A Time Out...
-photo courtesy of abc news
bliss is, typically, a place i go to escape from it all and hope my readers feel the same way. however, the recent events in houston simply need to be addressed. i cannot comprehend this type of disaster and truly feel overwhelmed when i try to put myself in the shoes of all of the people that have been displaced and/or tragically have lost loved ones during the catastrophic event. i am thinking many of you feel the same way. which is why i believe action in a time like this maybe the best way to show support...
the new york times has compiled a comprehensive and up to date list of legitimate options:
Local organizations
The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fundof Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner, which is administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation.
If you live in Texas, the City of Houston Emergency Operations Center has posted a list of places where you can drop off donations.
Houston Food Bank and the Food Bank of Corpus Christiare asking for donations.
The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center is reporting a critical shortage, and has extended hours at all of its San Antonio-area donor rooms. To donate, call 210-731-5590 or visit their website for more information.
Carter BloodCare covers hospitals in North, Central and East Texas. To donate, call 877-571-1000 or text DONATE4LIFE to 444-999.
To help animals suffering from the disaster, visit the Houston Humane Society or the San Antonio Humane Society. The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animalshas set up an animal emergency response hotline (713-861-3010) and is accepting donations on its website.
TheTexas Diaper Bankin San Antonio is asking for diapers and wipes, which can be dropped off in person or mailed to 5415 Bandera Road, Suite 504, San Antonio, Tex., 78238.
TheUnited Way of Greater Houston flood relief fund will be used to help with immediate needs as well as long-term services like minor home repair. Visit their website to donate or text UWFLOOD to 41444.
The L.G.B.T.Q. Disaster Relief Fund will be used to help people “rebuild their lives through counseling, case management, direct assistance with shelf stable food, furniture, housing and more.” It is managed by The Montrose Center, Houston’s longtime community center for the area’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender population.
For more options, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends checking with theNational Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasterfor a list of trusted disaster-relief organizations in Texas.
National organizations
The American Red Cross is accepting donations on its website. You can also text HARVEY to 90999 to donate $10.
AmeriCares takes medicine and supplies to survivors.
Catholic Charitiesprovides food, clothing, shelter and support services to those from all religious backgrounds.
Direct Relief is shipping medicine and medical supplies to Texas, and has made its entire medical inventory of more than $100 million available for the Harvey relief effort.
Matthew 25: Ministries is distributing personal care kits, cleaning products, first aid and safety kits, diapers, paper products and tarps.
Donations to the Salvation Army can be made online, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) or texting STORM to 51555.
Save the Children is delivering baby supplies, including cribs and strollers, and setting up child-friendly spaces in shelters.
AABB, which coordinates a task force to manage blood collection efforts during disasters, put out a call on Sunday for blood donations in the aftermath of Harvey. Most in demand: those with type O-positive blood.
Those interested in donating blood may contact the following organizations:
• AABB: 301-907-6977• America’s Blood Centers • American Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)• Armed Services Blood Program: 703-681-5979
Online-only organizations
Airbnb is waiving service fees for those affected by the disaster and checking in between Aug. 23 and Sept. 25, and can guide users in creating a listing where their home is offered to victims free.
GoFundMe has created a page with all of its Harvey-related campaigns, including one started by the country singer Chris Young, who donated $100,000, and another created by the president and chief executive of the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce.
YouCaring has a fund-raising page set up by J. J. Watt of the Houston Texans with a goal of $10 million. By 9:30 p.m. Wednesday it had raised more than $7 million.
GlobalGiving’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund supports local organizations by helping to “meet survivors’ immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, hygiene products and shelter.” It will also assist with longer-term recovery efforts.
xo mrs. french