Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts

This is a grassroots, user-generated list of resources for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Please  email me at frenchpb@gmail.com if you have more information to contribute. This document will be updated as new information is received.

Resources in Spanish - Huracan Harvey - Recursos Comunitarios (en Espanol) (This is a separate resource list that may not contain all of the contents of this guide.)

Updates

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High-Needs Areas in Houston Hot Meal Delivery Sign-Up

We're helping coordinate meals and supply deliveries to neighborhoods with HIGH NEEDS in coordination with trusted feeding agencies and community groups. Sign up here.

Free emergency dental treatment available to those impacted by the hurricane that are staying in a shelter

Our team will:
-Pick you up from your shelter
-Provide dental treatment free of charge
-Drive you back to the shelter
*Must be at a shelter
Call Us: (281)746-4371 | Email: help@antoinedental.com
Nostros le brindamos transportacion de el lugar de refugio que usted se ecuentre y el retorno. Le proveeremos el servicio completamente gratis!"

Houstonians Asked to Conserve Water, Keep Cars Off Roads As Harvey Cleanup Continues

How to Find Volunteers to Help Clear Out Your Flooded Home

For current needs list: bit.ly/givinghubneeds   

For support: bit.ly/givinghub

New underwear is an URGENT NEED for hurricane evacuees. All sizes (adults, children, small-XXL) Multiple donation options:

1. Purchase new pairs of underwear to be shipped directly to those in need via Undies for Everyone Amazon Wish List,
2. Mail to new unopened packages of underwear to Undies for Everyone 1700 Bissonnet St Houston, TX 77005 OR
3. Donate money to the Undies for Everyone organization here.

Greater Houston Community Foundation Supply Donor and Volunteer List as of 9.11

Resource Table of Contents

Updates

Resource Table of Contents

Immediate Rescue Efforts

Transportation/Road Closures Updates

Locating Missing Loved Ones

Multi-Service Centers in Greater Houston Area

Non-profit centers offering assistance for evacuees transitioning into a shelter

Shelter/Hotel Options

Pet Shelters for Displaced Animals

Charities, Food, Supply, Financial Donations & Volunteering

Common Items Needed at Donation Centers

Volunteers Needed

List of Organizations Accepting Donations

Local Restaurants/Grocery Stores Open

Medical & Mental Health Services

Education Related Relief Resources/School Openings

Teachers of Tomorrow Adopt a Texas Classroom Initiative

Filing Insurance Claims/FEMA Assistance

Info on law effecting insurance claims

Harvey Disaster Recovery Counseling

FEMA Filing Instructions

Texas Department of Insurance

Legal Help

Miscellaneous

Harris County Residents. Call 713-308-8580 to locate your towed car.

USPS Mail Service Updates

Utility Company Waived Payments

Additional Lists of Sources

Immediate Rescue Efforts

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Call 713-881-3100  or 911 for immediate assistance in addition to the resources below. Note that rescues by boat may not be taking place after dark due to safety concerns.

1. Personal website created for those who need rescue assistance. This is not affiliated with any government organization. http://www.houstonharveyrescue.com/

2. US Coast Guard Assistance

• 281-464-4851
• 281-464-4852
• 281-464-4853
• 281-464-4854
• 282-464-4855

3. Evacuation Assistance for people with disabilities call 1-800-626-4959

4. Louisiana Cajun Navy for Boat Rescue

• “Download the Zello app. Type in Texas search and rescue, and then search for any search and rescue close to your vicinity. This will connect you with officials on the ground there that can navigate help to you.”

5. FEMA FEMA - Hurricane Harvey Response

6. If able and willing, use your own personal safe high-water vehicle or boat to assist with rescues.

Transportation/Road Closures Updates

• Visit www.drivetexas.org to view local road conditions. Managed by Texas Department of Transportation
• Report flooded streets to the Houston Chronicle here.
• Download the WAZE app. Users will send up-to-date information about road closures, construction, detours.

Locating Missing Loved Ones

American Red Cross ‘Safe and Well’ Registration for Loved Ones.

To report a missing child, call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-866-908-9570.

Multi-Service Centers in Greater Houston Area

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Most up-to-date list of Multi-service Centers here

Provides food and safety as evacuees transition into shelters.

If it is safe, it is suggested that you WALK to a neighborhood Multi-Service Center or other designated facility. Only consider this option if it is safe to do so. Driving vehicles in flood waters is too dangerous. Here is an updated list of available Multi-Service Centers:

Non-profit centers offering assistance for evacuees transitioning into a shelter

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Shelter/Hotel Options

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Linked here is a comprehensive crowd-sourced resource guide with up-to-date info on Southeast Texas Area Shelter availability. It includes the following cities/counties:

• Austin
• Bastrop
• Bell
• Bexas
• Brazoria County
• Caldwell
• Chambers
• Cleveland
• Colorado County
• Comal
• Dallas
• Dewitt
• Demmit
• Elgin
• Fayette
• Fort Bend County
• Galveston
• Greenspoint
• Gregg
• Guadalupe
• Harris County
• Havs
• Houston
• Humble
• Huntsville
• Jefferson
• Jimm Hogg
• Jim Wells
• Kerr
• Kingwood
• La Salle
• Liberty
• Livingston
• Matagorda County
• Montgomery County
• Nueces
• Orange
• Rapids Parish - LA
• Rusk
• San Jacinto
• Southwest
• Spring
• Stafford
• Tarrant County
• Victoria
• Walker

Live Map Sketch-City provides a map of some shelters and services.

