schools, and public infrastructure. Others focus on providing medical aid to individuals and communities affected by floods and other disasters.

Yet they all share the same goal; to support flood victims in their time of need.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Help Flood Victims in 2024

Below are our favorite charities that help flood victims (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

(At the end of this article we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

All Hands and Hearts: Response. Recovery. Resilience. Renewal.

All Hands and Hearts has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“All Hands and Hearts effectively and efficiently addresses the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters.”

All Hands and Hearts

All Hands and Hearts help communities affected by natural disasters, including floods, to rebuild disaster-resilient homes and schools. They also alleviate the damage caused to community parks and spaces by planting trees, cleaning up debris, rebuilding playgrounds, and repainting public structures. In addition, they undertake Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) initiatives to improve the health of children and community members by reducing the incidence of water and sanitation-related illnesses after a flood. 

Since their inception, All Hands and Hearts has helped over 1.2 million people affected by floods and other natural disasters. They now work with over 63,000 volunteers in 23 countries. They have also created more than 140 disaster-relief programs. In addition, All Hands and Hearts has helped over 117,000 children return to school and cleaned up and rebuilt over 325 schools affected by natural disasters, including floods. 

You can donate directly to All Hands and Hearts through their website. You can also support them by volunteering or fundraising on their behalf. In addition, you can assist them by giving to their Kentucky flood relief project.

Direct Relief: Healthy People. Better World.

Direct Relief has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We work to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.”

Direct Relief

Direct Relief equips healthcare workers with resources so they can provide medical services to those affected by disasters, including floods. These resources include emergency medical packs, cholera treatment kits, and oral rehydration solutions. They also provide emergency prep packs filled with antibiotics and medication to treat conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and severe allergic reaction during floods, hurricanes, and other disasters.

Since their founding, Direct Relief has spent over $1.5 billion to provide medical aid in the US and 80 other countries. For example, they provided over 501 million doses of medicine and equipped 2,177 healthcare workers to provide medical services to those affected by floods and other disasters. They also made 16,972 deliveries of 10 million pounds of medicine and supplies to help flood victims and other disaster survivors.

You can donate directly to Direct Relief through their website. You can also assist the charity by volunteering or fundraising to help flood victims.

Americares: Health Is on the Way

Americares has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Americares saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster so they can reach their full potential.”

Americares

Americares provides emergency medical and humanitarian aid in response to floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and other disasters. They also train health workers in mobile health centers to identify trauma and support the most vulnerable victims. In addition, they send emergency medical teams to houses and communities to provide primary health care and referrals for specialized care following floods or other natural disasters.

Americares provides high-quality medication and supplies to communities impacted by disasters in 85 countries annually. For example, in 2021, they spent over $47.3 million on emergency aid and distributed 9 million relief supplies worldwide. They also provided direct humanitarian assistance to over 550,000 people through 123 health projects for flood victims and other disaster survivors.

You can donate directly to Americares through their website. You can also assist the charity by volunteering or partnering with them if you are a medical professional.

International Relief Teams: Restoring Hope, Rebuilding Lives.

International Relief Teams holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“International Relief Teams alleviates the suffering caused by poverty and disaster.”

International Relief Teams

International Relief Teams offer immediate and long-term humanitarian relief to flood victims and other disaster survivors in the US and worldwide. They do this by providing medical supplies and direct funding to partner organizations in affected communities. They also send out skilled volunteers to help flood victims to rebuild their homes.

Since their founding, International Relief Teams has provided over $574 million in food, relief supplies, medicines, and volunteer services to flood victims and other families in need. They now work with over 7,500 volunteers to provide disaster relief in 75 countries. For example, in 2021, they delivered emergency food to 4,120 families affected by natural disasters in Central America. They also provided 15,127 tarps and solar lanterns to disaster survivors on the Gulf Coast. 

You can donate directly to International Relief Teams through their website. You can also assist them by volunteering or giving to flood victims in Pakistan.

Team Rubicon: Built To Serve

Team Rubicon has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities, before, during, and after disasters and crises.”

Team Rubicon

Team Rubicon provides relief to communities in need. They do this by helping to clear debris and by providing free rebuilding services following a flood or other natural disaster. In addition, their medical teams provide emergency medical and trauma care for chronic conditions and preventable diseases. They also organize care for more complex health situations and patient transport systems management for disaster survivors, including flood victims. 

Since their founding, Team Rubicon has deployed over 1.2 million hours to assist disaster-affected communities worldwide. They have also trained more than 29,765 volunteers in disaster response tactics. In addition, they provided free disaster relief services to victims affected by over 171 floods and 93 severe weather conditions worldwide. 

