How YOU Can Help Houston Flood Victims {From Both Near & Far}

We feel helpless. Watching flood victims being evacuated from their homes and families all across our city {even several from the HMB Team} left with nothing. Our city is in a state of devastation.  And not just in the literal sense, but in the physical, emotional, and psychological sense too.  Our hearts are truly aching for the beautiful city we call home, and for those of us who have somehow been spared — we are yearning to help however we can.

Right here, right now, our community is in dire need of so much help, namely a reprieve from the rain, winds, and tornadoes that continue to terrorize our city.  But unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there.  As we know all too well, the Houston community will continue to need aid in the days, weeks, and even months to come. So while we know we are still in the thick of Harvey’s devastation, we have begun compiling a list of tangible ways that you can join us in beginning to help those affected by the Houston floods. From volunteering your time to small gestures you can do in your own home, we hope you’ll join us in rallying around our city in its greatest time of need…

Monetary Donations

Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund :: The City of Houston has established the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. The organization is accepting tax deductible donations in the form of checks, money orders, bank wire transfers, stock, corporate bonds, and other marketable securities.

Houston Flood Relief Fund :: Our beloved JJ Watt, Houston Texans’ #99, has also set up an online fundraiser called the Houston Flood Relief Fund.  He has graciously donated $100,000 to get the fund started and is personally rallying his troops to continue to raise funds.

American Red Cross :: The American Red Cross is also accepting donations via text {text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation}, phone {call 1-800-RED-CROSS}, and on the American Red Cross website.

The Salvation Army :: Support the tremendous efforts of The Salvation Army by donating, by mail {PO Box 1959, Atlanta, GA 30301}, or by phone {1-800-SAL-ARMY}.

DonorsChoose.org :: As a former teacher, this one is near and dear to my personal heart.  DonorsChoose.org currently has a fund going to help Houston teachers rebuild and restock their classrooms with materials such as books, furniture, technology, and so much more.

Volunteer Opportunities

NVOAD :: Wanting to donate your time, trade, or resources?  Houston welcomes the help with open arms! FEMA is encouraging people {not just Houstonians!} who are searching for volunteer opportunities to connect with the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster {NVOAD} online.

Volunteer Houston :: Volunteer Houston is a group that connects people with volunteer opportunities that fit their skills or lifestyle. You can enter your information and get updates on areas of town that have a need.

Red Cross :: The Red Cross is in urgent need of volunteers locally here in Houston, and they have made the application process very easy so you can begin donating your time ASAP.

The Salvation Army :: The Salvation Army is also in urgent need of volunteers at their shelters. Contact them directly for current locations in need as well as opportunities and schedules.

Houston Food Bank :: As soon as travel is safe to the main warehouse again, the Houston Food Bank will need volunteers {as well as product donations} to help feed our city.  Stay tuned to their Facebook page for the latest updates and needs.

Samaritan’s Purse :: If you’re the handy type, then Samaritan’s Purse is a great place to find volunteer opportunities.  Their organization helps communities rebuild after disasters, and they do everything from roof work to debris removal and cleaning up — which as you can imagine, we will need so much of.

Help Your Friends in Need :: Know someone who has been directly impacted by the flooding?  As soon as it’s safe to venture out, head to the stores, stock up on supplies, and then show up at their door.  Chances are, your friends will be feeling completely overwhelmed, so your unprompted support will mean the world.  Here’s a few items you can grab on your way over…

  • Bleach
  • Gloves
  • Spray Bottles
  • Masks
  • Trash Bags {lots of them!}
  • Tarps
  • Towels
  • Paper Towels
  • Spray Cleaners
  • Bug Spray
  • Mops
  • Sponges
  • Boxes / Plastic Storage Containers
  • Permanent Markers
  • Packing Tape
  • Food & Water

Product Donations

Donate Clothes :: It’s the most basic necessity and something you may have a little extra of right now. Clean out your closet and bring it to a flood victim. You can drop off donations at any area GoodwillSalvation Army, or at the local nonprofit Clothed by Faith.  We do recommend checking social media or calling ahead to see when your local donation sites will be open and safe for travel.

Donate Food :: Food banks across Houston and the entire coastal region are currently assisting flood victims as best they can.  Contribute to Feeding Texas by donating ready-to-eat basics like pop-top meat / fish, powdered milk, cereal, fruit cups, peanut butter, etc. In addition, cleaning supplies such as bleach and paper towels are also needed.

