As many of you may know, the Blinds.com headquarters and vast majority of our team members are based in Houston. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey many of our employees have had damage to their homes and lost power, but many others are jumping into action to help their neighbors.
If you've been touched by some of the stories of Houston residents and are eager to help, we've collected a list of ways to do that.
A great place to start is:
The Greater Houston Community Foundation
The Easter Seals of Greater Houston
Monetary donations are preferred by many organizations as material donations can require additional transportation and logistical complications. Before making any donations, it's always good to do some research. Charity Navigator is a resource to start with.
General Relief
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner established a Harvey relief fund at The Greater Houston Community Foundation. The organization will channel funds to a number or relief efforts across the city.
The American Red Cross is accepting donations on its website. You can also text HARVEY to 90999 to donate $10.
Help People with Disabilities
The differently abled community can be some of the hardest hit by disasters. Easter Seals provides services individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, other special needs, and disabled veterans.
Support Food Banks
Texas food banks are mobilizing to support the large number of people who have lost access to food and water. Feeding Texas is a statewide non-profit that coordinates with federal, state and local food banks in times of disaster response. You can also donate directly to the Houston Food Bank.
Consider donating money instead of food, as it allows a food bank to use your donation most efficiently.
Care for the Homeless
Houston has a large homeless population and many organizations that serve that community. The Houston Coalition for the Homeless coordinates the city's response to homelessness and is funneling support to organizations that offer direct service.
Help Displaced Children
Diapers take up a lot of space in a delivery truck, which means that other relief organizations have to decide between bringing diapers or food to affected areas. The Texas Diaper Bank fills in that need. As mentioned above, this organization needs money, not physical diaper donations.
Support Animals in Need
Many pets have been evacuated from South East Texas shelters and more are waiting to be rescued by boat. The ASPCA is working to rescue animals while BARC Houston and Austin Pets Alive! are housing animals and in dire need of foster homes until facilities are safe enough to return to. Austin Pets Alive! has transported more than 235 animals to its shelter. It says it has received so many donated supplies that it's running out of storage space, so financial donations are what it needs most.
Hear it from a Flood Survivor 1 Year Later
Blinds.com was honored to partner with Susie Harris, a Louisiana Native who has been rebuilding after 2016 flooding in her area. When she approached us to ask if we'd be a part of her renovation, we had no idea that we'd be looking to her for advice and inspiration just a few months later.
Thank you for your support.
