Hurricane Harvey: How You Can Help
Want to donate or volunteer to aid victims of the storm? Here are groups assisting with disaster relief and recovery
Anne Colby
September 3, 2017
Houzz U.S. Editor
This story was updated Sept. 8.
As the residents of Houston and surrounding communities come to grips with the damage to their homes and disruption to their lives from Harvey’s catastrophic flooding, you may be wondering what you can do to help. Here’s a list of some of the organizations providing relief to victims of the tropical storm or preparing to help them recover in the days ahead. (Use caution when making disaster-aid donations to be sure a group is legitimate. Sites such as Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau’s Give.org can help.)
As the residents of Houston and surrounding communities come to grips with the damage to their homes and disruption to their lives from Harvey’s catastrophic flooding, you may be wondering what you can do to help. Here’s a list of some of the organizations providing relief to victims of the tropical storm or preparing to help them recover in the days ahead. (Use caution when making disaster-aid donations to be sure a group is legitimate. Sites such as Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau’s Give.org can help.)
Texas National Guard soldiers help people in a flooded area of Houston during Tropical Storm Harvey. Photo by Lt. Zachary West, 100th MPAD, Texas Military Department
National VOAD. National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster is an association of faith-based, community-based and other national and state disaster relief organizations. Its website offers links to groups assisting storm victims and information on how to donate or volunteer. Info
American Red Cross. The Red Cross is operating shelters in the Gulf Coast region. It has 3,500 disaster workers in Texas and Louisiana and more are en route. The group is providing supplies, cots, blankets, meals, snacks, diapers and comfort kits. It is operating 16 mobile kitchens. It seeks volunteers and donations of blood. Text HARVEY to 90999 to give $10. Info
South Texas Blood and Tissue Center. The center is supplying blood units to local hospitals and trauma centers. Blood donation hours have been extended at some locations in Texas. Check the website for blood-collection sites and donation details. Info
National VOAD. National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster is an association of faith-based, community-based and other national and state disaster relief organizations. Its website offers links to groups assisting storm victims and information on how to donate or volunteer. Info
American Red Cross. The Red Cross is operating shelters in the Gulf Coast region. It has 3,500 disaster workers in Texas and Louisiana and more are en route. The group is providing supplies, cots, blankets, meals, snacks, diapers and comfort kits. It is operating 16 mobile kitchens. It seeks volunteers and donations of blood. Text HARVEY to 90999 to give $10. Info
South Texas Blood and Tissue Center. The center is supplying blood units to local hospitals and trauma centers. Blood donation hours have been extended at some locations in Texas. Check the website for blood-collection sites and donation details. Info
Texas National Guard soldiers transport children to safety. Photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Pruitt, The National Guard
Save the Children. Emergency teams are assisting families in evacuation shelters. The group is delivering family-friendly supplies, including cribs, strollers, changing tables, diapers and portable tubs. It is operating supervised child-friendly spaces where parents can leave their children while attending to the families’ needs. It is planning for long-term recovery, helping communities restore child care and early education programs. Info
Houston Diaper Bank. The diaper bank is distribute diapers and other baby supplies to shelters and community centers. It seeks cash donations and volunteers. Info
Portlight Strategies. The organization assists people with disabilities and older adults, including after disasters. It is working with the state of Texas, FEMA and disability groups nationally to address the lifesaving needs of callers to its Hurricane Harvey disability hotline. Info
Feeding Texas. Food banks in the statewide network are providing food boxes, shelter meals and cleaning supplies to families affected by Harvey. The group says that every dollar donated goes to its food banks to help these families. Info
Houston Food Bank. The food bank is providing food and supplies to residents in southeast Texas affected by Harvey. It is working with its partner agencies to ensure that food is getting to those who need it most. It seeks cash donations, as well as volunteers and donations of food and supplies. Info
Coastal Bend Food Bank. The organization distributes food in south Texas. Info
San Antonio Food Bank. The food bank is supporting local and state needs after Harvey. In addition to cash donations, it is asking for volunteers and items including nonperishable food, water, diapers, car seats, strollers, cribs and clothing. Info
Save the Children. Emergency teams are assisting families in evacuation shelters. The group is delivering family-friendly supplies, including cribs, strollers, changing tables, diapers and portable tubs. It is operating supervised child-friendly spaces where parents can leave their children while attending to the families’ needs. It is planning for long-term recovery, helping communities restore child care and early education programs. Info
Houston Diaper Bank. The diaper bank is distribute diapers and other baby supplies to shelters and community centers. It seeks cash donations and volunteers. Info
Portlight Strategies. The organization assists people with disabilities and older adults, including after disasters. It is working with the state of Texas, FEMA and disability groups nationally to address the lifesaving needs of callers to its Hurricane Harvey disability hotline. Info
