How you can help victims of Hurricane Harvey

Here at CREDO, our hearts go out to the tens of thousands of victims of Hurricane Harvey. The massive storm and devastating flooding have left more than a dozen dead, dozens more injured and at least 30,000 in desperate need of food, shelter, medicine and other aid.

Recent reporting confirms that the storm and its aftermath are having a disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, people of color and immigrant families. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officials left 50 immigrant women and children stranded at a closed bus station directly in the path of the storm, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced it would continue making arrests during Harvey, so it’s unclear how many immigrants may have chosen not to seek help during or after the storm.

If you and your friends and family are looking for ways to help victims of Harvey, here are some ways you can chip in:

• Volunteer. If you live in Texas or the Gulf region or are willing to travel, many organizations are looking for a helping hand. Volunteer Houston and All Hands Volunteers are coordinating volunteer relief efforts.
• Communities of color. The Texas Organizing Project, a nonprofit that promotes social and economic equality for low to moderate income Texans, has established a Hurricane Harvey Community Relief Fund to ensure marginalized communities get immediate relief and have the tools to rebuild and advocate for themselves in the long run.
• People with disabilities. Portlight Inclusive Disaster Strategies is coordinating with the local, state and federal government to address urgent requests for evacuation and medical equipment from older people and people with disabilities, including trans people, undocumented immigrants and other extremely vulnerable communities who are disabled.
• Food donations. Food banks across Texas and the region are in need of donations. The Houston Press has compiled a good list here. To make an immediate online gift, Feeding Texas coordinates with food banks across the state.
• Infants and children. The Texas Diaper Bank is accepting donations and emergency diapers for families affected by Harvey. Click here to make a donation and specify your donation is for disaster relief.
• Immigrants. Immigrants in the Gulf region are especially at risk during this crisis. Mijente, a pro-Latinx advocacy organization, was immediately organizing before Harvey hit the Texas coast to protect immigrants from Trump’s out of control Custom and Border Patrol during the hurricane. You can donate to them here.
• Environmental justice. Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (TEJAS) provides community members with the tools necessary to create sustainable, environmentally healthy communities by educating individuals on health concerns and implications arising from environmental pollution. Click here to make a donation.
• Pets and animals. Austin Pets Alive! is working with shelters directly affected by Hurricane Harvey and in need of immediate funding to save animals impacted by the storm.