On June 24, two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, ripped through northern Venezuela, devastating communities, claiming 3,535 lives, injuring 16,740 people, and leaving tens of thousands unaccounted for.
Two weeks later, the crisis is far from over. Local and international organizations remain on the ground, delivering lifesaving medical care, food, clean water, safe shelter, and protection, as the UN estimates physical infrastructure losses alone at roughly $37 billion.
Venezuela still urgently needs help, and the following local initiatives and major nonprofits are actively accepting donations to sustain and expand relief efforts.
Helping from Los Angeles
- LA for Venezuela: Check this community-made resource page for a list of donation centers in L.A., needed supplies, and donation links. Donation centers accepting items include Olarte Transport, Full Arepa, Mad City Pallets, and more. Check their Instagrams before going, as needs change quickly.
- Los Angeles Dodgers – Net proceeds from the July 8th 50/50 Raffle will benefit the American Red Cross Venezuela Earthquakes Fund, and the Dodgers will match the foundation’s contribution.
Emergency relief & logistics
- International Rescue Committee (IRC) – IRC teams are ramping up operations to provide health, nutrition, and essential water, sanitation, and hygiene services and supplies.
- Direct Relief – Direct Relief is working with regional partners to deliver emergency medicines and medical supplies to support clinics, hospitals, and logistics hubs across Venezuela.
- World Central Kitchen (WCK) – World Central Kitchen has deployed crews serving around 30,000 hot meals a day in La Guaira and is partnering with dozens of local restaurants and food trucks to provide meals, water, and ice.
- UN Crisis Relief – Venezuela Humanitarian Fund – This UN pooled fund is directing rapid grants to trusted Venezuelan NGOs and frontline responders so they can provide medical care, shelter, water, and other urgent assistance.
Health and medical responders
- Doctors Without Borders – After an initial shipment of trauma kits and medical supplies, Doctors Without Borders is widening its emergency medical response with mobile clinics, mental health care, and expanded water and sanitation services.
- Project HOPE – Project HOPE’s mobile medical units are offering trauma care and psychological first aid while distributing hygiene kits, water purification tablets, medicines, and other essential health items.
- Team Rubicon – Team Rubicon is deploying its veteran‑led disaster response teams to run mobile care units and deliver critical medical support and supplies in affected areas.
Child‑focused agencies
- Save the Children – Save the Children, working alongside local partners, is getting warm blankets, books, meals, shelter materials, and education resources to children and families across impacted communities.
- UNICEF USA – UNICEF USA supports UNICEF’s field response, which has already flown in multiple shipments of emergency health kits, water and sanitation supplies, tents, and education materials.
- World Vision – World Vision collaborates with the U.S. State Department and local organizations to provide emergency assistance for children and families; an anonymous supporter is currently matching donations dollar‑for‑dollar up to $1 million.
Animal‑focused agencies
- IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) – IFAW has awarded an emergency grant to partner Red de Apoyo Canino to cover veterinary care, medical supplies, animal food, and clean water for injured and displaced animals.
- Humane World for Animals – Humane World for Animals has sent a nine‑person disaster relief team from Mexico and Costa Rica to northern Venezuela, setting up mobile veterinary units and strengthening Red de Apoyo Canino’s on‑the‑ground work.