Feeding Texas. Food banks in the statewide network are providing food boxes, shelter meals and cleaning supplies to families affected by Harvey. The group says that every dollar donated goes to its food banks to help these families. Info
Houston Food Bank. The food bank is providing food and supplies to residents in southeast Texas affected by Harvey. It is working with its partner agencies to ensure that food is getting to those who need it most. It seeks cash donations, as well as volunteers and donations of food and supplies. Info
Coastal Bend Food Bank. The organization distributes food in south Texas. Info
San Antonio Food Bank. The food bank is supporting local and state needs after Harvey. In addition to cash donations, it is asking for volunteers and items including nonperishable food, water, diapers, car seats, strollers, cribs and clothing. Info
Children in Cypress Creek, Houston, get assistance from the Texas Army National Guard. Photo by Capt. Martha Nigrelle, U.S. Army National Guard, Texas Military Department
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The group is providing people with basic necessities, referrals, emergency funds and gift cards. It is seeking donations of food and water, children’s items, cleaning supplies, toiletries and household items. Info
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. This group operates Meals on Wheels and provides assistance to seniors, refugees and others with special needs. To assist with its efforts after Harvey, it is seeking cash donations, volunteers and gifts of wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, bug spray and Ensure. Info
Islamic Society of Greater Houston. ISGH is using two of its mosques as shelters to house those affected by flooding. It is offering assistance to anyone in urgent need of rescue, food, water or shelter. It welcomes volunteers. Info
Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. The federation has been helping with muck work in flooded homes. It is providing a range of assistance, including temporary housing and meals, to those affected by flooding. It has established a Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund for donations. Info
Salvation Army. The group’s trained disaster staff and volunteers are providing food boxes, bottled water, cleanup kits and comfort kits. They also are serving at emergency shelters and staffing emergency operations centers. Mobile feeding units and field kitchens are providing meals, drinks and snacks. Info
Samaritan’s Purse. The group has disaster relief units in southeastern Texas providing emergency relief equipment and supplies to help its staff and volunteers meet the needs of flood victims. It is helping with roof repair and cleanup work. Info
Tzu Chi. Volunteers from the international humanitarian aid organization have been providing disaster relief and cash cards to hurricane victims. Info
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The group is providing people with basic necessities, referrals, emergency funds and gift cards. It is seeking donations of food and water, children’s items, cleaning supplies, toiletries and household items. Info
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. This group operates Meals on Wheels and provides assistance to seniors, refugees and others with special needs. To assist with its efforts after Harvey, it is seeking cash donations, volunteers and gifts of wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, bug spray and Ensure. Info
Islamic Society of Greater Houston. ISGH is using two of its mosques as shelters to house those affected by flooding. It is offering assistance to anyone in urgent need of rescue, food, water or shelter. It welcomes volunteers. Info
Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. The federation has been helping with muck work in flooded homes. It is providing a range of assistance, including temporary housing and meals, to those affected by flooding. It has established a Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund for donations. Info
Salvation Army. The group’s trained disaster staff and volunteers are providing food boxes, bottled water, cleanup kits and comfort kits. They also are serving at emergency shelters and staffing emergency operations centers. Mobile feeding units and field kitchens are providing meals, drinks and snacks. Info
Samaritan’s Purse. The group has disaster relief units in southeastern Texas providing emergency relief equipment and supplies to help its staff and volunteers meet the needs of flood victims. It is helping with roof repair and cleanup work. Info
Tzu Chi. Volunteers from the international humanitarian aid organization have been providing disaster relief and cash cards to hurricane victims. Info
Texas Army National Guard soldiers help rescue animals in the Cypress Creek area of Houston. Photo by Capt. Martha Nigrelle, U.S. Army National Guard, Texas Military Department
The Humane Society of the United States. The group has been working with local officials on animal rescue and transport, helping move animals that had been up for adoption to shelters where they can find new homes. It also has been doing aerial surveys of stranded cattle is helping deliver hay to them. Info
Houston Humane Society. The shelter is caring for strays coming through the door after Harvey. Info
BARC. The city of Houston’s animal shelter and adoption facility is accepting cash donations, volunteer help and donations of supplies through its Amazon wish list. Info
Forgotten Dogs of the 5th Ward Project. This Houston nonprofit group has volunteers in the field rescuing dogs. Info
The Humane Society of the United States. The group has been working with local officials on animal rescue and transport, helping move animals that had been up for adoption to shelters where they can find new homes. It also has been doing aerial surveys of stranded cattle is helping deliver hay to them. Info
Houston Humane Society. The shelter is caring for strays coming through the door after Harvey. Info
