Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas Gulf hard this weekend with "unprecedented flooding" in the Houston area. Unfortunately the post-storm downpour hasn't stopped yet. Meteorologists are predicting the rain from Harvey will last up to 5 days. 25 inches of rain has fallen already and 50 inches of rain is expected.
The torrential flooding has claimed five lives, and continues to devastate the Texas area as homes and buildings become submerged. The National Weather Service called the effects associated with the now downgraded Tropical Storm Harvey “unprecedented” and “unknown and beyond anything experienced.” in a tweet.
As of Sunday evening up to 1200 people had been rescued in Galveston County alone. The rising water left residents stranded on roads, in their attics and on their roofs. Tweets from the City of Houston told the public that 911 was at capacity and to only call if residents were “in imminent danger.
Fortunately there are ways to help, and you don't even have to be in Texas!
Donate Money
According to Katrina Farmer, the director of American Red Cross offices, money is the easiest way to help flood victims and rescue efforts - even more so than donating physical goods.
You can donate to the American Red Cross by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or texting the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Salvation Army is also accepting donations, which you can make at givesalvationarmy.org or call 1-800-725-2769.
And you can donate through Google, too. The company has included a donate button if you search for “Hurricane Harvey.”
Facebook also has a donate button to contribute, as well as Apple who allows iTunes users to donate through the app!
Donations can be made to hospitals online including Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas and animal hospitals like The Animal Defense League in Texas.Visit ADLTexas.org for more information or call 210-655-1481.
If you want to help as many groups as possible, GlobalGiving has launched a hurricane relief fund to gather funds for local nonprofits in the afflicted region.
Donate Blood
The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center and the Texas organization Carter BloodCare has asked for blood donations!
“The added demand has put a strain on the supply of all blood types, but especially O negative and O positive,” South Texas wrote on their website. “Having enough blood on the shelves can mean the difference between life and death for car accident victims, cancer patients and others.”You can also search online for local blood drives or through the Red Cross website.
Send Diapers
“Diapers are not provided by disaster relief agencies,” the Texas Diaper Bank posted on Facebook Friday. The TDB has asked for cash and diaper donations so that they can put them into emergency kits for families displaced because of Harvey. Visit the donation page at texasdiaperbank.org and designate your donation for Disaster Relief.
Provide Housing
Hurricane Harvey has already, and will continue, to displace people and animals. Airbnb has waived all service fees for those displaced or without shelter from the storm through September 1, 2017. Those in need can visit their site, and if you're willing to open your home, you can sign up as well.
Animals Need Help Too!
SPCA of Texas and Animal Defense League of Texas, both supporting animals and their owners who have also been victims of or displaced in the storm.
You can also give a home to a shelterless animal if you're in the area by calling Austin Pets Alive. Since the evacuations started, they have gotten a number of displaced pets. Visit their website to donate or call them at 512-961-6519.
Volunteer
If you’re in the Texas area, volunteering is also a way to help. You can sign up to be a volunteer with the Red Cross or the Salvation Army on their websites.
Other Ways to Help!
Although the Houston Foodbank and Feeding Texas have not set up Harvey-specific campaigns but are mobilizing in response to the disaster. Check their websites to see how you can help!
Crowdfunding site Global Giving has set a goal of raising $2 million dedicated to Harvey, and GoFundMe has published a directory of Harvey-related campaigns set up on its platform!
The Kane Show is sending our thoughts to all those affected by the storm.