There are a few moments in my life I will always remember. One of the most vivid was sitting at a friend’s house watching footage of Hurricane Katrina. I remember seeing desperate families on rooftops begging to be saved from the rising water and feeling completely helpless. Three years later I visited New Orleans and wandered around the 9th Ward. The marks on homes showing that the homes had been searched and bodies had been found was surreal and heartbreaking. Here we are now, 12 years later, watching footage of Hurricane Harvey’s havoc on Houston. I know most of us want to do something, but feel helpless.
I feel the urge to get in the car and drive to Texas with supplies and bring as many people and animals home with me. The truth is that would serve me more than the people of Houston. Donating money is truly the effective way to help. Here are some organizations that are assisting along with links with specific information…
Local Organizations
National Organizations
Corporate Donors with donation campaigns
Organizations Assisting Marginalized Communities (list provided by Colorlines)
Research shows that marginalized communities, especially communities of color, are disproportionately vulnerable. Many of these organizations are smaller and can not be found on Charity Navigator. Like always, do your own research and please consider donating to organizations that support marginalized communities.
The Black Women’s Defense League
BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund
Living Hope Wheelchair Association
South Texas Human Rights Center
The Transgender Foundation of America
The Homeless Period Project of Austin
This is just short list of organizations in the trenches. Do you know of any others?
There are so many people coming together for good, but remember that there are a few that will take advantage of this tragedy. Before you give please do your research. Charity Navigator is a great website to that will help you make informed decisions about donations. All of us, whether we’re able to give or not, can help by contact our legislators and encouraging them to release funds for relief quickly.
