As the flooding from Hurricane Harvey continues to paralyze Houston and San Antonio, rescue workers navigate feet of standing water, freeways turned into rivers, drowned homes, and mayhem and misery, many of us are asking, what can we do?
Those who want to help Hurricane Harvey victims need to be cautious. Some may remember that NPR and ProPublica investigated how the Red Cross screwed up it’s response to the disaster in Haiti – after collecting around half a billion dollars, they only managed to build six permanent homes. So, where can we send our donations and be sure it does some good? Here are five recommended resources that might better use your donation:
1. Houston Food Bank
This top-rated charity is getting food directly to the people who need it in Houston.
Houston Food Bank
535 Portwall Street, Houston, TX 77029
Phone | Website
2. Food Bank of Corpus Christi
This charity feeds the needy of Corpus Christi and has a 97.50 percent financial accountability rating.
Food Bank of Corpus Christi
826 Krill Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78408
Phone | Website
3. San Antonio Humane Society
Pets and animals need help too. The Humane Society of America has an “A” rating on CharityWatch.org.
San Antonio Humane Society
4804 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone | Website
4. South Texas Blood and Tissue Center
If you are in the neighborhood, please consider going to give blood to help Hurricane Harvey victims.
South Texas Blood and Tissue Center
6211 IH-10 West at First Park Ten, San Antonio, TX 78201
Phone | Website
Even if you aren’t near the devastated region, donate in your town, you could end up saving a life.
Children’s Hospital Colorado
13123 E. 16th Ave, B605, Aurora CO 80045.
Phone | Website
* The Blood Donor Center is located on the first floor of the Administrative Pavilion.
5. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Texas
This organization is also a good one to help animals affected by Hurricane Harvey. The SPCA of Texas helping with the lost, hurt and hungry pets and animals in and around Houston and San Antonio.
SPCA of Texas
2400 Lone Star Dr, Dallas, Texas, TX 75212
Phone | Website
All of these organizations have fantastic ratings and are all working hard to help the people and pets of South Texas. Our brothers and sisters in Texas need our help – so, please don’t delay in digging deep and doing what you can. Always do more research into any charity before you give, a simple Google search can help, along with the resources provided by CharityWatch.org and CharityNavigator.org.