North/Central America

Currently, there is a large refugee crisis happening in North America and Central America. Throughout the region, individuals are escaping rampant violence, organized crime, and socio-economic instability/poverty in their homelands. Gangs and drug cartels threaten lives, forcing people to flee their homes to escape this violence, extortion, forced gang recruitment, and sexual or gender-based violence. Asylum seekers on the US-Mexico border endure harsh conditions, facing cold nights and limited resources, prompting volunteer organizations to step in due to inadequate government support. The climate crisis heightens dangers, leading to increased fatalities and search-and-rescue efforts by volunteers. Meanwhile, December witnessed a record-breaking surge at the border, with over 300,000 individuals crossing without authorization. Averaging 8,400 daily apprehensions, this surge prompted immediate actions by the Biden administration to address escalating migrant flows, reflecting a broader concern for the well-being of those seeking refuge. The strain on local governments underscores the complexity, emphasizing the importance of coordinated federal responses to support humanitarian efforts amid the significant humanitarian challenge.

Help here: Border Kindness 

Haiti grapples with a deep-rooted crisis where political ties to gangs have eroded governance, leaving the police force weakened and outgunned by powerful criminal groups, who currently have taken control of about 80% of the capital Port-au-Prince. The recent approval of a multinational armed security force by the United Nations reflects an urgent need for intervention to curb escalating gang violence. In 2023 alone, more than 8,400 individuals were kidnapped, tortured, or murdered. However, the success of such efforts hinges on establishing a functional transitional government comprising individuals committed to restoring democracy and the rule of law. Past attempts by the UN to disarm gangs and reform the police failed due to suspected collusion between influential politicians and criminal elements. Amid escalating violence and mass displacement, international sanctions imposed on Haitian leaders underscore the severity of the situation, emphasizing the necessity of a clean, representative transitional government as a crucial step towards restoring stability and democratic governance in Haiti.

Help here: Hope for Haiti 

The fires that engulfed Lahaina, a resort town on Maui, on 8/8/2023 left the town in complete destruction. The town was reopened months later on 12/11/2023, marking only the beginning stages of clean up. The death toll reached a staggering 100, and with it, 10,000 displaced individuals, a significant loss of history stored in museums, ~3,000 damaged or destroyed residential structures, and a lack of clean air. The ash left from the fire contains levels or arsenic 11 times higher than what is deemed safe. Families searching through the rubble of their homes to find their belongings must wear full-body protective suits, masks, and gloves. Coral reefs were destroyed by the fires, and winds have brought air and ocean degradation to neighboring areas. Over $13 million per day in revenue is lost, and unemployment is at an all-time high. Town leaders are now encouraging visitors to travel to the area, hoping to revitalize the once tourism-reliant economy. Federal aid is diminishing, so it is more important than ever to support the thousands of residents who still need help to fully recover.

Help here: Maui Strong Fund