Although the recent attacks in Paris, which left at least 129 dead and 352 injured, happened hundreds of miles away, you can do more than just change your Facebook profile picture. No matter where you live around the world, there are a number of ways you can make a positive difference.
Here are the top 5 things you can do to actually make a difference for everyone affected by last week’s attacks.
5. Donate to the Croix-Rouge
Since the attacks on Friday, the French Red Cross has sent out over 300 volunteers to help survivors, and have established help centers.
To help the emergency organization, which has an active presence in Paris, donate directly to the French Red Cross here.
4. Offer your home
Whether you’re in Paris, or you’re in the United States, you can help those that have been displaced since the attacks. Not only are people stranded in Paris, but French tourists have been left stranded abroad after flight cancelations and border closings.
If you’re in Paris, use the hashtag #PorteOuverte, and if you’re in the U.S., use the tag #StrandedInUS to give someone temporary housing.
If you or someone you know is in need of a place to stay, Airbnb has set up a disaster relief tool to connect hosts and visitors in need. The company is also waiving service fees through November 17 for those affected.
3. Help Locate Missing People
While Facebook’s safety check feature has helped locate loved ones, many people are still missing.
Spread the above photo to share the information for embassies in Paris for travelers in need of support and to report missing persons after the attack.
2. Donate Blood
In the wake of the multiple attacks across the city, hundreds of people were hospitalized, and left in critical condition. If you’re in the area, donate blood to help all the hospitals that will have a higher demand than normal.
The Don du Sang à Paris app can help provide information on donation locations, and ways to help.
1. Donate to Emergency Support Organizations
The best way to make a difference in the area, if you’re thousands of miles away, is to donate to local emergency relief programs. Currently, the top organizations that have poledged to provide relief in Paris are Secours Catholique-Caritas and Secours Populaire Française.
While some of these organizations are not processing American cards, you can donate through Friends of Fondation de France, Inc. They accept American cards, and also allows you to designate a specific program and fund. Click here to donate.
Have you done anything to help in the aftermath of the tragic attacks on the city of lights? Share with us in the comments below.
[Featured image credit: AP Photo/Kin Cheung]