Atlanta-based CARE responds to deadly Colombia earthquake. Here's how to help
As rescue workers continue searching through the rubble after a devastating earthquake in Colombia, an Atlanta-based humanitarian organization is among the groups mobilizing assistance for people affected by the disaster.
CARE, whose U.S. headquarters are in downtown Atlanta, has established an emergency fund and says it's mobilizing emergency relief in the country. This comes as the organization continues relief efforts following deadly earthquakes in Venezuela.
The organization's U.S. headquarters are located at 151 Ellis Street NE in Atlanta.
CARE's relief efforts include assistance with emergency shelter, clean water, hygiene kits and medical care. The organization is also providing feminine hygiene products as well.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia Monday morning, causing widespread destruction across several communities. As of Tuesday evening, at least 181 people had died and 1,595 were injured, according to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella.
Cali, Pereira, Manizales and communities across Chocó are among the hardest-hit areas. Aftershocks and damage to roads, hospitals and other infrastructure have complicated relief operations.
Another 195 people were officially reported missing, while civilian databases indicated the number could be substantially higher.
More than 1,100 homes were destroyed and at least 8,300 were damaged as rescue workers and volunteers continued searching for survivors, CBS News reported.
In a statement to CBS News Atlanta, CARE said it "has a longstanding presence in the country, is currently responding to support individuals and families in need."
CARE says it has teams on the ground in some of the most affected areas, assessing needs and coordinating their response.
CARE says its teams will provide "clean water, support for families to buy food, essential health services, safe spaces, psychosocial support, hygiene items, and other emergency supplies."
For those who wish to support this work, more information and donation options can be found here.
How Atlantans can help Colombia earthquake victims
Several well-established humanitarian organizations say they have started relief operations in Colombia.
World Central Kitchen: WCK says teams are already on the ground in Colombia and working with local partners to provide meals in areas affected by the earthquake. The organization reported teams distributing meals in Manizales as it expanded its response across the region.
Direct Relief: The medical aid organization says it has committed emergency funding to Colombian responders and is preparing requested medicines and supplies. Direct Relief says donations made through its designated Colombia earthquake fund will support relief efforts.
People interested in donating should visit the organizations' official websites directly rather than relying on donation links circulating through unfamiliar social media accounts or messages.
La Abuela collecting supplies at metro Atlanta restaurants
La Abuela, a Colombian restaurant group, announced that three of its metro Atlanta locations are serving as collection points for relief supplies. The restaurant is requesting:
- Bottled water
- Nonperishable food
- Rice, pasta and canned or packaged foods
- Personal hygiene products
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Soap and shampoo
- Menstrual products
- Diapers and baby supplies
- Toilet paper and wet wipes
- New or gently used blankets
- Flashlights and batteries
Donations can be taken to La Abuela locations in Duluth, Doraville and Alpharetta:
- Doraville: 5600 Buford Highway NE, Suite E
- Duluth: 1630 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite 270
- Alpharetta: 4055 Old Milton Parkway
Donors should contact the location or check La Abuela's official social media accounts before visiting.
Enid Coffee announces earthquake relief fundraiser
Enid Coffee, an Atlanta-based mobile coffee business with Colombian roots, also announced plans to raise money for earthquake relief. The business said 15% of its sales Saturday and Sunday will be donated to support relief efforts in Colombia.
Beginning Tuesday, Enid Coffee will also offer 50 bags donated by Flow Coffee on a "pay what you want" basis. The bags normally cost $25, and proceeds will go toward relief efforts, according to the business. The coffee will be available while supplies last. Customers should check Enid Coffee's website or official social media account for the fundraiser's location and hours.
Colombian families in Atlanta can contact the consulate
Metro Atlanta and Georgia host a moderate Colombian community. Figures from the Atlanta Regional Commission, estimate the total number of Colombians living in the Peach State around 35,000.
Metro Atlanta residents trying to reach or assist relatives in Colombia may also be able to seek guidance from the Consulate General of Colombia in Atlanta.
The consulate lists an emergency assistance line at 678-485-2321 and says requests for emergency assistance can also be sent to catlanta@cancilleria.gov.co.
The consulate's office is located at 1117 Perimeter Center West in Atlanta.
Be careful of disaster donation scams
Major disasters can also lead to fraudulent fundraising efforts.
The Federal Trade Commission recommends donating to organizations people already know and trust and researching unfamiliar charities before sending money. The agency also cautions against organizations demanding payment through methods such as gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
Donors can further protect themselves by navigating directly to an organization's official website instead of clicking unexpected donation links in texts, emails or social media posts.
