Published: August 11, 2026
United for Colombia.
Americas Community Center Joins South Florida’s Coordinated Relief Effort
In moments of crisis, our greatest strength is our ability to come together.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026, with an epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó — the strongest earthquake recorded in the country in more than a century. The quake and its aftershocks have caused widespread destruction across Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, and dozens of surrounding municipalities, with more than 200 people confirmed dead, over a thousand injured, and thousands more reported missing as search and rescue operations continue. Colombia’s national government has declared a state of national disaster.
In response, Americas Community Center (ACC) is joining local elected officials, community leaders and organizations across South Florida in supporting a united and coordinated humanitarian response for Colombia.
On Tuesday August 11th, community leaders and elected officials gathered at the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) headquarters in Doral to coordinate efforts and ensure that the support coming from South Florida works hand in hand with the leadership and priorities being established in Colombia.
Americas’ supports the coordinated effort, avoid duplicating resources, and help get assistance to the people who need it as quickly as possible.
Rather than creating a separate collection effort, Americas Community Center is helping mobilize our community behind established organizations already positioned to respond.
HOW YOU CAN HELP?
DONATE THROUGH GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT MISSION
GEM has activated its response for the Colombia earthquake and is coordinating humanitarian assistance from its headquarters in Doral. Financial contributions allow GEM to purchase and deploy the supplies that are most urgently needed.
Donate directly to GEM — Colombia Earthquake Response
Amazon list shipped directly to GEM – Colombia Earthquake Response
VOLUNTEER AT GEM
Members of our South Florida community who want to help in person can also register to volunteer at GEM’s Doral headquarters, where volunteers assist with preparing humanitarian aid for deployment.
Register to Volunteer with GEM
DONATE THROUGH THE COLOMBIAN RED CROSS
The Colombian Red Cross is another trusted channel for humanitarian contributions. Its teams have extensive operations throughout Colombia responding to emergencies, disasters and vulnerable communities.
SERVIENTREGA COLLECTIONS
Servientrega will also be supporting the relief effort by collecting donations.
We encourage our community to follow the specific list of requested items before making physical donations. This helps organizations receive what is actually needed and prevents unnecessary duplication.
ONE COMMUNITY. ONE EFFORT.
Americas Community Center has spent 25 years bringing our community together, and moments like this remind us why that work matters.
We will continue working alongside our elected officials, community organizations and humanitarian partners, while supporting the coordination taking place with leadership in Colombia.
There are many ways to help — donating, volunteering, sharing verified information and encouraging others to participate.
What matters most is that we work together.
For Colombia. Together.
Americas Community Center
Together we get it done.
PLEASE DONATE RESPONSIBLY
The generosity of our community is incredible, but we also ask everyone to be careful about where and how you donate.
Before sending money, take a moment to verify the organization, the person collecting the funds, and the destination of your donation. Whenever possible, go directly to the official website of a recognized humanitarian organization rather than using a link forwarded through social media or WhatsApp.
Please be particularly cautious with GoFundMe and other personal crowdfunding campaigns. A campaign may have been created with the best intentions, but donors should know exactly who is organizing it, who will receive the funds, and how those funds will reach the people affected. The FTC similarly recommends researching the organizer and beneficiary before contributing through crowdfunding platforms.
For this reason, Americas Community Center is encouraging our community to prioritize established and reputable organizations participating in the coordinated relief effort, including GEM and the Colombian Red Cross.
Our recommendation is simple: verify before you donate.
In times like these, we all want to help quickly. Taking an extra minute to confirm the source helps make sure your generosity reaches the people of Colombia who truly need it.
