Americans have a long history of responding to people in need an providing disaster relief. The web is a great place to help provide information, raise funds and help with these worthy efforts. This category lists web sites for organizations working to help those in need. This is an open directory. If you know of additional resources, please add their link.
NOTE: There is often a flury of bogus charities that appear in times of need. I find it is generally best to donate to larger organizations that are better able to assess needs and have the expertise to get aid to where it is needed.
Red Cross (www.icrc.org) The ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) organizes relief efforts.
American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) The American Red Cross has chapters throughout the United States. The organization prepares for and responds to disasters throughout the United States and world.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov) FEMA is tasked with disaster mitigation, preparedness, response & recovery planning. FEMA helps organize the state and federal disaster relief efforts.
AmeriCares (www.americares.org) AmeriCares is a nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization providing immediate response to emergency medical needs, as well as supporting long-term humanitarian assistance programs.
Catholic Relief Services (www.catholicrelief.org) Provides humanitarian aid and disaster relief services.
Give.org - Charity Reports (www.give.org) A BBB site with reports on different charitable organizations.
Humane Society of the United States. The (www.humanesociety.org) The HSUS Disaster Animal Response Team provides aid to animals and pet owners in times of disaster.
Ready.gov (www.ready.gov) Web site by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
United Way of America (national.unitedway.org) United Way helps coordinate chartible organizations in the local community and throughout the world. The United Way is often the the first online with needed resources in times of disaster.
The Salvation Army National Headquarters (www.salvationarmyusa.org) The Salvation Army has a network of local and national programs that help get supplies to people in need.
Volunteers of America (www.voa.org) The VoA has a long history of helping those most in need. The VoA will help assist those who cannot assist themselves in the wake of Katrina and other disasters.
Islamic Relief (www.islamicreliefusa.org) An organization dedicated to reliefing poverty worldwide.
Mercy Corps (mercycorps.org) Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.
CARE (www.care.org) CARE is an international organization fighting poverty and providing relief.
Oxfam (www.oxfam.org) Oxfam International is a confederation of 14 like-minded organizations working together and with partners and allies around the world to bring about lasting change.
Doctors Without Borders (doctorswithoutborders.org) Doctors Without Borders is an international effort that provides services in disaster zones, war zones and refuge areas.
CARE Canada (care.ca) A leading Canadian based aid and development organisation fighting global poverty
Coins That Count (coinstar.com) You can donate to the Red Cross by cashing in coins at your local coinstar machine.
Water of Life (www.givefreshwater.org) Organization works to bring clean water to disadvantaged communities around the world.
Mercy Ships (www.mercyships.org) Mercy Ships organizes international hospital ships which provide care from port to port to the poorest people of impoverished nations.