Houston─It’s been home to The Arrangement since 1992. If there is one thing we know by now, it’s that Texans take care of each other. We are strong. We are generous. And we will overcome this crisis. Texans join together in times of need.
We are devastated by the ongoing destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey in Houston and all along the coast. Our concern is the safety of all our friends and family, as well as those connected to us via business. I feel a sense of helplessness and have had to educate myself very quickly on charities poised to make the biggest difference.
What I do know is this: we will do more as good samaritans in this great state of Texas than anyone could imagine. Whether it’s opening our homes to folks that cannot return to their own or lending a hand to the cleanup and rebuilding when it’s time, we WILL go above and beyond to come to the aid of our neighbors. To all those outside of Texas, we welcome and appreciate your help too.
Do your best in the coming weeks. I know I will be.
With love and support,
Katherine
In times of crisis, how we come together to help each other is what makes all the difference. There are so many people who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey and are in desperate need of assistance. Thanks to Forbes and SBNation for compiling this comprehensive list. Here are a few ways to contribute aid and lend a helping hand:
EMERGENCY RELIEF ORGANIZATIONS*
Traditional charities that provide the basics—water, electricity, clothing, and food—are ‘king’ during natural disasters, but you can get relief efforts moving faster by giving cash donations. These tax-exempt charities have indicated they are accepting Hurricane Harvey-specific donations:
- AMERICAN RED CROSS: Visit their website, call 1.800.RED CROSS, or text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation for those in need.
- CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF USA: Visit CCUSA’s disaster-specific website or text 71777 to make a donation.
- GLOBAL GIVING: Visit their website or text HARVEY to 80100 to donate $10 to Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.
- HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF FUND: Houston Mayor, Sylvester Turner, has established this fund within the Greater Houston Community Foundation. To make a donation, visit GHCF.
- SALVATION ARMY: Visit their website, call 1.800.SAL ARMY, or text STORM to 51555.
LOCAL CHARITIES*
If you prefer to donate directly to local charities, here is a list you could consider:
- CENTRAL TEXAS FOOD BANK: Donate here.
- COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS: This umbrella organization coordinates shelters and organizations across Houston—donate here.
- SAN ANTONIO FOOD BANK: Many displaced Houston residents will be relocated to San Antonio—donate here.
- SOUTH TEXAS BLOOD & TISSUE DONATION: Local residents can donate blood in person—donate here.
- SPCA OF TEXAS: In addition to financial donations, the organization is accepting in-kind donations like cat litter, litter boxes, towels, blankets, large wire crates, toys, treats, pet beds, newspaper, and gas gift cards—donate here.
- TEXAS DIAPER BANK: Donate here.
For a longer list of local food banks, visit here.
IN ADDITION TO FINANCIAL DONATIONS, YOU CAN…
- FOSTER A PET: The SPCA of Texas has put out a call for foster homes to help care for the animals already in shelters and those coming from the Gulf Coast. You can sign up here. Austin Pets Alive is also seeking families that can foster cats and large dogs as well as cash donations and in-kind donations. Learn more here.
- DONATE BLOOD: Donations of blood are also needed, and while you can’t claim a tax deduction for giving blood, it’s a terrific way to help. Find your nearest donation center.
- WRITE A HANDWRITTEN NOTE: Kindness is always appreciated. A handwritten note or two, offering your thanks and good wishes to those who are on the front lines of these disasters (like police and fire departments, schools, churches, etc.) is a unique way to give your support.
OTHER RESOURCES FOR THOSE HELPING OR THOSE AFFECTED
- If you can offer up room locally for displaced residents and evacuees, or if you need a place to stay, AirBNB will help facilitate that. Learn more.
- If you’re in or near Houston with a boat, you can coordinate your help with the sheriff’s office here.
- Here’s an interactive map that shows different shelters, pet shelters, and food distribution centers around Texas.
- The Houston Chronicle has live Hurricane Harvey updates that may pertain to evacuees or residents still in the city. They also have a complete list of local highways and roads that are inaccessible or shut down due to flooding.
*Please note that these are not endorsements of any specific charity. If you’re not a fan of these organizations listed, there are many other charities that would welcome your support. Please check the credentials of any potential charitable organization before you donate. Charity Navigator is useful for gathering information about existing charities and has a Hurricane Harvey specific section.