Hurricane Harvey: Where to Give and How to Help

Shoshana Lewin

In the wake of a disaster, communities outside the affected area want to know how to help. A variety of reputable organizations have set up programs and funds to help those in Texas and New Orleans who were hit by Hurricane Harvey.

With any charity, ask them if they prefer donations of clothes, food, or cash.
Ask what happens to your donation; what percentage will go to help; and how long it will take to get to the recipients.
Beware of GoFundMe accounts, unless you know the person, as many have been set up that are not legitimate.
If you aren't able to give money, giving blood is almost always as critical. There is likely a blood drive near you, and those unable to give blood are always needed to help volunteer at the drives.

Where to Give

Here are just a few charities that are helping those in South Texas and beyond:

The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation
To help the animals, visit the Houston Humane Society or the San Antonio Humane Society. The Houston SPCA is accepting donations on its website.
Houston Food Bank and the Food Bank of Corpus Christi are both asking for donations of food, water, and supplies.
The Texas Diaper Bank in San Antonio is asking for diapers and wipes, which can be dropped off in person or shipped to West Loop II Business Park, 5415 Bandera Road, Suite 504, San Antonio, TX, 78238.
The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center has extended hours at its San Antonio-area donor rooms. For those outside South Texas, check with your local blood donation center for upcoming drives.

Is This Charity Legit?

Several sites are available where you can check before donating. Two good ones are:

Charity Navigator rates all charities based on the amount from donations that gets to the charity.
Give.org, run by the Better Business Bureau, where you can "access free reports that specify if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability"

Businesses included in this article are based on relevance to topic without regard for advertiser status with YP. Some businesses may be YP advertisers.