The world watched as Harvey made its way through Texas, first as a hurricane that devastated the coast, then as a tropical storm that lingered and brought deadly floods to the Houston area and much of East Texas. The wreckage is unlike anything we have ever seen.
Many people are wondering how they can possibly make a difference. But the truth is that recovery has just begun. Many organizations say the best way to help is by simply donating. Here are some ideas for where to donate in the Houston area to help Harvey victims.
Where to Donate For Harvey Victims
Donations don’t necessarily have to be monetary. Read on for some ideas of where to donate money, food, supplies, and even blood. If you are able to donate time, there are endless volunteer opportunities available.
Financial Assistance
Almost any charity could use a monetary donation, but here are a few specifically seeking financial gifts:
GoFundMe has a convenient page listing all of its Harvey campaigns.
GlobalGiving is raising money for food, supplies, medical needs, and rebuilding after Harvey.
The American Red Cross accepts donations online or through text. Give $10 by texting HARVEY to 90999.
The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund is a way to give locally, set up by Houston mayor Sylvester Turner.
Food and Supplies
You don’t have to look far to find organizations in need of food and supplies. Local options include:
The Houston Food Bank is accepting both financial gifts and food items for Harvey victims.
Coastal Bend Food Bank needs donations to feed residents of Corpus Christi in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Second Baptist Church’s site has specific options for post-Harvey giving and volunteering.
Houston’s Emergency Operations Center requests medical supplies, as well as food and water, clothing, and other equipment.
Blood
Anytime a natural disaster strikes, blood is in demand. Please consider donating in this way, especially if you’re Type O.
AABB is asking for commitments to donate blood.
America’s Blood Centers could use either financial or blood donations.
The Armed Services Blood Program helps provide transfusions to military families and is seeking blood donations.
The American Red Cross is also accepting blood donations.
For Children in Need
If you would like to specifically help children affected by Harvey, the following organizations are worthy:
Save the Children has emergency response programs assisting families with children in the San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Louisiana areas.
The Texas Diaper Bank accepts monetary donations, as well as items like diapers, wipes, formula, jarred food, and baby accessories.
Buckner International is an adoption and child care ministry with a specific disaster response donation site.
Texas Children’s Hospital needs breastmilk donors for nursing infants affected by Harvey.
For Pets in Need
Our four-legged friends need help, too. Many people don’t realize how many pets have lost their families in the hurricane aftermath, and shelters are filled to capacity.
Citizens For Animal Protection is a local Houston shelter that accepts food and pet supplies, as well as financial gifts.
Austin Pets Alive rescued hundreds of displaced animals from the Houston area. Now they are in need of foster homes for animals awaiting reunification, as well as financial assistance and supplies.
Houston SPCA has a donation page to solely benefit Harvey rescues.
Although Harvey wreaked havoc in Texas, something beautiful rose from the destruction — individuals came together from all over the country to offer assistance. Don’t feel discouraged if you’ve been unable to contribute until now. The need is still great, and everyone can make a difference.
