Ever since the rains began to fall and the winds to blow, we as a nation have focused our eyes on Texas. As cruisers, we’ve worried about our fellow wanderers who were trapped at sea or trying to figure out how their future travel plans would be impacted in the wake of Harvey’s wrath. And like people from around the country, we’ve found ourselves asking, “What can we do to help Hurricane Harvey’s victims?”
How You Can Help!
As a people, we’ve kept the people of Texas’ gulf coast in our thoughts and prayers, even while watching news coverage so horrific we want to look away. But now, it is time for those who can to do more. So what can you do to help Hurricane Harvey’s victims as they recover from the devastation?
One of the things people struggle with in the wake of natural disasters is wanting to give money while also needing assurances that their donations are actually going to go to the people in need. As horrible a thought as it is, there are people out there who will take advantage of this situation with scams and phishing schemes. That’s why Sylvester Turner, mayor of Houston — one of the hardest hit areas — established the Hurricane Relief Fund that “will accept tax-deductible flood relief donations.” Those looking to donate can do so by clicking here.Likewise, the United Way has set up a relief fund which not only allows you to donate, but also provides the opportunity to specify which of the flood-stricken counties your donation will be used to help. “United way’s first priority will be safety, shelter and basic needs like food,” says the organization’s website. “Once the community is stabilized, United Way will focus on long-term recovery efforts.”
While the United way of Greater Houston does “maintain a disaster reserve fund,” they already are aware that “because of the widespread devastation already seen, the needs of those impacted will far exceed existing resources.”
And while many’s first thought is to donate to the Red Cross, others suggest that it would be far better to reach out to local charity or church in order to assure that they money intended for those in the Houston area winds up going to those specific people and organizations.
Other Ways To Help Hurricane Harvey Victims
While every dollar donated will, of course, be appreciated, there are other things that the impacted area will need in the weeks and months ahead, including blood. That’s why drives organized by groups such as the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center are so critical during times of crisis. And while it’s sometimes easy to forget, hundreds of animals will be displaced by this crisis. With many shelters not allowing people to bring their pets, the SPCA of Texas is looking for people willing to provide foster care for animals in need of housing.
Source:cruiseradio.
