How To Help Hurricane Harvey Victims, Because It Is So Important

Hurricane Harvey is quickly becoming one of the most catastrophic natural disasters to hit the U.S. in our lifetime. While watching reports of life-threatening flooding in Houston and rapidly rising death rates, you may be wondering how to help people impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Fortunately, a number of organizations are accepting donations to aid those in need.

The powerful storm gained momentum in the Gulf of Mexico's warm waters before coming inland as a Category 4 hurricane shortly before 10:00 p.m. Friday night. While it has since been downgraded to a tropical storm, the National Hurricane Center is expecting a "multi-day rainfall disaster" in coming days, leading to further destruction. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings, predicting as much as 50 inches of rainfall. The massive downpours are expected to do further damage to impacted communities, meaning that Texas isn't out of the clear just yet.

Reports are still coming in of the extent of the damage, but officials have reported extensive damage to homes and businesses in the affected areas. The death toll continues to rise as search and rescue missions are underway. In an attempt to provide assistance to victims of the storm, many organizations have begun accepting donations, both monetary and otherwise.

The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is accepting donations via text. By texting the word "HARVEY" to 90999, you can make a $10 donation to the Red Cross, helping it to provide necessary supplies and shelter to victims. If you wish to donate a different amount, simply visit RedCross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. iTunes is also partnering with the Red Cross to make donations via the iTunes website.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is currently accepting donations for Hurricane Harvey victims. To donate, visit GiveSalvationArmy.org or call 1-800-725-2769. If you are looking to make an impact beyond a simple donation, the Salvation Army is also looking for volunteers to head to impacted areas to provide specialized aid.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities has been instrumental in the immediate response to Hurrican Harvey. Donations to this charity pay for food and shelter to help victims now. Following the storm, the organization has also committed itself to helping with the immense rebuilding efforts that will come for anyone who has lost their home to the storm.

Americares

Americares is "a health-focused relief and development organization" that comes to the aid of victims in the wake of poverty or disaster. It is accepting donations to go towards relief in Texas following the destruction of the storm.

Convoy of Hope

Convoy of Hope defines itself as "a faith-based, nonprofit organization with a driving passion to feed the world through children’s feeding initiatives, community outreaches and disaster response." Following the devastation in Texas, it is accepting donations to go towards support and disaster response for victims.

Direct Relief

Direct Relief is "a humanitarian aid organization," which is currently active in all 50 states. In Texas, it is working to relieve the suffering of Hurricane Harvey victims in line with its mission to "improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies."

Operation Blessing International

As one of the largest charities in America, Operation Blessing International provides strategic relief to those impacted by poverty, war, and natural disasters. OBI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization that is working in Texas to help victims overcome the struggles associated with Hurricane Harvey.

Local Organizations In Texas

Several local organizations are in need of donations as well. If you are in or near the affected areas, these organizations could greatly use your help. The South Texas Blood And Tissue Center needs blood donations from those capable of giving. Donors are required to be at least 18-years-old, or have completed a parental consent form, and be in good physical condition.

The SPCA Of Texas is working to help the furrier victims of the storm. It is not only human victims who need our help. Donations to this organization go towards necessary food and shelter for dislocated pets.

Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Corpus Christi's local children's hospital, has been financially strained by the costs involved with transporting patients away from the dangers surrounding the hospital. Any donations will go towards off-setting these costs and caring for patients.

As you can see, there is a long list of groups determined to help those in need. Donations to any one of these organizations would benefit the numerous victims as Hurricane Harvey comes to a close. The devastation and damage across Texas will leave many in need. Donating time, money, or blood to help rebuild allows you to play an active role in the repairing process.