WHO ARE WE?

The Hurricane Irma Muslim Response Coalition (HIMRC) in Tampa has been formed in preparation for the oncoming storm expected to hit Florida this weekend. So far ISTABA, PENNY APPEAL USA, ISLAMIC RELIEF, ICNA RELIEF and CAIR FLORIDA have all agreed to work together in response to this storm.

WHY DID WE FORM?

Hurricane Irma became one of the most powerful storms to ever roar out of the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday, growing into a Category 5 hurricane with wind speeds up to 185 mph.

The Hurricane Irma Muslim Response Coalition (HIMRC) in Tampa invites all local and national organizations interested in helping with these relief efforts to join the coalition and help us respond in an efficient and impactful way. Organizations of all sizes and backgrounds are invited to join this noble effort.

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

ISTABA has been opened as a temporary shelter. We will be housing up to 1,200 people from all faiths and backgrounds who have been forced to flee their homes. Already hundreds of evacuees from southern have started arriving. 

Based on Irma's projected path, which includes Florida's heavily populated eastern coast, the enormous storm could create one of the largest mass evacuations in US history. As Harvey bore down on Texas, residents there could flee north, east or west to escape the storm. In South Florida, however, they can only go north.

The Coalition is working in collaboration with local authorities and other specialist organizations to ensure needs are met and relief is provided to all those who need it.

Below are the key service areas we are providing and delivering to the victims of Hurricane Irma:

- provision of shelter 
- provision of supplies such as clothes and toiletries 
- provision of doctors and medication where required
- provision of meals

How You Can Help

1. Please donate generously. Running a shelter and buying supplies is not cheap. We estimate that we will need at least $100,000 to help both local victims in Tampa and to help those arriving in Tampa from other cities. 

2. If your local organization wants to help, please ask them to join the coalition so we can pool all of our resources together and work in an efficient way. 

3. If you are able to drive to ISTABA in Tampa, please take as many supplies as you can in the next 48 hours. Water, non-perishable food, diapers and baby formula are all needed. 

CONTACT DETAILS

ISTABA Shelter is open 24/7. We welcome people of all backgrounds and faiths.

Address: 7326 E Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33610

Phone: (813) 628-0007

Coalition Contact:

If you would like your organization to join this coalition and help us with the relief efforts, please contact Ahmed Youssef on +1 (646) 291 7472