Volunteer or Donate to help with Missouri Disaster Relief

Help Missourians recover from recent disasters

When disaster strikes, people come together to help. It's "all hands on deck." Neighbor helping neighbor. Volunteers should avoid self-deploying during disasters. Trusted organizations operating in the affected areas know where volunteers are needed. Depending on the disaster and the current phase it is in, volunteers can be extremely helpful to ensure survivors can return to their new normal. By working with an established non-profit organization, the appropriate safety, training, and skills can be considered.

Missourians who would like to donate to assist with disaster relief efforts in Missouri, the rest of the nation and the world should consider that making financial contributions to a recognized disaster relief organization is the most effective donation. Monetary donations allow voluntary organizations to fund response and recovery efforts, obtain goods and services locally and provide direct financial assistance to disaster survivors to meet their own needs.

Unfortunately, natural disasters often bring out con artists, scammers and those looking to make a quick buck by taking advantage of disaster survivors and others wishing to help. Find more information on our Avoiding Scams & Fraud webpage.

Recovery lasts a lot longer than media attention. There will be volunteer needs for many months, often many years, after the disaster. Your help is often needed long after a disaster.

More information about donating or volunteer opportunities is available from 211 Missouri, which can be reached by dialing 211, or (800) 427-4626. This information is also available at the 211 Missouri website.