If you are in a place to do so, here is how you can help fellow Texans during the storm.
For the past few days, an unprecedented winter storm ensnared the entirety of Texas with frigid temperatures accompanied by ice, snowfall, and power outages. As a result, millions were left without power, businesses and schools closed in mass, and some, we grimly report, perished. If you are willing and able, you can donate to these local organizations helping those still in duress during this unprecedented storm. [Featured image: @jmuniz via Unsplash]
Austin
Austin Area Urban League – holding #LoveThyNeighborhTX emergency donation collection until February 21 in partnership with other local organizations.
Austin Pets Alive! – The Austin no-kill animal shelter is asking for donations to provide necessary services to keep their animals warm and sheltered.
Austin Mutual Aid – The organization has started a GoFundMe to provide water, freshly cooked meals, tents and sleeping bags, hygienic supplies, and stipends to those in need.
Ending Community Homelessness Coalition – The Austin-area organization has recently partnered with local community organizations including aforementioned Austin Area Urban League, Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center, Integral Care, Caritas of Austin, The Other Ones, SAFE, and Family Eldercare, to collect resources ranging from home kits, winter care kits, and monthly phone plans.
Front Steps – the area non-profit is holding a blanket drive, accepting acrylic blankets preferably larger than 60″ x 80″. If accessible, you can donate to their downtown location. However, due to present conditions, the organization is encouraging those to stay off roads, in which case, you can order blankets online and send them to their location at 500 East 7th St., Austin, TX 78701.
Dallas
Austin Street Center – provides comprehensive services in providing homeless with shelter and other basic needs. You can donate directly to their website. The organization has partnered with other local faith-based organizations including Oak Lawn United Methodist, Our Calling, The Stewpot, and Union Gospel Mission, to fund temporary housing.
GoFundMe – Fundraiser started by local vintage furniture store, Eastside Gems.
Additional services – Additional resources that include health care, domestic violence shelters, housing, and other basic needs can be found here.
Houston
American Red Cross – The national organization is presently operating a system of warming shelters across the city. You can donate here.
CrowdSource Rescue – The Houston-based non-profit is presently working to provide space heaters in local residencies and transporting vulnerable seniors to hotels.
Houston Food Bank – The food bank is presently accepting donated non-perishables that include canned proteins, peanut butter, and other provisions that don’t require cooking. Inquire to volunteer or donate here.
Salvation Army – The organization is presently requesting donations to serve homeless and others at risk.
Star of Hope – The faith-based organization dedicated to aiding local homeless communities is requesting donations of toiletries that include shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, lotion, as well as size 0 diapers, size 4T and 5T pullup diapers, towels, sheets, blankets, and underwear.