By now you are surely aware of the devastating impact Hurricane Harvey has had on the city of Houston. Whether you can spare only $1 or much more, I hope that you'll take the time to send aid to those desperately in need.
Below, I've outlined a number of organizations that are currently accepting donations nationally and locally but I also encourage you to do your due diligence and find one or more charitable organization that you feel inspired to stand behind. As devastating as Hurricane Harvey has been and will continue to be, we can all work to help those in need because as Anne Frank said so beautifully, "no one has ever become poor by giving."
DONATE NATIONALLY
The American Red Cross is accepting donations on its website. You can also text HARVEY to 90999 to donate $10.
Many animals are also suffering from this horrible disaster. To help them, you can donate to the Houston Humane Society or the San Antonio Humane Society. The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has also set up an animal emergency response hotline (713-861-3010) and is accepting donations here. Also, the Humane Society and ASPCA are accepting donations. You can also text LOVE to 20222 to automatically donate $10 to the Humane Society.
Donations to the Salvation Army can be made online, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) or texting STORM to 51555.
Catholic Charities are also accepting donations and work to provide food, clothing, shelter and support services to those from all religious backgrounds.
Hurricane Harvey has left many survivors in need of medicine and supplies and AmeriCares works to bring these where needed.
AABB, which coordinates a task force to manage blood collection efforts during disasters, put out a call on Sunday for blood donations in the aftermath of Harvey. Most in demand: those with type O-positive blood.
DONATE LOCALLY
The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund of Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner, which is administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation.
If you local and are able to donate food, Houston Food Bank and the Food Bank of Corpus Christi are taking donations.
The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center is reporting a critical shortage, and has extended hours at all of its San Antonio-area donor rooms. To donate, call 210-731-5590 or visit their website for more information.
Carter BloodCare covers hospitals in North, Central and East Texas. To donate, call 877-571-1000 or text DONATE4LIFE to 444-999.
As you can imagine, infant essentials like diapers and wipes are always needed and they can be donated to the Texas Diaper Bank in San Antonio either in person or mailed to 5415 Bandera Road, Suite 504, San Antonio, Tex., 78238.
The United Way of Greater Houston flood relief fund will be used to help with immediate needs as well as long-term services like minor home repair. Visit their website to donate or text UWFLOOD to 41444.
The L.G.B.T.Q. Disaster Relief Fund will be used to help people “rebuild their lives through counseling, case management, direct assistance with shelf stable food, furniture, housing and more.” It is managed by The Montrose Center, Houston’s longtime community center for the area’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender population.
