The tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers in Surfside, Miami Beach has profoundly affected the local community and people across the country, and many are looking for ways to help and contribute to rescue efforts. Here are a few ways you can support the individuals and families affected by this tragedy.
Give Monetary Donations
According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, there are two main funds through which you can donate to the cause:
The Surfside Building Collapse Victim Fund, sponsored by Neighbors for Neighbors, a Miami charity organization
Support Surfside, a charity site coordinated specifically for the crisis with help from an array of prominent Miami businesses and organizations
Additionally, the Miami Heat has partnered with the humanitarian organization Direct Relief to collect funds in support of current and anticipated healthcare needs of survivors, along with providing equipment for first responders.
Help Families Rebuild Their Lives
Late last week, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced that Surfside had reached a limit of supplies collected for those who have been displaced by the collapse. Physical supply donations—ranging from household products to toys and blankets—can unfortunately cause issues regarding organization, distribution, and resource allocation, all of which can detract from the goal of helping victims directly.
However, the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center (ATJC) recently announced a creative solution that can allow families affected by the disaster to purchase the supplies they so desperately need. The Center is asking for Care Cards to help families rebuild their lives, allowing them to have enhanced freedom of choice regarding what they purchase.
The ATJC expressed that most families are in need of gift cards to places with a variety of household goods, such as Costco, Ikea, Target, and Walmart.
Keep Up with News and Developments
For information on upcoming volunteer opportunities, other ways to donate, as well as access to family reunification and media hotlines, the Town of Surfside has set up a Champlain Tower South Information Page. The page also includes traffic updates and ways to help Surfside businesses that are currently shut down due to the collapse investigation.
For updates and developments directly from the scene, visit The Miami Herald’s live news feed on the collapse.
We at Brown Harris Stevens extend our deepest condolences and well wishes to the people of Miami as they navigate this unspeakable tragedy.