WASHINGTON — Since Friday’s attacks in Paris, the world has showed up to help the people of Paris and those beyond the city who were touched by the terrorism.
If you’re looking for a way to help, several organizations are more than willing to accept your help. And some individuals may also be grateful for some one-on-one help.
The citizens of Paris have been using the social media hashtag #PorteOuverte to offer shelter to those displaced by the attacks. But we on this side of the Atlantic can also get in on the act. Hunt #PorteOuverte for people who might be stranded by delayed flights home. They may be running out of money and need a place to stay for a day or two.
If your bedroom’s not available, how about your dining room? That same stranded person may have a place to say, but could be running out of money for meals. Sharing a dinner or two would certainly help.
Facebook has a feature called Safety Check, which has been activated during big natural disasters. But Facebook has decided that this tragedy is worthy of activating Safety Check, which lets friends and family know the status of those caught in the literal crossfire.
And, of course, there’s also money. The International Red Cross, The Red Crescent Societies and Doctors Without Borders are the major relief organizations doing work on the ground in Paris.
Local French charities would certainly welcome your help. Restaurants du Coeur is a group that gives food to the needy. Secours Populaire Francais helps victims of poverty, disasters and conflicts. Secours Catholique-Caritas France is the major Catholic relief organization in France.
WTOP’s Rich Johnson contributed to this report
