How you can help the victims of Hurricane Harvey
These 11 trusted organizations will get your donations to people who need it most
As the remnants of Hurricane Harvey continue to linger over the Texas coast — causing the worst flooding in recorded history for Houston and the surrounding areas — residents are being evacuated, forced to live in shelters and are in need of basic supplies. We’ve put together a list of resources for anyone looking for ways to help people affected by this epic storm. Keep in mind the situation is evolving daily and some of this information may change or become outdated.
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
After Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner received an overwhelming number of inquiries from citizens and companies who wanted to help, he established the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund that accepts tax-deductible flood relief donations for victims who have been affected by the recent flooding.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is deploying 42 mobile kitchens from Oklahoma and Arkansas to Texas. Each kitchen can make 1,500 meals a day. In addition to the meals, the organization will have teams in the towns that have suffered from the most damage from Hurricane Harvey, and will provide cleanup kits and shelter supplies.
United Way
Houston’s chapter of United Way has set up a Harvey recovery fund. You can donate online and choose to send your money to specific counties, or let the organization decide. United Way is also coordinating flood cleanup efforts.
Houston Food Bank
A quick way to help people in need is to donate to local food banks. The Houston Food Bankwebsite offers instructions for people who are interested in donating food and organizing food drives. It also takes monetary donations as little as $1.
South Texas Blood and Tissue Center
South Texas Blood & Tissue Center and other blood centers are working hard to provide Houston with critical blood products and resources. The need for blood donations will remain high during the recovery process in the coming months, so donors are asked to please give as often as possible.
Texas Diaper Bank
Diapers aren’t often donated in relief efforts, but displaced families with small children will need a lot of them. The Texas Diaper Bank accepts cash donations as well as diaper donations at their location in San Antonio.
Children with complex medical needs
Children who have extra pediatric medical supplies, such as tracheostomy and ventilator supplies, feeding tubes, nebulizers, air purifiers or specialty baby formula, can contact Trach Mommas of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for directions on where to drop off the supplies.
People with disabilities
Portlight offers help to people with disabilities. The organization has experience with disaster preparedness and relief, and has helped disabled people in Louisiana through several storms.
Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
Houston’s first and largest animal protection organization, the Houston SPCA offers the region’s most comprehensive, highly-qualified care and services to animals in need.
Crowdsourced donations
Global Giving, a crowdfunding platform for humanitarian and charitable causes, has set up the Hurricane Harvey initiative and set a goal of $2 million for food and other primary necessities. The funds will directly finance local organizations vetted by Global Giving. Once initial necessities are covered, any remaining money will be given to help with reconstruction. Suggested donations are $15 or more, though any amount is allowed. Contributions should be made online.
Volunteer opportunities
Organized help is one of the most effective types of help during a disaster. If you are in the storm-hit areas and want to lend a hand, register through the disaster portal of Volunteer Houston or All Hands Volunteers, which are working together to help place volunteers.