Call 211 for local assistance in finding shelter, in addition to the resources listed here.

The following organizations not listed on the Southeast Texas Area shelter availability document:

Pet Shelters for Displaced Animals

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Charities, Food, Supply, Financial Donations & Volunteering

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*Note: The list of organizations accepting donations have been reviewed to the best of our abilities to determine legitimacy. However, it is advised that you conduct your own research on organizations before choosing to donate.

Greater Houston Community Foundation Supply Donor and Volunteer List as of 9.11

New underwear is an URGENT NEED for hurricane evacuees. All sizes (adults, children, small-XXL) Multiple donation options:

4. Purchase new pairs of underwear to be shipped directly to those in need via Undies for Everyone Amazon Wish List
5. Mail to new unopened packages of underwear to Undies for Everyone 1700 Bissonnet St Houston, TX 77005 OR
6. Donate money to the Undies for Everyone organization here.

Texas Diaper Bank is accepting financial and diaper donations.

Lastly, consider donating blood. Check out the Red Cross , Carter Bloodcare, or the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center for more information.

Common Items Needed at Donation Centers

Shoes
Socks
Bedding and pillows

Blankets
Diapers
Baby wipes
Baby formula
Baby food
Wheelchairs
Dog & cat food
Cat litter
Insulin
Stethoscopes
Cell phone chargers
Feminine hygiene products
Power strips
Dog food
Wet wipes
Women's clothing
Men's clothing

New packaged underwear

Towels

Toilet Paper

Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap)

Donate to Houston FoodBank  or Call 832-369-9390  

Volunteers Needed

Charity Navigator  compiled a list of local & regional charities to support towards relief efforts.

United Way of Greater Houston

Volunteer Houston

All Hands Volunteers

Jewish Federation of Greater Houston

Samaritan’s Purse International Relief

Islamic Society of Greater Houston

Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group call 361-596-DRG1 (3741) or email coastalbenddrg@gmail.com 

Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

Remote Area Medical - Seeking Volunteer Medical Personnel

Preparing for Action

SPCA of Texas - animal rescue and sheltering

Avenue DC needs volunteers to help residents navigate FEMA applications, file insurance claims, and file for disaster unemployment relief. Social workers, lawyer, or counselors encouraged to volunteer. Email lailak@avenuecdc.org to volunteer with subject “Avenue Volunteer Support!”

Houston Food Bank Volunteers and Donations Needed. You must register online to volunteer.

List of Organizations Accepting Donations

*Note: The list of organizations accepting donations have been reviewed to the best of our abilities to determine legitimacy. However, it is advised that you conduct your own research on organizations before choosing to donate.

The following is a list of local, regional, and national organizations that are accepting donations and/or providing resources for Hurricane Relief Efforts. We recommend that you make financial donations to local organizations first! It will ensure that resources arrive where they are needed more quickly.

Local Restaurants/Grocery Stores Open

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Many grocery stores and restaurants that have not been directly impacted by flooding have resumed normal operations.

• Comprehensive List of open stores can be found here, updated regularly http://www.chron.com/business/article/Here-are-the-Houston-restaurants-bars-that-12105905.php
• H-E-B Disaster Relief Services
• Kroger Stores Open in Greater Houston Area (will need to click another link on page for most up to date open stores)
• H-E-B Stores Open in Greater Houston Area (with modified hours)
• HISD Students to receive 3 meals a day for 2017-2018 school year. Parents should complete  application at https://mealapps.houstonisd.org/.  

Medical & Mental Health Services

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Houston Chronicle list of Medical facilities that are open and operational. Last Updated 8/31/17

Free emergency dental treatment available to those impacted by the hurricane that are staying in a shelter

Our team will:
-Pick you up from your shelter
-Provide dental treatment free of charge
-Drive you back to the shelter
*Must be at a shelter
Call Us: (281)746-4371 | Email: help@antoinedental.com
Nostros le brindamos transportacion de el lugar de refugio que usted se ecuentre y el retorno. Le proveeremos el servicio completamente gratis!"

Education Related Relief Resources/School Openings

Texas Education Agency has compiled a resource hub to receive information on schools impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

In response to cancellations caused by this extreme weather event, I am authorizing the following:

• For districts and charter schools that had already begun the 2017-2018 school year prior to Aug. 28, 2017
• Districts and charter schools in the 58-county disaster declaration area closed due to the hurricane are eligible to apply for a Missed School Day waiver for any scheduled instructional days missed from Friday, Aug, 25, 2017, to Friday, Sept. 1, 2017.