BARC. The city of Houston’s animal shelter and adoption facility is accepting cash donations, volunteer help and donations of supplies through its Amazon wish list. Info
Forgotten Dogs of the 5th Ward Project. This Houston nonprofit group has volunteers in the field rescuing dogs. Info
California Air National Guard soldiers conduct water rescue operations in Vidor, Texas. Photo by Staff Sgt. Balinda O’Neal Dresel, California National Guard, U.S. Army National Guard
SPCA of Texas. The group is assisting and caring for animals and people who have evacuated the Gulf Coast and are sheltering in northern Texas. In addition to donating money, you can give in-kind gifts through the group’s Amazon wish list. Info
Austin Pets Alive. As of Sept. 7 the no-kill shelter in Austin, Texas, had taken in 2,000 animals and had 1,000 in foster. It is focusing on helping animals that need adoption. Besides donations, it is seeking volunteers to help with the animals. Info
Wildlife Center of Texas. The group says on its Facebook page that since Harvey hit it has admitted more than 450 animals, including baby deer, birds, opossums, squirrels and beavers. It welcomes cash and Amazon wish list donations. Info
SPCA of Texas. The group is assisting and caring for animals and people who have evacuated the Gulf Coast and are sheltering in northern Texas. In addition to donating money, you can give in-kind gifts through the group’s Amazon wish list. Info
Austin Pets Alive. As of Sept. 7 the no-kill shelter in Austin, Texas, had taken in 2,000 animals and had 1,000 in foster. It is focusing on helping animals that need adoption. Besides donations, it is seeking volunteers to help with the animals. Info
Wildlife Center of Texas. The group says on its Facebook page that since Harvey hit it has admitted more than 450 animals, including baby deer, birds, opossums, squirrels and beavers. It welcomes cash and Amazon wish list donations. Info
A soldier looks out at flooded streets in Houston’s Cypress Creek area. Photo by Capt. Martha Nigrelle, U.S. Army National Guard, Texas Military Department
Greater Houston Community Foundation. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has established the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, which is accepting tax-deductible donations that will go to victims affected by the flooding. Info
Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County. The group says local homeless providers have housed more than 11,000 homeless individuals since 2012. It is working to see how many people who have been housed in The Way Home’s permanent housing programs have been displaced by the storm. It is exploring disaster funding that can be used to help homeless and displaced people get back into housing. Info
Greater Houston Community Foundation. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has established the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, which is accepting tax-deductible donations that will go to victims affected by the flooding. Info
Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County. The group says local homeless providers have housed more than 11,000 homeless individuals since 2012. It is working to see how many people who have been housed in The Way Home’s permanent housing programs have been displaced by the storm. It is exploring disaster funding that can be used to help homeless and displaced people get back into housing. Info
South Carolina’s Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team flies over Port Arthur, Texas, during rescue operations Aug. 31. Photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel J. Martinez, U.S. Air National Guard
Direct Relief. The international humanitarian aid group is giving an initial $350,000 for emergency operating grants of up to $25,000 each for community health centers in Texas to help with immediate financial needs. Direct Relief has also made emergency deliveries of medications and other supplies to Texas health centers and nonprofit safety-net health providers. Info
United Way of Greater Houston. The nonprofit agency has launched the United Way Relief Fund to support its community in the aftermath of Harvey. United Way of Greater Houston says its first priority will be safety, shelter and basic needs such as food. It will then focus on long-term recovery efforts. It is seeking Info
Americares. The relief organization offers health care, emergency medicine and supplies in disaster areas. It says it has sent sent shipments of medicine and supplies worth $1.5 million to local organizations helping survivors in Texas. It also has helped supply urgent health services, and is planning for the delivery of long-term health-care services. Info
Direct Relief. The international humanitarian aid group is giving an initial $350,000 for emergency operating grants of up to $25,000 each for community health centers in Texas to help with immediate financial needs. Direct Relief has also made emergency deliveries of medications and other supplies to Texas health centers and nonprofit safety-net health providers. Info
United Way of Greater Houston. The nonprofit agency has launched the United Way Relief Fund to support its community in the aftermath of Harvey. United Way of Greater Houston says its first priority will be safety, shelter and basic needs such as food. It will then focus on long-term recovery efforts. It is seeking Info
Americares. The relief organization offers health care, emergency medicine and supplies in disaster areas. It says it has sent sent shipments of medicine and supplies worth $1.5 million to local organizations helping survivors in Texas. It also has helped supply urgent health services, and is planning for the delivery of long-term health-care services. Info
Port Arthur is seen from the air Aug. 31. Photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel J. Martinez, U.S. Air National Guard
GlobalGiving. The group seeks to raise $5 million for its Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund to provide emergency food, water and medicine to victims and long-term assistance to residents to help them recover and rebuild. The group sent its first round of funding to seven vetted, local nonprofits delivering aid to survivors. These include an emergency center, a foster program for displaced animals, two local food banks and the Texas Diaper Bank. Info
