#HurricaneHarvey: Here’s how you can help the Houston relief effort

If you’re like us, hearing the reports and watching the scenes of epic flooding and rescues out of Houston and the surrounding areas, you can’t help but be overcome and moved by a full range of emotions; from deep sadness to optimism of the American spirit, watching people helping people.

One of our favorite bands from Houston, The Suffers, have been tweeting from their hometown, along with their lead singer Kam Franklin.

This storm will not break us. #HoustonStrong

— The Suffers (@TheSuffers) August 28, 2017

Franklin has been very vocal about the situation there. In 2005 she tried to leave the city in 2005 when Hurriance Rita hit. This time, she decided not evacuate. In today’s Daily Post on the Texas Monthly web site she recounts that story, and explains her decision to stay.

Musicians have been tweeting out their support, including Beyonce, who is from Houston.

Beyoncé pledges to ‘help as many as we can’ with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts https://t.co/hmBFxEGrTq

— Houston Chronicle (@HoustonChron) August 28, 2017

And ZZ Top tweeted this:

A statement from ZZ Top regarding the Texas floods. pic.twitter.com/DdkwNFNFRs

— ZZ Top (@ZZTop) August 28, 2017

The New York Times has compiled a list of local and national organizations that are helping victims as well. Among them:

The Red Cross has posted a list of flood safety tips here. You can also help by visiting redcross.org, or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or texting the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

GlobalGiving has a special Hurricane Harvey Relief fund set up.

AmeriCares — takes medicine and supplies to survivors.

The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund has been set up by Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner, and is being administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation.

The Houston Food Bank and the Food Bank of Corpus Christi are asking for donations.

Salvation Army — donations can be made online, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or texting STORM to 51555.

AABB — coordinates and manages blood collection during disasters. Most in demand at this point is O-positive blood. to donate try AABB (301) 907-6977, America’s Blood Centers, American Red Cross, Armed Services Blood Program.

The Texas Diaper Bank is in need of diapers and wipes, and children’s clothes.

Check out a list via the New York Times here, and a list from the Houston Chronicle here.

Via National Geographic