Disaster Relief

Contributing Monetary Donations

Following a disaster, donating money is often the best way to help, as the needs of the people on the ground can change quickly and organizations having the funds to make purchases or initiate programs as the situation evolves is always helpful.

• Contribute to reputable organizations that are on the ground working directly with the affected community. 
• Support local organizations that have been directly impacted by the disaster. 

Becoming a recurring donor 

After a disaster occurs, it is reported that the majority of giving stops after six months. However, relief efforts can often take years. Becoming a recurring donor will give longer term funds to be used towards relief efforts after the majority of the giving has stopped. 

• Sign up to be a donor through reputable organizations that are directly working with the impacted community. 

Dartmouth cannot suggest any specific organizations to donate to in every circumstance, but here is a list of some reputable organizations that work with communities that have been directly impacted by disasters. 

• American Red Cross
• All Hands and Hearts
• Americares
• Child Life Disaster Relief

Keep in mind that Dartmouth has a policy on solicitation that prohibits soliciting other employees during work hours or in Dartmouth work areas and prohibits the distribution of paper or electronic advertising materials, handbills, or literature in work areas. 

Sending Items 

Sending items like clothes, blankets, or other supplies that have not been specifically requested by a reputable disaster relief source can often become a burden for those working on the ground in a disaster area. Items often go unused as the initial days after a disaster strikes are chaotic and there is no time for those on the ground to sort through donations. 

When a reputable organization requests specific items to be donated and you would like to donate items, here are some best practices: 

• First confirm what, when, and where.
  • Make sure you know what items are needed. Do not send items that are not requested. 
  • Make sure you know when the items are needed. Do not send items early or too late. 
  • Make sure you know where the items are to be delivered and how they will be delivered. 
• It is recommended to purchase the needed items through local businesses that are directly connected to the disaster. Buying from a local business that is directly connected to the disaster will support the local economy where the disaster has occurred, and thus supporting the economic recovery. 
• Buy in bulk if you can. 

Volunteering

Dartmouth encourages and supports volunteering through its Volunteer Time Off policy for staff.

Volunteering is often a great way to help a community in need. However, the days after a natural disaster are often very chaotic. Unless you have signed up to be a volunteer, please do not show up at a disaster site unannounced, as this may interfere with organizations current efforts. Here are some best practices for becoming a volunteer: 

• Sign up for volunteer opportunities with a reputable disaster relief organization. 
  • Volunteering your time can help ensure that those affected by a disaster will return to their "new normal" as soon as possible. 
  • Volunteers are often needed long after a disaster strikes, so consider volunteering a month or two, or even a year after the disaster. 

Here are some volunteer opportunities

• Become A Disaster Volunteer | American Red Cross
• Americares
• Become a CLDR Responder

Resources for Faculty, Staff, and Students

For those in our community who have been directly or indirectly affected by a disaster, we have many resources available. 

Students

If you have been directly or indirectly affected, and need assistance, please contact Student Mental Health and Counseling, the Chaplain's Office, a supervisor, dean, head of college, or another advisor.

• Schedule a counseling appointment online through the Health Service Portal or by calling 603-646-9442. 
• Uwill, is our new teletherapy provider, available from any location. 
• Contact Pastoral Counseling 
• Dartmouth Counseling Center by calling 603-646-9442. 
• If you are in need of spiritual support, Campus Ministers and Advisors are available. For assistance, please call (603) 646-3780. 

Faculty and Staff

• The Office of Human Resources at Dartmouth can provide assistance and resources to our faculty, and staff.
• Faculty/Employee Assistance Program (F/EAP) is available for support. 
• Call 844-216-8308: You'll speak to a counseling professional who will listen to your concerns and can guide you to the appropriate services you require, including local providers for in-personal counseling. 
• Visit GuidanceResources® Online at www.guidanceresources.com.