How you can help victims of Hurricane Harvey
Posted in Community Outreach on August 31, 2017
On Aug. 25, Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Southeast Texas. The storm poured 20 trillion gallons of rain on Houston and wind gusts reportedly reached speeds of over 130 mph. Several other areas along the Gulf Coast suffered devastating damage as Harvey continued along its path.
The National Weather Service declared the disaster “unprecedented” and preliminary estimates suggest Harvey could be the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, with damage reaching $190 billion. The storm claimed dozens of lives and damaged tens of thousands of homes. Courageous emergency workers and volunteers flocked to the region to rescue those stranded by the flooding and aid displaced residents.
How you can help victims of Hurricane Harvey
Many across the country are wondering what they can do to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. As the long road to recovery begins, consider making a donation to one of the following organizations.
Tribe Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts
Hurricane Harvey hit home for Cleveland Indians Right Fielder Jay Bruce, who is a native of Beaumont, Texas. To help bring relief to the storm’s victims, he and his wife, Hannah, have partnered with Cleveland Indians Charities and generously offered to match up to $100,000 in donations made through Sept. 10.
Make a donation online to team up with Jay, Hannah and the Cleveland Indians.
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, housed by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, was established by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner in response to the disaster. Donations are tax deductible and will be directed to local victims of the severe flooding. GHCF is a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Heart to Heart International
Kansas-based Heart to Heart International deployed a disaster response team and mobile medical unit to Texas before Harvey made landfall. Local partner organizations have teamed up with HHI to offer aid and medical support in the areas of greatest need.
Read more about HHI’s response efforts and make a donation online.
Local Food Banks
Local food banks are typically able to provide multiple meals for just $1, so even the smallest donation can make a huge impact. The Houston Food Bank, Food Bank of Corpus Christi and Galveston County Food Bank are a few options in the areas hit hardest by the storm, but other food banks and distribution organizations in the region could use support as well.
Donate to a local food bank or partner organization.
Unfortunately, when tragedies strike there are often people waiting to take advantage of the situation for their own benefit. Research any charities or organizations before making a donation to help protect yourself from scams.