Thinking of Houston
If you’ve connected to any news source in the past few days, you have seen the devastation Hurricane Harvey has caused to Texas and Gulf communities in surrounding states. The City of Houston continues to be hit hardest, and will be dealing with the damage, cleanup, and rebuilding for a long time to come. While we all send our thoughts, prayers, and good juju to those impacted, often we want to do more. Here are a few ways to help:
– Unless you are in the area and can deliver needed supplies (diapers, formula, etc.), it is best to make a cash donation to a reputable charity providing assistance. The American Red Cross is my go-to in natural disasters, as they have systems in place and staff trained to provide immediate assistance. There are many other fantastic national charities who step up and assist with disaster aid on the local level when needed. If you receive a solicitation from an unknown charity claiming to be providing aid, it is best to check them out to be certain they are legitimate. Charity Navigator has posted a list of charities providing assistance in the aftermath of Harvey, with reviews of each.
– If you wish to contribute to a Houston (or vicinity) charity, online contributions can be made to these local charities:
The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation.
Houston Food Bank and Food Bank of Corpus Christi.
-You will most likely see a lot of GoFundMe campaigns popping up, and caution is advised if you do not know the individuals involved. If you would like to make a contribution via GoFundMe, it is best to contribute to their Direct Impact Fund. Contributions to the fund will go directly to verified campaigns, and are tax-deductible. (Donations to personal GoFundMe campaigns are considered personal gifts, and not tax deductible.)
The best advice is to be wary of new or unfamiliar charities, especially those that materialized out of nowhere in the past week. Always know who you are dealing with before handing over your money and personal information!