Over the weekend, Hurricane Harvey hit Texas’ Gulf Coast, bringing as much as a two feet in rain in some places and devastating flooding to some of the state’s most populous cities. The death toll now stands at about eight, and rescue efforts are currently underway, with volunteer rescue workers lending a hand as first responders find themselves absolutely overwhelmed.
According to CNN, the rain might not let up until the end of the week. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long predicts that Hurricane Harvey will be more destructive than 2008’s Hurricane Ike and 2001’s Tropical Storm Allison. Echoing these sentiments, US Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee stated, “The word catastrophic does not appropriately describe what we’re facing. We just don’t know when it’s going to end.”
Right now, Texans need our help. So we’ve compiled a list of places that are in need of money, supplies, and/or volunteers. Here’s how you can stand in solidarity with Texans as they go through extremely trying times:
1
Save the Children
Connecticut-based Save the Children is in Texas helping children and their families. “Vulnerable children and their families have been forced to evacuate their homes, not knowing whether they’ll still be standing when they return,” the site reads. “Our emergency responders are working around the clock to provide family-friendly supplies and services to Hurricane Harvey survivors.”
Donate here.
2
Texas Diaper Bank
As we donate money and food, it can be hard to remember that diapers are also very necessary at this time and something that disaster relief agencies do not provide, according to WKTR. Drop off items at at 5415 Bandera Road, Suite 504, San Antonio, Texas 78238. You can make cash donations here.
3
All Hands
“All Hands Volunteers’ Response team has reached Texas and is currently in a staging position in San Antonio,” the site reads. “We are in contact with emergency management officials, to determine where our services are needed most. An alert has been sent out to our extensive network of volunteers, that as soon as access is granted we will move into the affected area, most likely between Corpus Christi and Houston.”
Donate here.
4
Portlight
Portlight is a grassroots organization that has set up a hotline 800-626-4959 to help people with disabilities. “We’re working with TX government, FEMA and disability organizations from across the country to address the lifesaving needs of callers,” Portlight said in a statement. “We are rallying stakeholders by working together to help get people to safety, provide for any immediate needs they may have for disability related accommodations, durable medical equipment and other assistive technology, responding to evacuation and sheltering issues and problem-solving for a variety of immediate disability accessibility issues.”
Donate here.
6
Local Food Banks
As The Houston Press noted, several food bank areas are in need of donations. Check out the Corpus Christi Food Bank, Houston Food Bank, Southeast Texas Food Bank, and Galveston County Food Bank. Call first to learn what they’re looking for.