how to help hurricane harvey victims
Texas is flooding.
Though everyone anticipated that Hurricane Harvey would be bad, the entire Gulf Coast and much of the Hill Country is drenched. Flash flood warnings all over the place. People are doing whatever they can to get to higher ground. The Man Friend and I have been on the phone non-stop all day checking on our friends and family, then sharing the updates as we get them.
I cannot tell you how helpless it feels to not be able to do anything to help right now. We are 1,500 miles away and can't be boots on the ground to assist our fellow Texans. My mother-in-law and brother-in-law are trapped in their house. We're feeling optimistic because only a little water has made it indoors and it appears to be lowering...for now. The current models show that the storm is anticipated to swing back into the Gulf, then dump another boatload of water on Houston.
I literally cannot do anything to help but make phone calls, keep our extended friends and family in the loop, and donate to fund people who can help immediately.
american red cross
You can easily donate by texting HARVEY to 90999. All the proceeds go to American Red Cross rescue efforts.
If you prefer to donate online, visit the Red Cross's website.
austin pets alive
My whole family loves animals and so many pets and livestock will be displaced due to all of the flooding and damage. Please consider helping out this wonderful organization.You can also visit them online to make a donation.
You can also donate at the SPCA of Texas, the San Antonio Humane Society, and the Houston Humane Society (though they are minimally-staffed due to flooding). Also consider making pet food donations to help feed unexpected additions.
salvation army
With a focus on providing meals and shelter, your donation helps care for exhausted first responders and volunteers.
Donations can be made online here.
airbnb
If you need a free place to stay or you're offering shelter, please visit my favorite accommodation site to find a place weather out the storm. People are opening their homes to strangers so they're safe. Visit online for more.
donate to rockport
Rockport, Port Aransas, and Port Lavaca were hit hardest by the hurricane's impact. A friend of mine who lives and works there set up a donation page to help purchase supplies and help first responders. Consider donating to this beachside community by clicking here.
other options
- Donate blood
- Start a food drive for non-perishables and drinking water
- Offer a shuttle service to move supplies back and forth.
- Collect diapers, formula, and baby items
- Gather gently used clothing
I am so proud to be a Texan and I ask that you do what you can. I realize you don't know these people. However, their entire lives have been wiped away in the blink of an eye. I can guarantee they would do the same for you.
Much love,
A
