Rain from Hurricane Harvey has devasted a large portion of Texas.
When a natural disaster like this strikes, it can be easy to question why people live in a “dangerous” area. I can tell you that I never, ever would have imagined many of the areas under water in Houston right now to be at risk of flooding. Some areas are experiencing once-in-800-year events right now.
Even if you are far from Texas, you can have an immediate impact by donating to groups that are on the ground.
The typical go-to charity for a natural disaster like this is the American Red Cross. In addition to money, they can also connect you with a blood bank as blood needs are high right now.
There are a lot of local charities that can put your money to work quickly. Remember that this disaster has not just struck the fourth largest city in America. It stretches well beyond Houston to communities over a hundred miles away. To that end, here are some groups where your donation can have an immediate impact.
Bastrop Food Pantry – Bastrop is just east of Austin and seems to be the demarcation between places that got hit hard versus those that are OK. (I live in Austin and am completely safe. Most areas of Austin have received less than 10″ of rain. Many areas around Bastrop have been hit with 20″.) The Bastrop Food Pantry was already in need before the flood. Now the need is greater. Here’s the cool thing: the food pantry buys food for 15 cents a pound from the major food bank in Austin. So even if you’re only able to give $15, that’s like donating 100 pounds of food! You may also consider food banks in Corpus Christi, Galveston and other surrounding areas.
Texas Diaper Bank – This group is getting a lot of attention in the wake of Harvey. It looks like they’ve raised $400,000 already but can use more.
Houston Humane Society – a lot of animals are also in need right now. Also look at animal rescues around Houston and even places like Austin and San Antonio that are assisting.
Greater Houston Community Foundation – This organization has set up the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. The fund was established by the mayor, so I hope that it will be put to use on the ground quickly.
[Update: I hit $1,000 in matching already, but I encourage you to still consider giving.] I will match donations to Texas Diaper Bank, Houston Humane Society, Greater Houston Community Foundation or any 501c food bank in Texas up to a total of $1,000. Just post a comment with your contribution (amount and recipient), or you can email me at editor (at) domainnamewire.com with details of your contribution if you’d like to keep it private.
MichaelBlend says
$250 to the Texas Diaper Bank. Thanks for doing this Andrew!
Andrew Allemann says
Thanks Michael! I will match it.
WQ says
Sent $500 to Bastrop Food Pantry.
Thanks for the post.
Andrew Allemann says
Thank you for your generosity…match is on its way.
Andrew Allemann says
A reader also donated $50 to the Houston Humane Society, so I’m up to $800 on matching. Last call, and thanks to everyone for their generosity!