by Matt Largey/ KUT News
Tropical Storm Harvey is bringing catastrophic flooding and damage to parts of Texas and will continue to batter the state over the next few days. Houston is being especially hard hit, with rain totals projected in excess of 50 inches before the storm leaves. Thousands of homes have been damaged already.
The devastation will leave many people in need of help rebuilding their lives, and in the meantime, many people will need help making it day-to-day.
Red Cross
The City of Austin has activated its shelter plan, in coordination with the Red Cross of Central Texas. The Red Cross says donations are the best way to help. Austin Mayor Steve Adler said this morning that the nonprofit is in need of about $10 million to serve evacuees. You can make a $10 donation by texting “REDCROSS” to 90999. You can also make a donation at redcross.org/donate.
The Red Cross says it has enough volunteers for Austin-area shelters and is encouraging those looking to help to stick to monetary donations.
#RedCross is providing shelter, meals & comfort to people impacted by #Harvey. To find a location: https://t.co/yD9AARDkqw or 1-800-REDCROSS pic.twitter.com/cqSbiB9D3n
— American Red Cross (@RedCross) August 27, 2017
Food Bank Donations
Food banks in Houston, Galveston County and Corpus Christi are all accepting donations online.
Austin Disaster Relief Network
The Austin Disaster Relief Network is collecting items for survivors at the Hope Family Thrift Store at 1122 E 51st St. The group is requesting the following items:
New undergarments (all sizes, children and adult)
New socks (all sizes, children and adult)
Toiletries (i.e.: shampoo, face wash, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.)
New bed pillows
New blankets
Cleanup supplies
Black trash bags
Mops and buckets
Utility knives
Leather work gloves
Inflatable mattresses
Hand sanitizer
Box fans
Clothing is not needed; ADRN will distribute the abundance of previously donated clothing to survivors
Families who need support from ADRN should call 512-806-0800. For info on donations or volunteering for ADRN, go here.
We Are Blood
Austin’s blood bank, We Are Blood, has put the call out for potential donors and says it will have mobile donor drives this week.
Austin Music Office
The Red Cross has asked Austin musicians with simple setups to play at Austin’s shelters to entertain Harvey evacuees.
We have received a request from the @RedCross for any musicians who may be willing to play at #Austin area evacuation shelters. Info: pic.twitter.com/ZQEUzfX3lC
— ATX Music Office (@ATXMusicOffice) August 28, 2017
Texas Diaper Bank
People in crisis with small children are often in dire need of supplies for their kids. The Texas Diaper Bank provides diapers provides items to meet the basic needs of children and the elderly. Donate here.
Austin Pets Alive
Austin Pets Alive is helping evacuate and house animals in Harvey’s path. They’re looking for donations and foster volunteers. For info on how to help APA, go here.
Greater Houston Community Foundation
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is asking those hoping to help Houston to give to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.
Shinyribs SETX Flood Relief
YouCaring fund created by Austin musician and Beaumont native Shinyribs to help flooding victims in Southeast Texas
Boat Rescue Volunteers
The Houston Police Department has put the call out for boat owners looking to volunteer to assist with water rescues. If you have a boat and you’d like to help, call (713)881-3100. If you can’t get through on the first call, the department suggests to keep trying.
Have any other tips on how to help Hurricane Harvey evacuees? Let us know by emailing news@kut.org.