Hurricane Harvey came full force to the Texas coast, driving thousands of people to shelters, leaving much more stranded in flood areas and leaving behind an immense trail of destruction. The tropical storm is causing massive floods throughout the state, and people have to stay ahead and get prepared for continued rain and possible flooding for the next few days.
The Hurricane
Harvey is the strongest hurricane to hit the United States since Charley in 2004, and it’s creating unprecedented flooding, forcing thousands of people to leave everything behind.
The National Hurricane Center said the storm is expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico today where it should hang out for a couple of days, before coming back to the Texas/Louisiana border on Wednesday.
The rain is predicted to go on until Friday, and the hurricane is expected to “slowly move northeast across Louisiana and Arkansas as a tropical depression from Thursday into Saturday”, reported USA Today.
If you’re looking to make a difference, here’s how you can help:
The American Red Cross
The organization is helped the victims impacted by the Texas flooding by offering shelter and providing supplies. You can donate by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or texting HARVEY to 90999. You can also make an online donation by clicking here.
Salvation Army
The organization’s Emergency Disaster Services is providing food and clothing for those seeking shelter. You can donate by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or you can make an online donation by heading to the Salvation Army’s website.
Global Giving
The community is trying to raise $2 million to “provide relief to survivors in the form of emergency supplies like food, water, and medicine in addition to longer-term recovery assistance to help residents recover and rebuild.”
You can help by visiting their website to make an online donation or by texting HARVEY to 80100 to donate $10.
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
The fund was established by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and it will accept tax deductible donations. You can make one by visiting the Greater Houston Community Foundation website, who is administering the fund.
Looking to help the pets in need?
Austin Pets Alive
The organization is helping the impacted pets by transporting them to safer areas. You can help by fostering cats and large dogs or by giving cash donations or in-kind donations. For more details, check out their website.
SPCA of Texas
The SPCA is also accepting donations and supplies to help pets impacted by the hurricane. You can visit their website to give a financial donation, and they’re also accepting in-kind donations of cat litter, litter boxes, towels, blankets, large wire crates, toys, treats, pet beds, newspaper, gas gift cards and others.
Volunteering
If you can help by providing your time, organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are in need of volunteers to help at shelters. You can get more details over at the American Red Cross website or at the Salvation Army website.
