Tuesday, August 29, 2017

How to Help


We've all seen the devastating photos and experienced the feelings of sadness, helplessness, and wanting to do something. I don't have a boat and can't go to Texas to help rescue people, but I can donate to those who can provide help. I know everyone has their own favorite causes, charities and budget, but one of Justin's friends in Texas let him know about several organizations that were new to me, so I'm going to pass them along.


First, Charity Navigator has compiled a list of their 3 and 4 star rated charities so you can be assured that your donations are actually helping those in need and not going towards excessive administrative and fundraising expenses.

American Red Cross

The Salvation Army

GlobalGiving Foundation


All Hands Volunteers helps by getting their extensive network of volunteers on the ground to help where they are needed most, like mucking, gutting, safe demolition, and rebuilding of destroyed property.


If you'd like to donate with children in mind, the Texas Diaper Bank is a good option. Surprisingly, diapers are not provided by disaster relief agencies, and the Texas Diaper Bank works to fill that gap by providing diapers and other necessities to babies, those with disabilities, and seniors.

Save the Children


And then there are the animals affected by the flooding. Austin Pets Alive! has been transporting animals from affected shelters to their facility in Austin, and they are expecting many more rescues in the days and weeks to come.


This unprecedented storm is still going on, and help is going to be needed all along the Gulf Coast, not just in Texas. There are times when action is needed in addition to thoughts and prayers, and this is one of them. Response, rescues, and rebuilding are going to be going on for a long, long time, so I hope you'll consider donating what you can to the charity of your choice.


12 comments:

  1. I'm glad you remembered the pets - so many people cannot take their pets, and are hesitant to leave as a result. I know I would be ...

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  2. Thank you for this most excellent post and list of links. The photos and news coverage is just heartbreaking. I cannot imagine living through this . . . We must take care of each other. XO

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  3. Thanks for providing us with a list of easy ways to help.

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  4. Thanks Bonny - great bunch of links. We all need to help!

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  5. Thanks for all these links - I saw images from Louisiana this morning that they are now getting some flooding as well.

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  6. Thank you, Bonny. Those of us who are not in Houston must count our blessings and help those who are in word and deed.

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    1. You are so right. I'm afraid the Gulf Coast has a long and difficult road ahead, so help and donations are going to be needed for quite a while.

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  7. Bonny, I 'm either going Red Cross or Salvation Army. we all must help!!! Such devastation. Hard times ahead. Children should be headed back to school and now all of this. I hope the Rains will SToP

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    1. I'm afraid the Gulf Coast has a long and difficult road ahead, so you're absolutely right. We have to help.

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  8. Every day it's just harder and harder to watch. Those poor people. We donated to the Houston Food Bank last night. You are the best for posting this. xo

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  9. So hard to believe the amount of rain they've received. I saw a graphic that showed how long it would take different parts of the country to get 50" of rain. Our area has had that much rain in the last 20 months! Quite a contrast to one day. My heart breaks for the people of Houston! Thank you, Bonny!

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