What is the best way to fund-raise for a friend?

[rurounihime]

Soooo... I've never done this before. I have a longtime friend who is currently homeless with her husband and three children. They're trying to find the best way to raise money (read: they are not begging for help; I offered) but she is legally blind because she has no money for her prescription and therefore can't work. This also causes problems with her husband leaving to work, as they have the kids to take care of. They have a car but little else in the way of wordly belongings.

I'm just wondering... What is the best way to raise money online for another individual? I'm going to help her with her prescription, but I can only do so much. Are there any reputable sites or third party groups that you guys trust to get the money where it's supposed to go? Somewhere I can set up an account for my friend and her family?

How does this even WORK??