Here’s How You Can Help the Families of the Charleston Shooting Victims

In the wake of the shooting at a historically black Charleston, S.C. church that left nine people dead Wednesday evening, the city is collecting money to support the victims’ families.

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley announced the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund Thursday and said the city has already pledged $5,000. The fund will help the victims’ relatives pay for funerals for their loved ones, counseling services and other needs as they heal from the tragedy.

The website for contributions to this fund is expected to be functioning by noon on Friday. Those wishing to contribute will also be able to do so at any Wells Fargo branch by specifying that they’d like to donate to the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund.

In the meantime, the fund will be accepting checks made out to “Mother Emanuel Hope Fund” at the following address:

Mother Emanuel Hope Fund

C/O City of Charleston

P.O. Box 304

Charleston, SC 29402