Posted on: November 30, 2017
By: Alan O'Neill
Posted in: Press Releases
Thanksgiving is over and we are now bombarded with the task of decorating, shopping, and cooking for Christmas, which is only a few weeks away. And our kids are writing out their letters for Santa. One extraordinary boy had his letter to Santa make the local news. KHOU aired a story about Jadyn Carrizales’ letter:
“Dear Santa,
This year you can bring me whatever you want to because I want you to bring lots of toys to all the kids that lost their homes in Harvey storm. Thank you so much.”
This is a great reminder that Houston hasn’t quite recovered from Hurricane Harvey and we all need to come together again to make ALL of Houston merry and bright for the holidays. Back in August, Houstonia Magazine posted a list of charities that were collecting donations for our Houston neighbors. But some of our neighbors still need our help.
These Houston-based charities know the people they’re helping.
THERE’S THE OLD SAYING that charity starts at home, and, as we touched on yesterday, the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey will require a vast amount of physical, spiritual and financial generosity. Everybody knows the Red Cross and United Way—this is a list of local causes to send your contributions. It is not exhaustive, so let us know via social media which ones we should add.
Bottom line: Let’s all try to be less like Joel Osteen and more like Mattress Mack.
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
Mayor Sylvester Turner established this fund through the Greater Houston Community Foundation to provide tax-deductible flood relief donations for those affected by the historic flooding.
This local non-profit has been helping low-income Houstonians for 110 years, since its founding in 1907. Baker Ripley is taking donations for long-term disaster relief, and is currently operating the shelter at NRG Park.
Baker-Ripley will be rebuilding & helping those in need, as they have for over 100 years. Please donate: https://www.bakerripley.org/
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
This volunteer-based network has been operating in the Greater Houston area since 1871. After Harvey, they will work to meet “emergency needs such as clothing, food, and medical supplies to re-housing families and refurnishing their houses to create homes.”
LGBTQ Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Fund
The Montrose Center has established an LGBTQ disaster fund, building on strong community ties “to help homeless youth, seniors, people living with HIV, hate crime survivors, and those devastated by the storm” regardless of sexuality.
America’s largest food bank is prepared to mobilize resources across Houston, asking for volunteers, donations, and monetary contributions. Their donation page reminds that every $1 donated provides 3 meals. Other local and regional food banks can be found on this list.
Since 1983, this interfaith organization has provided food and clothing to the city’s neediest residents. This organization does not provide financial assistance, and has a strategic partnership with the Houston Food Bank.
Houston PetSet Disaster Relief Fund
If pets are your cause: Houston PetSet is an umbrella organization that provides grants to a variety of area non-profit, including Houston Humane Society, K-9 Angels Rescue, Barrio Dogs and more. The fund has already raised more than $100,000 in a short time, and is in contact with Harris County Judge Ed Emmett on how to coordinate a recovery plan for animals.
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston
Working across faith communities, IMGH resettles refugees and provides extensive Meals on Wheels services for homebound seniors and their pets. They are currently soliciting donations to help support their Meals on Wheels operation.
Not all animals are pets, and displaced wildlife need help too. Houston-based Wildlife Center of Texas receives no local, state, or federal funding to nurse displaced wildlife hurt or orphaned by the storm.
Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition
TWRC is the separate, smaller version of the Wildlife Center of Texas. They take in about 5,000 animals per year and recently drew attention for rescuing Harvey the Hurricane Hawk, a bird rescued by a taxi cab driver.
SHAPE (Self-Help for African People through Education) Community Center
Founded in 1969, SHAPE states that it works “to improve the quality of life for people of African descent (all people).” Donations will allow SHAPE to assist with medical prescriptions, make emergency cash contributions, and more.
Katy Christian Ministries provides social services, food pantries, school supplies and more to the community. Aside from monetary donations, they are asking for supplies and volunteers.
Flood Relief for Texas Children’s Hospital
Texas Children’s Hospital is running low on supplies, and the flooding caused significant damage. Alongside Nan and Company Properties, Texas Children’s has established a YouCaring fund with a $200,000 goal.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
In a normal year, this organization helps more than 82,000 people annually of all religious backgrounds with food, shelter, and disaster relief.
Coalition for the Homeless of Houston
As the lead agency responding to homelessness in Houston, this organization is accepting monetary donations to rehouse formerly homeless individuals.
This organization is a Christ-based community addressing homelessness in Houston. They’re accepting donations to maintain shelter operations.
While not Houston-based, this organization donates diapers to shelters—a resource typically not provided by disaster relief organizations. Monetary donations are accepted here, or you can purchase diapers from the Amazon wishlist below that will go to their efforts.
MC-CARES (Montgomery County Community Assistance Recovery Efforts and Services)
A partnership between Interfaith of The Woodlands and Montgomery County United Way, MC-CARES has established a number of hubs across the county, while also working with the Montgomery County Food Bank. See the below post for information on how to volunteer or donate supplies and money.
Portlight connects those with disabilities to the necessary resources and evacuation services. Their hotline has been ringing constantly, and donations are required to keep things going.
The Transgender Foundation of America and its Houston chapter are raising money to address the needs of the traditionally underserved trans community.
This group lends expensive equipment and power tools that will be vital to demolition and recovery efforts.
TEJAS (Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services)
As the oldest environmental justice group in Houston, TEJAS works to organize, educate and advocate in Gulf Coast communities disproportionately affected by industrial pollution. Funds raised will address toxic floodwaters and ongoing organizing in fenceline areas surrounding refineries, storage facilities and other industrial zones.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston
Boys & Girls Club, with numerous branches across the area, serves low-income youth with after school and summer programming to provide stability for families. They plan to expand hours, staff and responsibilities to address increased need due to Harvey.
Trae tha Truth’s Harvey Relief Fund
Houston rapper and philanthropist Trae tha Truth conducted heroic rescues, including Orlando
Magic forward Jonathan Simmons. Now, he’s established a relief fund to serve seniors in Houston and Golden Triangle (Port Arthur, Beaumont, Orange) areas.
And we can’t forget the Houston Toys For Tots!
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