Donate Diapers :: The Texas Diaper Bank is frantically helping to coordinate diaper donations to those in need.  Connect with their Facebook page to learn more, or make it incredibly easy by purchasing items off their Amazon wishlist.

Donate Blood :: Hospitals across Texas are facing major blood shortages right now.  The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center is seeking blood donations {especially O negative and O positive blood} in an effort to provide trauma centers with ample supplies as they see an influx in patients throughout this disaster.

Donate Shelter :: Have a space to stay that you can offer?  Airbnb is helping coordinate those looking for shelter with people who have extra space.  Visit the Airbnb website for more info and to list your space for those in need.

Get the Kids Involved

Don’t think that giving back has to end with the adults … get your kids involved too! While we wish this devastation would have never happened, the silver lining is that it is a tremendous opportunity to teach our children about giving back to others while building support among the communities where they are being raised.  Here’s just a few ideas as a jumping off point…

Care for the Furry Flood Victims :: Many pets have been displaced during the floods. The Houston Humane Society is currently running a skeleton crew since many of their employees and volunteers have been displaced, but we can imagine they would gladly welcome any items off their wish list, especially items such as towels, cat litter, puppy food, and hand sanitizer.

Get Crafty :: There is nothing sweeter than getting a handmade note from a kid. Let your child make cards that can be put in with food boxes at the food bank or with  meal deliveries. You can even have them make cards with well wishes or thanks for the volunteers.

Make Food and/or Goody Bags :: Have the family make sandwiches and drive around delivering them to volunteers and flood victims who may be busy cleaning up. Just be sure to check the road conditions first, and NEVER drive into areas with active flooding. You can also stuff warm socks with a water bottle and sandwich for a little package delivery. {Nothing feels better than clean socks, right?}

Give Thanks to Our First Responders :: Show some love to firefighters, police, and other first responders who are working major overtime right now. Make cookies, cards, or other treats and deliver them when travel is safe and the roadways are completely clear.

And Finally…

When things do get up and running again, go support local! Shop at the stores that have been closed or eat out at restaurants that are back open after suffering flood damage. It really doesn’t take much to help someone who has been impacted by the floods.

Have any more ideas? Let us know, as we would love to continue growing this list in the time to come!

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Kelly D
Kelly is the founder of Houston Moms Blog and has lived in this beautiful city nearly all of her life. She has a degree in education from Texas State University and was honored to teach special education for eight years to some of the cutest little kiddos you could ever meet. While teaching, Kelly met Cody – a tall drink of water and country boy to the core – and together, they fell in love, got married, and decided to start a family. In March 2011, they welcomed Hayes into the world, a silly but smart little boy with a story you have to read to believe. And in April 2013, their family was complete with the addition of Hadley, a super gregarious and oh-so-cute baby girl. Now, Kelly devotes her days to caring for her own little ones…and would not trade this new job of hers for the world! In her not-so-spare time, Kelly loves meeting up with her girlfriends for margaritas, failing miserably at Pinterest projects, and exploring this big old city with her two favorite little side-kicks in tow.

7 COMMENTS

  1. All great ideas! I have heard that a lot of places need toiletries more than clothes – shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and diapers/wipes for babies. If you have extra of any of that or can pick some up those are much needed as well.

  2. Spring High school 19428 I-45, Spring, TX 77373 Desperately need (canned food) needs Canned veggies,canned fruits,canned chicken,Canned tuna, cereal, snack bars, spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce oatmeal, mops, brooms, trash bags, sponges.
    with take toiletries,Gatorade, smiliac formula, diapers,wipes, cleaning supplies.

    No toy,clothes

    Mon-Fri 25-29th 8am-1:30pm

  3. Red rover dot org is helping the pets, check their page

    Remember that often they get too much clothes and “junk” and then need to stash it somewhere.

  4. Hi I am located in NJ but have a ton of baby girl clothing through 2t to donate as well as newborn boy. I would love to send these items to someone in need. Do you know of anyone who could use these items? I would love to help! I can be reached at [email protected]

  5. Don’t even think about clearing out your closets. It is not helpful in fact it is a hindrance. I can tell you from the Gatlinburg wild fires in Tennnessee there were piles of unsorted clothing for months after the fire. If you want to give clothing give diapers, new underwear, and new socks. Now if you want to clear out your cleaning closet, go for it. Not clothes or stuffed animals.. I can also tell you from the Gatlinburg experience, people will need manual can openers. So if you are donating canned goods, donate some can openers along with it. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/when-disaster-relief-brings-anything-but-relief/

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