We’ve all seen a wave of horrific imagery coming out of the flood zones in South Texas during Hurricane Harvey. Places like Houston, Victoria, and Dickenson are getting poured on, and with over 1,000 miles of distance between Denver and the worst parts of devastation, I am left feeling helpless. According to nytimes.com, there has been thirteen recorded deaths as of Monday and more than forty inches of rainfall (Astor and Chokshi). Being from Denver, I can’t imagine that amount of water, let alone the damage and lost Texas residents must feel.
In times such as these we must band together, as a nation, as a people, as a neighbor. Nurses, care-givers, first responders, doctors, military, and volunteer rescuers have dedicated themselves to saving as many people and animals as they can. In the face of tragedy, we are showing that we know how to come together and work together, no matter what might have separated us before. We band together to become better human beings.
It’s hard to look at the news, or images and know that I am here and safe while others are suffering. If you want to help, here are nine places to get started:
-The Houston Food Bank is collecting cleaning supplies, food and monetary donations to help flood victims. For the safety reasons, the Houston Food Bank is unable to accept, open packages, homemade food items, perishable foods, baby food and items with expired dates. http://www.houstonfoodbank.org/
-The Salvation Army is distributing food, water and other supplies to victims. https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=national_donation_form
-Volunteers from Texas Search and Rescue are in Central Texas searching for those who are still missing. http://www.texsar.org/
-United Way for Greater Austin has set up a disaster recovery fund which will be distributed directly to those in need. They are also collecting mops, brooms, and other cleaning items. https://secure.donationpay.org/unitedwayaustin/flooding2013.php
-Austin Disaster Relief has volunteers going door-to-door in the hardest hit areas to check on victims’ emotional and physical wellbeing. The organization is also asking for sponsors to help families in need of long-term assistance. https://adrn.org/memorial-wknd-flood-fund/
-Samaritan’s Purse is helping storm victims by cleaning flooded homes and spraying them for mold. http://sampur.se/2wTHQbf
-The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund was established by Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston and is administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation. https://ghcf.org/hurricane-relief/
-The Houston Humane Society and the San Antonio Humane Society are helping animals affected by the storm. http://www.houstonhumane.org and https://sahumane.org
-Brandy Joiner
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