You can donate directly to Team Rubicon through their website. You can also support them by volunteering or purchasing merchandise from their online store.

American Red Cross: Help Those Affected by Disasters

The American Red Cross has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.​”

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross provides free disaster relief to families and communities in need. They do this by assessing damage in impacted communities and distributing clean-up supplies to clear debris caused by floods. They also provide safe and dry temporary shelter to families affected by floods and work with them on their recovery plans. In addition, they offer first aid and emotional support to flood victims and assistance to people with disabilities.

Since their inception, the American Red Cross has responded to over 60,000 disasters every year. For example, in 2019 and 2020, they distributed over 308,200 meals and snacks to those affected by floods in the Midwest. They also provided nearly 130,300 relief materials and 15,000 overnight shelters to these flood victims. In addition, they supported over 17,000 flood victims, including those with disabilities and functional needs, with medical, mental health, and spiritual care.

You can donate directly to the American Red Cross through their website. You can also assist them by volunteering or by donating blood to flood victims and other disaster survivors in need. In addition, you can support the charity by buying merchandise from their online store.

Samaritan’s Purse: Helping in Jesus’ Name

The Samaritan’s Purse has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We are a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world.”

Samaritan’s Purse

The Samaritan’s Purse provides medical supplies and deploys disaster assistance to meet disaster victims’ needs worldwide. They also deliver emergency food kits and install community filtration systems to provide clean water to communities affected by floods and other disasters. In addition, they construct transitional shelters to support flood victims and those recovering from other disasters.

Since their founding, the Samaritan’s Purse has supported flood victims and other disaster survivors worldwide. For example, in 2020, they provided relief efforts through nearly 1500 volunteers and completed clean up and recovery on 315 homes affected by floods in Michigan. Also, in 2014, they delivered humanitarian aid to 750 families in flood-affected areas in Bolivia. Furthermore, their mobile medical clinic treated 904 patients in these vulnerable communities.

You can donate directly to the Samaritan’s Purse through their website. You can also assist the charity by volunteering to provide humanitarian relief to flood victims and other disaster survivors.

The Salvation Army: Doing the Most Good

The Salvation Army scores 97 out of 100 for accountability and finance from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination.”

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army works with local organizations and federal authorities to provide mobile showers, bottled water, and a clean blanket to those affected by floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and other disasters. They also provide temporary shelter and emotional and spiritual care to those in need. In addition, they work with governmental organizations to create long-term disaster recovery plans for communities affected by floods and other natural disasters.

Since their inception, the Salvation Army has assisted an average of 800,000 people affected by floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other disasters every year. For example, in 2021, they supported over 2 million disaster survivors through the 7,219 centers they operate in the US. They also offered medical care to 6,086 people and permanent housing to 32,500 individuals and families, including flood victims. In addition, they distributed over 171 million meals and 13 million tangible items like clothes and furniture to those facing hardship, unexpected crises, and natural disasters. 

You can donate directly to the Salvation Army through their website. You can support the charity by joining their Love Beyond project to support vulnerable families in the US.

Nechama: Jewish Response to Disaster

Nechama scores 100 out of 100 for accountability and finance from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We provide comfort and hope to communities by engaging volunteers in disaster recovery work.”

Nechama

Nechama provides immediate assistance to families in disaster-affected areas by clearing debris and rebuilding homes destroyed by floods and other disasters. They also help to salvage personal belongings and remove damaged materials from their homes. In addition, they work with individuals and communities to create long-term recovery plans tailored to accommodate their needs. 

Nechama provides recovery and relief services to communities impacted by natural disasters, including floods, in the US. For example, in 2021, they spent nearly 1500 hours of donated labor assessing damage on 69 homes affected by the Michigan floods and completely cleaned 48 houses. Furthermore, in 2019, they spent 35 days helping 10 families by cleaning their houses, which had been affected by floods in Sonoma County in California.

You can donate directly to Nechama through their website. You can also support them by volunteering or by starting a fundraiser to help flood victims.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that help flood victims. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

• Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarize yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
• Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
• Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
• Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
• Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
• Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

• Donate money. You can find donation pages on the website of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
• Buy their official merchandise. The charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
• Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
• Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
• Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to helping flood victims – based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

Sources

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• All Hands and Hearts: Home Page
• Charity Navigator: All Hands and Hearts
• GuideStar: All Hands and Hearts
• All Hands and Hearts: Our Disaster Relief Program Work
• All Hands and Hearts: Home Builds
• All Hands and Hearts: School Builds
• All Hands and Hearts: Renewal Projects
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