When bad things happen, look for the people that help. To help is the gut instinct of most good people. With Hurricane Harvey making landfall on the Texas coastline and unprecedented flooding occurring in the Houston area, here are the best ways to help the hundreds of thousands of people affected.
There are many very good organizations on the ground and working in the affected areas. With major disasters in the recent past, the thing that has been learned by most front line groups is that cash really is king. When dealing with the logistics of getting, water, blankets, and other supplies to victims can really be detrimental to relief efforts. So, if you are able, it is always best to make a monetary donation to groups in the areas that need it most. With that, people have seen “bad charities” and some scams along the way, a very good source to check a group out is CHARITY NAVIGATOR, and there is a list of completely vetted groups at TEXAS VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE in DISASTER (TX VOAD) just to help you make smart choices when donating money.
With Hurricane Harvey making landfall on the Texas Coast, some of the smaller island communities are completely destroyed and as events continue to unfold in the Houston area thousands upon thousands of people are going to need help. We have a list of some very good organizations working in those areas most in need.
For Children… The Texas Diaper Exchange is working out of San Antonio providing diapers and accessories to families with little children displaced and needing supplies. To donate CLICK HERE.
People with Disabilities or Special Needs… The group Portlight Strategies helps those with special needs or disabilities, not only in the moments of initial crisis but they also assist with post catastrophe need. To donate CLICK HERE.
For Animals… The SPCA and its many volunteers are taking in animals by the hundreds and need financial donations to help offset the costs. To donate to the SPCA CLICK HERE. For farmers and ranchers needing assistance with livestock, The Texas Department of Agriculture’s STAR Fund is a resource made up entirely of private donations that go to farmers and ranchers affected by the storm. To donate to the STAR Fund CLICK HERE.
For help with Food…
Houston Food Bank
832-369-9390
houstonfoodbank.org
Galveston Food Bank
409-945-4232
galvestoncountyfoodbank.org
Food Bank of the Golden Crescent (Victoria)
361-578-0591
victoriafoodbank.org
Corpus Christi Food Bank
361-887-6291
foodbankcc.com
Southeast Texas Food Bank (Beaumont)
409-839-8777
setxfoodbank.org
Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley (Pharr)
956-682-8101
foodbankrgv.com
Brazos Valley Food Bank (Bryan)
979-779-3663
bvfb.org
Central Texas Food Bank (Austin)
512-282-2111
centraltexasfoodbank.org
San Antonio Food Bank
210-337-3663
safoodbank.org
For Shelters… Trusted World is operating three shelters in Dallas for evacuees from the coast. They also need money, but can take donations of supplies. Most needed supplies include New underwear and socks (all sizes)
Non-Perishable food, Toiletries, Feminine hygiene products, Baby diapers, wipes, and formula. To donate CLICK HERE.
Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County coordinates the city’s response to homelessness, serving as “a backbone organization” to groups that offer direct service. It has been providing updated information on shelters with available beds.
For General Relief… The Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, established a Harvey relief fund at The Greater Houston Community Foundation. This organization connects donors with approved non-profits and innovative solutions in the social sector.
GlobalGiving, which calls itself the largest global crowdfunding community, has a goal of raising $2 million for its Harvey relief fund. Funds will be used first for immediate needs of food, water and shelter and then transition to long-term recovery efforts. To donate, CLICK HERE.
United Way of Greater Houston has launched a relief fund for storm-related needs and recovery. The organization says it already maintains a disaster relief fund but anticipates the needs of Harvey will far exceed those existing resources.
The Salvation Army is getting food and water to first responders and is setting up for massive feeding efforts for residents in affected areas.
Send Relief and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief says its teams began responding before Harvey made landfall and continues on-the-ground relief work. To donate CLICK HERE.
Samaritan’s Purse is accepting donations as well as volunteers for Harvey disaster relief for the coming months. To donate CLICK HERE.
For those wanting to volunteer, contacting any of the above organizations will give you a good idea as to where your time and efforts would be most needed. Again, for many the first feeling is to help, but this is going to be a very long process, and when the waters recede the cleanup will begin. Many of the groups above will be needing supplies such as…
Cleaning supplies
De-humidifiers
Air circulators
Extension cords
Ground fault protectors
Pop-up canopies
Shovels
Wheelbarrows
Crowbars
Hammers
Utility knives
Work gloves
Various tools
Chainsaws
Rope
Safety glasses
5-gallon buckets
Liquid laundry detergent
Dish soap
First-aid kits
Bottled water
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by this terrible event. Those displaced, those on the scene making rescues, those doing the best they can to offer comfort to the thousands that are suffering. Shelter supplies are being accepted locally at Phone Pros located at 4116 Gibson Lane in Texarkana, Texas.
CLICK FOR INFORMATION TO DONATE SUPPLIES FOR HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nQymMjECi8
