When Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas last week, no one imagined the conditions would be as catastrophic as they have been. The Category 4 hurricane is the most powerful storm to hit Texas in more than 50 years and is expected to drop more than 50 inches of rain along it’s path – only adding to the already devastating floods across the state. With three currently reported deaths, authorities expect the toll to rise. Damages are expected to fall somewhere in the billions – and the victims will need help to get back on their feet. Here’s what you can do to help those impacted by the Hurricane:
1. Donate to the Houston Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
City and County Officials Urge Residents to Donate to @greaterhoucf Relief Fund https://t.co/Ux8XoPi0Kl #hounews #houstonflood
— City of Houston (@HoustonTX) August 28, 2017
Houston Mayor, Sylvester Turner, created the fund to accept donations for victims of Hurricane Harvey and to rebuild Houston.
2. Donate to the Humane Society’s Disaster Relief Fund
If you’d like to help our #AnimalRescueTeam continue to answer the call when disaster strikes, donate now: https://t.co/tIM4tN9ssM pic.twitter.com/VAo6s2jL2J
— Humane Society (@HumaneSociety) August 28, 2017
The HSUS’ animal rescue team is currently on the ground in Texas, rescuing pets from the floods and moving them to safe spaces to wade out the storm.
3. Houston Food Bank
HFB will always support Houston during disaster. When it’s safe we will need volunteers. If you can make a donation: https://t.co/Sgnn0HvGeU pic.twitter.com/4VArTEhUkk
— Houston Food Bank (@HoustonFoodBank) August 28, 2017
The food bank’s building has been closed due to flooding, but will provide disaster relief for victims.
4. Donate to the Red Cross
#RedCross is providing shelter, meals & comfort to people impacted by #Harvey. To find a location: https://t.co/sizEp51qtg or 1-800-REDCROSS pic.twitter.com/jfewo2EJh0
— American Red Cross (@RedCross) August 28, 2017
Text HARVEY to 90999 to give $10
To donate blood, visit the Red Cross’ website to find the closest donation center to you. Penn State and the State College are have blood drives occurring over the course of this week.
5. If any loved ones are in the impacted area, encourage them to call these numbers and hang a towel or sheet from their home to assist authorities in finding them:
Here’s how you can help support communities and families affected by #HurricaneHarvey. https://t.co/ldH2HUpA6D
— United Way (@UnitedWay) August 28, 2017
Austin Disaster Relief Network : 512-806-0800
United Way Helpline: Dial 211 for shelter information
Every penny helps make a difference in the life of victims.
Cover credit: U.S. Department of Defense