Hurricane Harvey devastated Texas after making landfall near Corpus Christi on Friday night. The slow-moving storm left behind flooded communities in Houston and other parts of Texas throughout the weekend leaving hundreds without homes and thousands without power. While the initial response on social media was they typical “Pray for Houston” message, some courageous people in neighboring cities have given blood or opened up their homes to provide accommodation for evacuees.
If you would like to really help those affected by the storm, here’s what you can do too.
Point Them To The Nearest Shelter
Here is a FULL list of Houston shelters that are open and taking people in (This list list updated frequently, so keep checking back). Click here for the FULL LIST.
Donate Money Directly On The Ground
Before you donate to a charity, make sure you know where your aid is going. The Center for International Disaster Information recommends checking with a charity monitoring organization like GiveWell, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or the Better Business Bureau before donating.
Make sure your donation is secure by going through an organization’s official website or sending a check in the mail. Charity Navigator says you should never donate over the phone, email or unknown social media pages, as these are easier for scammers to target.
Most charities prefer monetary donations. These are more flexible and cause less of a strain on the charity, allowing them to help more, the CIDI explained.
Unlike material donations, cash involves no transportation costs, shipping delays, or customs fees. Here are a few reputable donation groups:
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross provides emergency
assistance and disaster relief in times of crisis, and is seeking donations to help victims of Harvey.
The organization is urging people to call 1-800-RED CROSS or text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation for those in need.
“The American Red Cross is helping the people affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and all across the Gulf coast. Shelters are open, truck loads of supplies are being distributed and volunteers in place,” a statement on the organization’s website says.
Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities USA, a Catholic social service organization, is seeking donations to help those who have been affected by Harvey. Here is Catholic Charities donate link.
The group has set up a website devoted to Harvey relief, and explains that “long term recovery” is part of the group’s approach to disasters like this one.
“Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), the official domestic relief agency of the U.S. Catholic Church, needs your support to ensure the delivery of compassionate care and support to individuals affected by disasters. Our agencies provide essential support before, during and after disasters hit,” the statement says. “In fact, long-term recovery is an integral part of Catholic Charities’ holistic approach and we work tirelessly to ensure individuals can live their lives with the dignity we all deserve. This service is provided to the community regardless of religion, social or economic background.”
Apple
The multimedia giant and inventor of the most popular smartphone has set up a donation link directly on iTunes and App Store.Visit www.apple.com for more information. Donations will go directly to the American Red Cross.
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner established this fund administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation to accept tax-deductible flood-relief donations.
Online Credit Card Donations: Visit www.ghcf.org. Online credit card donations will be assessed a small fee, typically 3%, by the credit card companies. Donors have the option of increasing their credit card donations to cover this fee.
Checks/Money Orders: Mail to Greater Houston Community Foundation, 5120 Woodway Drive, Suite 6000, Houston, TX 77056.
Transfer Cash by Wire: Wire To: JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Houston, TX
ABA # 021000021
For credit to: Greater Houston Community Foundation
A/C#: 849170287
For further credit to: Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
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