Ways to help Houston

Here are some of the ways to help, and which organizations are coordinating relief efforts.

CHARITIES AND HOW TO DONATE

RED CROSS: An international network of emergency relief. You can donate here.

UNITED WAY: Houston’s chapter of community support organization United Way has set up a Harvey recovery fund. You can donate online and choose to send the money to specific counties or let the organization decide. It’s also coordinating cleanup efforts after the floods: Those in need can call 1-800-451-1954 or 1-844-965-1386.

AIRBNB: If you can offer up room locally for displaced residents and evacuees, or if you need a place to stay, AirBNB will help facilitate that. Here’s more information.

SOUTH TEXAS BLOOD & TISSUE DONATION: You can donate here. Local residents can also donate blood in person.

TEXAS DIAPER BANK: You can donate here.

HOUSTON SPCA: You can donate here. (SPCA is an animal shelter and is also taking in stray or displaced pets.)

CENTRAL TEXAS FOOD BANK: You can donate here.

COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS: An umbrella organization coordinating shelters and organizations across Houston. You can donate here.

AND IF YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER: Organized help is the most effective in a disaster. Independent volunteer efforts, while certainly well-meaning, can end up slowing down operations. So if you are in the storm-hit areas and want to lend a hand, register through the disaster portal of Volunteer Houston or All Hands Volunteers, which are coordinating help.

And remember, everything helps.