Our hearts go out to all who are impacted by the Feb. 6 earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The University has identified ways members of the SF State community can support humanitarian relief efforts. Below are a few Bay Area and international organizations that you can connect with if you would like to help. Before offering to help or donate, you are encouraged to research organizations on sites like Charity Navigator and Guidestar, which grade nonprofits based on transparency and effectiveness.
Bay Area contacts and organizations:
- Empowering the Turkish American Community USA
- Turkish American Association of California (TAAC)
- Turkish American Gezi Platform
National and international organizations:
- AHBAP — Anatolia People and Peace Platform
- AKUT — Search and Rescue Association
- Syrian American Medical Society
- Turkish Philanthropy Funds
- UNICEF, which is prioritizing water, sanitation, hygiene and nutrition in Syria
- Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations, providing medical relief inside Syria and to Syrian refugees in Turkey.
These campus resources and support services are available to students who may need support.
- Counseling and Psychological Services: Counseling and Psychological Services is a free service and resource to all SF State students. This department provides free counseling, virtual groups and workshops, crisis consultation, and outreach and collaboration, and offers after-hours crisis services. Phone: (415) 338-2208.
- Dean of Students Office: The Dean of Students Office, Dean-On-Call Program offers to meet with students virtually or in person by emailing dos@sfsu.edu. Students are welcome to drop in for a causal hello or to share a more complex situation. Deans on Call help students explore options, resources and services to support their academic journey at SF State.
- Diversity, Student Equity, and Interfaith Programs: Located in Student Services Building, Room 206, Diversity, Student Equity, and Interfaith Programs has friendly professional staff and student assistants available to listen.
- International Programs. Located on the first floor of Village at Centennial Square, Building C, International Programs has advisors and staff who can listen, advise and facilitate communication between students impacted by the earthquake and their faculty.
Those who are living in on-campus Residential Communities may also reach out to an RA or other residential life staff for support.