How To Help Paris: Lend A Hand To Those In Need

It’s less than 48 hours since news broke of the horror that descended on Paris. We are still reeling; the shock is still setting in as we struggle to comprehend these acts of violence and terror that?have tragically ended so many lives. As the waves of support messages make their way from around the globe to France, many are asking the question: What can we do? How can we help from here at home? Asides from continuing to send our’deepest sympathies and words of hope through social media, there are also other tangible ways we can make a difference to those who need it most.

In case you missed our own piece to Paris, read it here: We Pray For Paris

Below, we’ve listed just some of the ways in which you can provide support and resources for the victims in Paris, from donating to charitable organisations to checking in with friends and family. Every act, no matter how small, will make a difference.

Donate:

Croix-Rouge Fran?aise, The French Red Cross

Prayers for Paris are great, but also consider donating to the French Red Cross: https://t.co/55A7abI0oU ?? pic.twitter.com/EVdZRGqhkY

? Superhero Of Steel (@SuperheroSteel) November 14, 2015

The French Red Cross via Facebook said they were sending over 300 volunteers to help bring relief to victims. It doesn’t have a specific campaign set up for the Paris attack victims as yet, but in the meantime, any money you donate will go to the organisation’s overall efforts.?You can donate here.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF France)

Parisiens utilisez #PorteOuverte pr trouver un abri si vs ?tes ds un quartier – risque ou proposer votre hospitalit? #fusillade #Paris – MSF France (@MSF_france) November 13, 2015

Doctors Without Borders, or M’decins Sans Fronti’res, is providing medical care to the injured and providing assistance to victims’ families. You can donate here.

Secours Catholique-Caritas

D?claration de @julienlaupretre suite aux attentats #ParisAttacks du 13 novembre. pic.twitter.com/Ze8OENyQCp

? Secours populaire (@SecoursPop) November 14, 2015

Secours Catholique-Caritas France helps the poor, but it is now also?providing assistance to victims and victims’ families in the aftermath of the tragedies in Paris. You can donate here.?

French Secours Populaire

Secours Populaire is an NGO that helps fight poverty and exclusion around the world. The organisation called for solidarity and “gestures of humanity” to help France heal from the attacks.?If you live in France, Secours Populaire are looking for volunteers.?You can donate?here

Spread Important Information?On Social Media:

• Here are embassy numbers in France for those who may need them:

Here are Paris embassy numbers for those from UK, Ireland, USA, Australia and Canada. Spread the word. #PorteOuverte pic.twitter.com/RnuvyhX7JZ – George Aylett (@GeorgeAylett) November 13, 2015

An expanded list of numbers for embassies in Paris – please spread this far and wide. #PorteOuverte pic.twitter.com/7Q30DJDgH3

? George Aylett (@GeorgeAylett) November 13, 2015

• The French Ministry of the Interior also launched a website to take evidence and report missing persons here.
• In an extraordinary show of solidarity, many Parisians began using the hashtag #PorteOuverte, which means “open door,” to offer their homes as shelter to those who needed a safe place to sleep late Friday night and early Saturday morning?and this is still going on at the moment.

If you’re in Paris in need of emergency accommodation, our hosts have opened their doors https://www.airbnb.co.uk/openhomes/disaster-relief – Airbnb (@Airbnb) November 14, 2015

If you’re in Paris & need somewhere safe to stay, or can offer a safe haven for people, Parisians are using hashtag #PorteOuverte. Be safe x

? Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) November 13, 2015

• You can also, check in on Facebook. The group enabled this very useful feature on Friday night in the wake of the attacks. This?allows users to see if any friends or family are in Paris. Those in the city can also mark themselves safe. You can do this here.

And finally, do whatever you can, except stay silent. As our IMAGE.ie Editor Ellie Balfe said yesterday, Grieve Loudly. Use your voice to spread the word that we are united with France; we stand alongside them as they try to piece together and overcome these heartbreaking events. Every little really does count.

If you’re feeling dreadful & useless about #Paris do something positive. Call a mate, give to charity, readdress the balance in a tiny way.

? Rae Earl (@RaeEarl) November 13, 2015

ICYMI: In Grief We Are United: Outpouring Of Support For Paris

ICYMI: Paris JeT’aime: Beautiful Artwork From The City Of Light?