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Not actually Erin.
& is used with permission.
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However, we also realize that in times of disaster, thoughts and prayers aren't enough. When it comes to making a difference, the three biggest helpers are Time, Talent, and Treasure.
Time
The difference between "time" and "talent" is that talent is a specialized skill whereas time is "just being there to help" -- only surgeons can do surgery, but a lot of people can give first aid, and just about everyone can dig a ditch or fill sandbags or pass out food.
However, this does not mean you should get in your car or your boat and go to Houston to help out! Not only will you likely just put yourself in danger (the last thing we need is more victims), but you may end up diverting emergency aid from the residents there and/or contribute to the confusion.
Instead, help out from where you are:
- Go to a hospital and donate blood
- Volunteer at a local church, charity or food pantry to pack disaster supplies
- Check in on friends (texts are more likely to go through than telephone calls) and let them know that if they need anything, you are there to help. Sometimes just know that people care is enough of a morale boost to get through the day.
Talent
If you have a specific skill that can be of use without putting yourself in harm's way, do it. For example, HAM Operators are a communications lifeline during disasters. However, most forms of talent involve people being in site, which leads to the aforementioned problems of getting in the way of emergency crews.
The "good news" about all this is that even if you can't volunteer NOW, your help will still be necessary in the weeks and perhaps months to come. Disaster recovery takes time, so wait until the authorities give the all clear before you head down to help.
Treasure
This is also known as "donating money" and it's the best way to ensure that those in need get what they require. Many well-meaning people think that donating clothes, food, blankets and such will help those affected by the disaster, but more often than not this just slows down the distribution of needed supplies. Instead, give money so that the "boots on the ground" agencies can get what is needed.
I do however urge you all to be discerning with your donations. Some charities spend more on advertising and payroll than they do on helping those they claim to serve. These are the charities which I endorse, due mainly to fact that they spend most of their money in achieving their mission:
Local Charities
(copied verbatim from this Fader article; given that this is disaster response, I don't think they'll mind the plagiarism)- Southern Baptist Disaster Relief - Meets the urgent needs of communities in crisis, from serving food to volunteers in rebuilding communities.
- Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County - Provides shelter and resources for the homeless of Houston and surrounding areas.
- Texas Diaper Bank - Provides diapers to those in need. In everyday life, and especially in times of crisis, diapers are an essential that is incredibly hard to afford.
- SPCA Of Texas - Works to rescue and relocate animals caught in Hurricane Harvey.
- Portlight - a disaster response organization specifically serving individuals with disabilities.
- The Galveston Food Bank
- Food Bank Of Corpus Christi
- Houston Food Bank
- Driscoll Children's Hospital - This hospital will be taking in evacuated NICU babies.
- Save The Children -This is a specific fund for Hurricane Harvey relief response.
- Airbnb - Hurricane Harvey evacuees can find housing on Airbnb from August 23 until September 1 for no fee, and people can also offer their homes on the sight to accomdate evacuees from the storm.
National & International Charities
- Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and 70 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies. It has a score of 100% from Charity Navigator.
- International Relief Teams (IRT) alleviates human suffering by providing health services and humanitarian assistance to victims of disaster, neglect, and profound poverty worldwide. It has a score of 95% from Charity Navigator.
- International Disaster Emergency Service (IDES) is a Christian charity that partners with churches to help people both physically and spiritually. Its projects fall into one of five "Focus Areas": Disaster assistance, Hunger relief, Medical care, Development, and Evangelism. It has a score of 89% from Charity Navigator.
Please give generously -- but please also give intelligently.
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