We’ve had millions without power, hundreds getting sick from carbonoxide poisoning and untold numbers preparing to deal with frozen pipes.
Amid all of that wintry devastation, there are many people in need or — on the flip side — stepping up to help others.
A simple way to find help — or to help others — is to search social media. There’s a “Community Help” page on Facebook where many people post questions, search for lost pets, and offer help and ideas.
Brooke Parkinson, director of Volunteer Houston, said that www.volunteerhou.org is a great place to figure out where to start. If you want to donate time, money or goods, you can search for organizations in need.
Parkinson said that shelters and warming stations — where people are turning for immediate help — aren’t accepting donations because the roads are not safe for driving and we’re still living with the risks of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The best thing folks can do is to sit tight for now,” she said of people who want to offer help. “Stay warm and stay safe. Keep an eye out because after the weather clears there will be a better idea of what the needs are and where the needs are and which organizationss are asking for that help.”
Here are some ideas to get you started:
VOLUNTEER OR DONATE
American Red Cross: This national aid organization offers help during many natural disasters. Right now it has shelters and warming centers at various sites in Houston. To donate to the Houston chapter go to redcross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast.
Volunteer Houston: This nonprofit is a clearinghouse for hundreds of other agencies who are looking for volunteers and donations throughout Greater Houston. For information, go to volunteerhou.org. You can search by topic, keyword, cause or other filters. And if you’re worried about going out, there are ways to volunteer virtually.
Houston Food Bank: The food bank uses hundreds of volunteers each week in shifts for product sorting and box packing. A spokesperson said that while the facility has been open for distributions all week, they have not used volunteers. The food bank needs nonperishables such as peanut butter, canned proteins, protein bars and other things that don’t require cooking. Register for volunteer work — they’ll need you when the weather warms up — or make a donation www.houstonfoodbank.org or call 713-547-8604.
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston: This multi-service agency administers Volunteer Houston, Meals on Wheels/Animeals, offers refugee services and promotes interfaith and community partnerships, so it has many opportunities for people wanting to help those in need. Right now, pet food for its Animeals program is in short supply. To donate, order pet food on any website and have it shipped to Animeals c/o Interfaith Ministries, 3215 San Jacinto, Houston, TX 77004. The facilities are closed through the end of the week, but for future volunteer opportunities go to imgh.org.
CrowdSource Rescue: This grassroots organization launched as a neighbors-helping-neighbors effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey is still at it. In addition to delivering food bank parcels to those in need, they’re now working to help homeowners who do not have power and to transport seniors to hotels during the freeze. To help, go to crowdsourcerescue.com.
Salvation Army: Offers a variety of services from disaster relief to homeless shelters, food pantries, job training and rehab. salvationarmyusa.org
GENERAL HELP
Gallery Furniture: The ever helpful Jim “Mack” McIngvale has opened his Gallery Furniture stores on the North Freeway and Grand Parkway as warming shelters. 6006 North Freeway or 7227 W. Grand Parkway South
HOMELESS
Houston Area Women’s Center: Shelter and support services for victims of domestic violence. 713-528-2121 or http://www.hawc.org/
Star of Hope: The Star of Hope homeless shelter welcomes donations of toiletries such as lotion, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and airbrushes, plus diapers (size 0) and pullup diapers (size 4T and 5T), underwear for men and women (all sizes), towels and washcloths, twin size sheets and blankets. For other donation information go to sohmission.org.
MENTAL HEALTH
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 for English and 888-628-9454 for Spanish.
Center for Healing Arts and Sciences: Offering reduced-fee $50 solution-focused therapy sessions to first responders and healthcare professionals. 713-526-4444 or info@thecenterforhas.com.
This is My Brave: This national mental health performing arts nonprofit has more than 800 videos, including full performances, about living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, addiction and other mental health issues; youtube.com/user/thisismybrave.
Crisis Intervention Hotline of Houston: For 24/7 confidential crisis counseling call 832-416-1177; its Teen Talk hotline is 832-416-1199. crisishotline.org
Mental Health Support Line: This new service helps callers 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call 713-558-3777
To have your organization added to this list, send information to features@chron.com.
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Houston area nonprofits help those in need after wintry weather - Houston Chronicle
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