UW Combined Fund Drive

UWCFD disaster relief efforts

When a natural disaster or humanitarian crisis strikes, you can support relief efforts through a one-time or ongoing monthly payroll deduction to a vetted UWCFD nonprofit relief organization.

Catastrophic flooding in Libya

Morocco earthquake: How to help

Eastern Washington wildfires: Resources and support

Help those impacted by wildfires in Hawaii

Every year, communities across the United States and around the the world are struck by natural disasters and humanitarian crises, causing widespread damage and impacting the most vulnerable.

And sometimes, it’s not the disasters themselves that are so destructive: from hurricanes to tornadoes to floods, the dangers that follow – electrocution, drowning, carbon monoxide poisoning, housefires and heat-related illness, to name a few – can be fatal.

Ready.gov provides comprehensive preparedness materials, information sheets and planning guides to help families prepare for disasters.

Did you know? When climate disasters strike, women are less likely to survive and more likely to be injured due to long standing gender inequalities that have created disparities in information, mobility, decision-making, and access to resources and training (source: UN Women).

These after-the-fact deaths are called indirect deaths, and they account for a high percentage of total fatalities in any given disaster. Indirect deaths disproportionally affect rural communities, BIPOC communities and those who are poor, because relief agencies tend to focus their efforts on more urban and affluent areas. This in turn makes those communities more susceptible to secondary hazards.

Disaster preparedness

Disasters can happen anywhere, any time. That’s why it’s important you’re prepared. Do you have a plan for yourself, your pets, and your family? 

Emergency Kit

  • Every family should have an emergency kit. Don’t forget to include:
    • Non-perishable food and water that can last several days.
    • Flashlights, radios & extra batteries.
    • First aid kit.
  • Include supplies that might be needed by pets, older adults, and those with disabilities in the event of the emergency. Ready.gov/kit

Get your household ready for the next hurricane (NPR)
Protect yourself during an earthquake (Earthquake Country)

Kids

Disasters can leave children and teens feeling frightened, confused and insecure. Their responses can be quite varied. It’s important to not only recognize these reactions, but also help children cope with their emotions. Read these hurricane safety tips to shield kids from distress.

Ready Kids has tools and information geared toward kids and teens to help before, during and after disasters.

Pets

Add these items to your emergency bag in case you need to evacuate with your four-legged buddies:

  • A selfie with them in case you get separated
  • Medicine & grooming items
  • Collar with an ID & a leash

UWCFD disaster relief nonprofits

Watch: UWCFD Lunch & Learn on Disaster Relief and Emergency Preparedness
Global Impact, Northwest Healthcare Response Network, Airlift Northwest, Medic One Foundation

From our blog

Support

Consider making a one-time contribution or setting up payroll deduction to one of our member organizations working in disaster relief:

Doctors Without Borders (charity code 0315935) is an independent international medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics and natural disasters in more than 70 countries.

American Red Cross Disaster Relief Services (charity code 1468727): We respond to an emergency every 8 minutes. No one else does this: not the government, not other charities. From small house fires to multi-state natural disasters, the American Red Cross goes wherever we’re needed, so people can have clean water, safe shelter and hot meals when they need them most.

American Red Cross (charity code 0337346): The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

American Red Cross International Services (charity code 0338058): Through our International Services, the American Red Cross helps vulnerable individuals and communities around the world to prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters, complex humanitarian emergencies, and life-threatening health conditions.

Americares (charity code 0315518): Americares saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster so they can reach their full potential.

International Relief Teams (charity code 0315516): Alleviates human suffering by providing health services and other assistance to victims of disaster, poverty and neglect, in the United States and around the world.

MAP (charity code 0315523): MAP International is a Christian organization providing medicines and health supplies to those in need around the world so they might experience life to the fullest. MAP serves all people regardless of religion, gender, race, nationality or ethnic background.

Project HOPE (charity code 0316050): We empower health care workers facing the world’s greatest health crises to build resilient communities and a healthier, more equitable world.

International Medical Corps (charity code 1479246): IMC works in conflict areas around the world and is raising money for a campaign to help provide medical equipment, PPE, isolation facilities and other essential supplies to countries in need.

OXFAM America (charity code 0316360): Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice. We offer lifesaving support in times of crisis and advocate for economic justice, gender equality, and climate action. We demand equal rights and equal treatment so that everyone can thrive, not just survive. The future is equal.

UNICEF USA (charity code 0315489): We work for the survival, protection and development of children worldwide through fundraising, advocacy and education.

International Rescue Committee (IRC) (charity code 0315540):  The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people affected by humanitarian crises—including the climate crisis—to survive, recover and rebuild their lives. Founded at the call of Albert Einstein in 1933, the IRC is now at work in over 40 crisis-affected countries as well as communities throughout Europe and the Americas. We deliver lasting impact by providing health care, helping children learn, and empowering individuals and communities to become self-reliant, always seeking to address the inequalities facing women and girls.

CARE (charity code 0315522): The most vulnerable people, here and around the world, have never needed you more. People are facing desperate, life-threatening situations around the world along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. CARE has been saving lives for 75 years — and we won’t stop now, but we need your help.

Save the Children (charity code 0315475): Our pioneering programs address children’s unique needs, giving them a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. In the United States and around the world, our work creates lasting change for children, their families and communities – ultimately, transforming the future we all share.