With unprecedented rains and historic flooding, Hurricane Harvey has caused widespread damage in several Texas communities. Here are some ways you can help families and communities rebuild after this devastating storm, whether you give money, time, or blood.
Hurricane Harvey relief organizations
American Red Cross: Usually the first group people think of when giving after a disaster. It says it is providing shelters for those displaced by Harvey, and it also has thousands of volunteers on the ground in the state. You can give here.
Salvation Army: The Christian charity is emphasizing its intentions to help with long-term recovery in Houston. You can give here.
Global Giving: A charity crowdfunding site trying to raise $2 million that will go exclusively to local relief and recovery efforts. You can give here.
Foundation Beyond Belief: The humanist group, also recommended by Montano, is evaluating how best to use the funds it collects. You can give here.
Volunteers and community funds
Team Rubicon: A veterans group sending volunteers to help with rescue operations in areas affected by Harvey. You can give here.
Operation Supply Drop: Another veterans organization that is also sending volunteers to Texas. You can give here.
Greater Houston Community Fund: A broad-based relief fund established by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. You can give here.
Food banks, animals, and blood donations
Local food banks: The Houston Press has compiled a list of food banks in the affected area, including Houston Food Bank, Galveston County Food Bank, Corpus Christi Food Bank, Southeast Texas Food Bank, and more. Before you donate, they recommend contacting a food bank directly to ask about its needs and what you can do.
Houston Humane Society: The group is helping marshal care and shelter for pets in the area. You can give here. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Texas is also undertaking similar efforts. You can give here.
Blood donations: If you prefer to give blood, the Houston Chronicle noted that Carter BloodCare and the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center are accepting donations.
Medical, disability, and rebuilding support
Americares: The non-profit focuses on medicine and health. It is seeking to provide emergency medical supplies and other basic resources to first responders and others in Texas. You can give here.
Portlight: A disaster response group dedicated specifically to people with disabilities. It is seeking to help affected people with needs such as evacuation, finding shelter, and medical equipment. You can learn more about its efforts here.
SBP: The New Orleans-based organization plans to send Americorps volunteers and assist local leaders and nonprofits. Then it will help rebuild damaged or destroyed homes. You can give here.
