It’s been a heartbreaking past few days watching the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Houston is very close to my heart. I love the city—and the people and animals who live in it—very much. Most of the tears I have shed have been out of heartbreak, but some recent ones have come from hope. It has helped my heart watching people helping people. This is why I love Houston. This is why I love Texas. I’ve also come across some really nice love letters to Houston.
It’s frustrating not being there to help, but I’m hoping this small blog post does something. Below is a list of organizations where you can donate your time, money and household items. Keep scrolling for links to other helpful lists. To my Houston friend fam, you know I love you. Hang in there. #HoustonStrong
The Houston Food Bank’s goal is to make food accessible to hungry people in their greatest times of need. You can help them most by donating money (every $1 provides 3 meals), but they’re also asking for canned ready-to-eat vegetables and fruit with pull tops, protein in pouches or pull-up top cans, peanut butter, toiletries and more to be dropped off at their main location on Portwall. If you’re local, you can sign up for volunteer shifts.
Save the Children is passionate about giving children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm—every day, in times of crisis and the future. Their CEO and president, Carolyn Miles, has been spending time with displaced kids in the child-friendly spaces the organization has set up. Donate here to help them provide infant and toddler supplies (and so much more) to three Houston mega shelters.
Houston Humane Society is a charity dedicated to ending cruelty, abuse and the overpopulation of animals while providing the highest quality of life to those in their care. Over the past few days, their team has participated in rescue missions to save people and pets. Miranda Lambert and her MuttNation Foundationteam recently helped them transfer animals that were at the shelter before Harvey hit, in order to free up space for strays and displaced animals that will need shelter in the next few days and weeks. Give directly to their Hurricane Harvey fund, or buy them something from their Amazon Wish List. Follow their Facebook page for updates.
Austin Pets Alive!, the leader of the no-kill movement in Central Texas, has already saved over 600 (and counting) animals who have been displaced by Harvey. They have run out of room to hold the many donations they’ve received in the past few days, so they are asking for financial donations instead. They are, as always, in need of fosters, adopters and volunteers. Keep up with their efforts on Twitter and Instagram with #APAHarvey.
The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center has extended the hours of many donor locations in response to the high demand of blood. They have already made their first large shipment to the Texas coast, and will continue to make shipments in the next few weeks. Sign up to donate blood here. If you’re not local, you can donate blood through the Red Cross.
Texas Diaper Bank is an organization based in San Antonio who helps provide diapers to babies and seniors. Help them continue to ship diapers to shelters in Corpus Christi, Rockport and Houston by donating here. They are also asking for volunteers to help them count, sort and send out donations.
The United Way of Houston has launched the United Way Relief Fund to provide safety, shelter and basic needs, like food, to those in need. 100% of donations go to helping the community recover. Visit their website to donate or text UWFLOOD to 41444.
Direct Relief’s mission is to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies without regard to politics, religion or ability to pay. They are providing emergency funding, medical supplies and medicine to local health care centers. Donate here.
More Lists on How to Help Houston
Houston Chronicle – Hurricane Harvey: How to help victims of the Texas storm
Houston Press – Want to Help Harvey Victims? Here’s How.
Greater Houston Community Foundation – Hurricane Harvey Relief Resources
Texas Monthly – Here Are Ways You Can Help People During Hurricane Harvey
Cupcakes and Cashmere – 5 Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Harvey
SPCA of Texas – Hurricane Harvey: Who’s Helping and How to Help Them
NPR – Here’s How You Can Help People Affected By Harvey
New York Times – Where to Donate to Harvey Victims (and How to Avoid Scams)
Texas Tribune – How to Get (and Offer) Help After Harvey
Click2Houston – How you can help Hurricane Harvey victims
Fox 26 Houston – How you can help victims of Harvey
Today – Here’s how you can help animals affected by Hurricane Harvey
Farmhouse Delivery – How to Help: Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts
People Pets – Hurricane Harvey’s Amazing Animal Survival Stories: Rescues, Reunions and Furry Refugees
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