• For districts and charter schools that were scheduled to begin the 2017-2018 school year the week of Aug. 28, 2017
• Districts and charter schools in the 58-county disaster declaration area closed due to the hurricane are eligible to apply for a Missed School Day waiver for any scheduled instructional days missed from Monday, Aug, 28, 2017, to Friday, Sept. 1, 2017.

Districts and charter schools requesting this waiver will need to apply for the Missed School Day waiver using the TEAL waiver application. As a result of this waiver, school systems in disaster counties that have missed school days as referenced above due to the hurricane will not have to make up those days on the school calendar.

Full response here -> Hurricane Related Waivers 

HISD Students to receive 3 meals a day for 2017-2018 school year. Parents should complete this application at https://mealapps.houstonisd.org/.  

Fort Bend ISD and HISD first day of school will be September 11, 2017

Teachers of Tomorrow Adopt a Texas Classroom Initiative

Teachers for Tomorrow has launched an online fundraiser to help families and teachers get back on their feet. Donate here. If you’re a teacher in need of assistance, click here.

Filing Insurance Claims/FEMA Assistance

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Info on law effecting insurance claims

• New Texas law means Harvey victims have good reason to file claims by Friday
• Explanation of Filing Insurance Claims in Texas Amy Davis KPRC2 Reporter

• Know your rights as a renter when experiencing water damage

Harvey Disaster Recovery Counseling

Avenue DC, a HUD certified housing counseling agency, is providing Harvey Disaster Recovery Counseling help on filing insurance claims.Go to their website to book an online appointment, Call: 713-864-9099  OR Email:  classes@avenuecdc.org 

 More information here.

FEMA Filing Instructions

• First, file insurance claims through homeowner’s/renter’s insurance company (if applicable).
• Register with FEMA by using this contact information Federal Disaster Assistance  https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ OR Call 1-800-621-3362
• Apply for Critical Needs Assistance. You do not have to have sustained damage to your home of your vehicle to be eligible for $500. Everyone in the region of the state is eligible by the mere fact we were impacted by the hurricane. The application takes 12-18 minutes to complete. Decision takes approximately 2 hours or less to process.
• If you lost income because you cannot go to work Call FEMA (number above) and register for disaster employment.
• If your vehicle was flooded in the storm AND have minimum liability coverage on your vehicle at the time of the disaster you can register your car title through FEMA. If you have full coverage contact your car insurance company first.
• If you’re under mandatory evacuation, call FEMA and register. You can get up to two months of rental car assistance at fair market value in your area.

Texas Department of Insurance

Call for help with insurance concerns before and after storms. You can locate local agents in your area, file complaints, and report suspected insurance fraud.

• File a personal claim to the Texas Department of Insurance’s Consumer Hotline 1-800-252-3439

Legal Help

• Lone Star Legal Aid 713-652-0077
• State Bar of Texas Disaster Legal Hotline 1-800-504-7030 or www.Texasbar.com/Disasters 
• Attorneys looking to assist victims of Harvey should go to http://www.texasbar.com/attorneyvolunteer 
• Out-of-state lawyers allowed to practice law in Texas temporarily. If you are an attorney sign up to volunteer here.
• Texas Immigrant Hotline 1-888-507-2970

Miscellaneous

• Harris County Residents. Call 713-308-8580 to locate your towed car.

• USPS Mail Service Updates

• Utility Company Waived Payments

• Call your utility companies, mortgage company, car note, student loan etc and request a waiver of fees or grace period on your payments due to the Hurricane. Not all companies will honor this, but it is worth a try.
• Chase Bank hurricane relief statement
• AT&T to waive overage fees
• Sprint, Boost and Virgin Mobile overage fees waived

• If able, call local rental car locations to reserve a car! You may not be able to access the car for several days, but you may hold the reservation.
• Price Gouging in Texas is illegal during natural disasters or states of emergency. If Texans in affected counties believe they have been scammed or encountered price gouging during or after Hurricane Harvey, they should call the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline toll-free at (800) 621-0508 or email consumeremergency@oag.texas.gov 

Additional Lists of Sources

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Texas Food Banks Are Mobilizing: Here's Their Info and How You Can Help or Receive Aid

Hurricane Harvey: where you can donate to help with disaster relief and recovery

FEMA - Hurricane Harvey Response

AirBnB Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey - How to Help Victims of the Texas Storm

Here Are Ways You Can Help People During Hurricane Harvey

Harvey Flood Relief - Community/Local Orgs and Causes & Individual Crowdfunds

How to get (and offer) help after Hurricane Harvey

http://www.preparingforaction.org/#volunteer 

Here’s How You Can Help People Affected By Harvey