SENDING LOVE, LIGHT, AND DONATIONS TO TEXAS

It's been a heartbreaking week and a half in Texas. 

I've talked to many people in recent days who have said something along the lines of, "it's so awful to watch.... I feel like there is nothing I can do." In some ways that is true. And, there is always something we can do. 

I've rounded up some websites, links, and information related to things we can do to help both the people and the animals of Texas, along with a few of of the most inspiring moments I've seen and read about this week. NPR has also created a great list of resources and ways to help, as part of this article. 

I lived in Cedar Rapids for two years between 2013 and 2015. Cedar Rapids was hit by a massive flood in 2008, and the city is, still today, trying to recover. We can expect the impact of the devastation in Texas to span many years, as well. For this reason, while thinking about donations and ways to help, it can be useful to not only donate now, but also to make a note to donate again in 6 months, a year, or two years. 

TO DONATE MONEY:

• Red Cross - donate online, or by texting HARVEY to 90999 (note: the text-based donation is currently backed up due to high volume.

• Salvation Army - donate online or via phone by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY

• Preemptive Love Coalition - all donations currently going to those impacted by Harvey

• Together Rising - matched the first $100,000 and still raising funds

TO DONATE SUPPLIES OR HOUSING:

• Undies for Everyone - donate online via the website or send unopened, packaged underwear to: 

Undies for Everyone, 1700 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77005

• AirBnB is waiving all fees anyone impacted by the flood and checking in between August 25th and September 25th, 2017. There is also an option to offer your space for free.

TO HELP ANIMALS:

• Round-up of local shelters and rescue organizations

• SPCA Texas

• Austin Pets Alive

• Dallas Dogs RRR - sponsor a Harvey Dog or donate supplies

REMINDERS OF THE GOOD:

• Keller Williams Real Estate repurposed Mega Camp, their annual conference in Austin, into Mega Relief - where associates will work with community partners to focus on relief efforts. 

• Dozens of people formed a human chain to save an elderly man whose car was trapped by flood waters. 

• A furniture store in Richmond offers its showroom to evacuees and National Guard troops

• "I'm going to go try to save some lives."