Airbnb. The company is waiving service fees to those affected by the disaster who check in between Aug. 23 and Sept. 25. It has a web page where members can offer free lodging to victims of Harvey. Info
GoFundMe. The fundraising platform has a page devoted to campaigns raising funds to assist storm victims. It also has its own Direct Impact Fund accepting tax-deductible donations to support individuals with verified GoFundMe campaigns. Info
GlobalGiving. The group seeks to raise $5 million for its Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund to provide emergency food, water and medicine to victims and long-term assistance to residents to help them recover and rebuild. The group sent its first round of funding to seven vetted, local nonprofits delivering aid to survivors. These include an emergency center, a foster program for displaced animals, two local food banks and the Texas Diaper Bank. Info
Airbnb. The company is waiving service fees to those affected by the disaster who check in between Aug. 23 and Sept. 25. It has a web page where members can offer free lodging to victims of Harvey. Info
GoFundMe. The fundraising platform has a page devoted to campaigns raising funds to assist storm victims. It also has its own Direct Impact Fund accepting tax-deductible donations to support individuals with verified GoFundMe campaigns. Info
Hurricane Harvey damage at Rockport, Texas. U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Malcolm McClendon, Texas Military Department
All Hands Volunteers. This group works with volunteers, partner organizations and communities to help homeowners affected by natural disasters, including assisting with “mucking and gutting” after a flood. It helps communities rebuild homes, schools, day care facilities and community centers. It has teams in Houston and in the Aransas Pass area, talking with homeowners, making assessments and doing chainsaw work and debris removal. Info
Center for Disaster Philanthropy. CDP says it focuses on longer-term recovery needs of survivors after disasters —investing in projects that support vulnerable populations and fill in gaps where public resources are unavailable. It has started the CDP Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund and expects to help rebuild homes, businesses, infrastructure and the agricultural sectors and meet the needs of young children and mental health needs. Info
All Hands Volunteers. This group works with volunteers, partner organizations and communities to help homeowners affected by natural disasters, including assisting with “mucking and gutting” after a flood. It helps communities rebuild homes, schools, day care facilities and community centers. It has teams in Houston and in the Aransas Pass area, talking with homeowners, making assessments and doing chainsaw work and debris removal. Info
Center for Disaster Philanthropy. CDP says it focuses on longer-term recovery needs of survivors after disasters —investing in projects that support vulnerable populations and fill in gaps where public resources are unavailable. It has started the CDP Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund and expects to help rebuild homes, businesses, infrastructure and the agricultural sectors and meet the needs of young children and mental health needs. Info
Chabad Lubavitch Rabbi Naftoli Schmukler, left, of Corpus Christi, Texas, and volunteers Dr. David Ryan, Alex Ryan and Mitch Stuart remove debris from a home in Rockport, Texas, on Aug. 31. Photo by Verónica G. Cárdenas, Chabad.org
Share: Have you or your loved ones or friends been affected by Harvey? Please offer your thoughts, photos and advice on how people can help in the Comments.
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Share: Have you or your loved ones or friends been affected by Harvey? Please offer your thoughts, photos and advice on how people can help in the Comments.
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Brenda, I think a lot more help was given when donations were made to the actual town, like here in Rockport. Months later, we still have people in tents because their homes were destroyed, etc. They're still hauling out 12,000 cubic yards of debris daily,in Aransas County. They've hauled over 2,000,000 so far. We've come a long way, but still have a ways to go. Some of the insurance companies don't seem to want to pay after years of paying them. They have been a problem here in getting things done. We still have volunteers helping and doing a good job of it. It's a slow process, but it's getting done. When you have a whole block needing roofs, just not enough physical help to get it done. Luckily, our city government has done a lot to keep our spirits up....and we had a nice bit of snow! LOL
@Brenda Parker - I have friends who have received help from organizations who received funds to assist Harvey victims. And it's still going on. I'm not going to give the names of the people I know (approximately 20) who received help from those organizations because this is a public forum. If you know someone who hasn't received help and needs it, then you need to give a list of organizations for them to apply for assistance in their area.
As I write this, rebuilding is happening - it's a slow rebuild due to the thousands of homes that were affected. One of my friends has just finished getting their roof rebuilt thanks to donated Harvey Funds. Their house was mainly gutted thanks to volunteers and finished by people through Harvey Funds. Their next step is to rebuild inside. They are still waiting for electrical and plumbing contractors. They are on the waiting list. They don't expect their house to be totally rebuilt until next summer. And they do not live in Houston.
Now through January 15, 2018 Nasser Luxury rug will donate 5% of their sale proceeds to Hurricane Harvey victims. Please use the code word Harvey. www.nasserluxuryrugs.com