How people here in Michiana can help with aid with the Israeli-Hamas War

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, you may be wondering how you can help from here at home.

The Better Business Bureau says scammers prey on people trying to help in times of crisis, but there are some things you can do to make sure donations go to the right place.

As the Israeli Hamas war intensifies many people right here in Michiana may want to help, but experts say, be careful.

Every time there's any sort of humanitarian crisis, scammers come out of the woodwork trying to steal your money.

Rick Walz, with the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana, says you should treat all sorts of charitable requests with high skepticism.

"Scammers recognize the emotional motivation that people want to help in these emergency situations, but like say beware of responding to any appeals without taking the opportunity to verify,” said Walz.

Walz recommends going to the Better Business Bureau's website where you can find charitable organizations that meet their 20 better business bureaus standards for charitable accountability.

"You wanna see if that charity has a presence in Israel or Gaza and the area that’s being affected,” said Walz.

One of those accredited charities is Project Hope, which is a global health and humanitarian aid organization.

It's focused on helping two hospitals on the Israeli side that were damaged by Hamas.

The group is also handing out hygiene kits on the Egyptian side of the Gaza border.

Courtney Ridgway, the Communications Director for Project Hope wants to ensure that “regular civilians have access to basic needs like water, food, medical access, shelter and safety."

Ridgway adds that monetary donations are the best to help these people in need.

Project Hope accepts check, cash, and crypto.

"It's great if people are able to spare even as much as a dollar, that can go a really long way in situations like this,” said Ridgway.

Project Hope has people on the ground overseas.

Ridgway adds that those in Gaza and Israel will be gravely impacted for a very long time.

‘It's important that we keep supporting them and we really make that commitment to stay and help people rebuild their lives and recover,” she said.