This week devastating floods rocked the Houston area, badly damaging hundreds of homes and claiming the lives of several drivers who became trapped in their cars in high water. If you were one of the fortunate ones who made it through unscathed, there are many ways you can help others in the community get back on their feet and back into their homes. In times of trouble, it’s comforting to know that your community cares and is here to help. Luckily, there is no end to the ways you can help those who need it.
For those with the means to help but not the spare time, city officials have set up a website to accept monetary donations to flood victims. Go to www.houstonfloodrecovery.com if you’d like to chip in even a few dollars to go toward flood relief agencies that are already hard at work providing assistance to displaced people.
Maybe you’re in the opposite situation, and you don’t have the funds to spare, but you are able to give of your time. There are thousands of volunteer opportunities listed on www.volunteerhouston.com just waiting to be matched with a willing volunteer. You can choose to work with animals, children, the elderly, or by doing manual labor, just to name a few. Skilled volunteer construction work will be particularly in demand, as some of the areas hardest hit by the flood are also the most impoverished.
Many places of worship and community organizations are accepting donations of food, bottled water, baby diapers and formula, hygiene items, clothing, furniture, and household goods to be distributed to those who lost their belongings. Randalls grocery stores are accepting donations during checkout until Thursday, April 28th. Funds collected at Randalls will go to the Houston Flood Relief Fund. Community of Faith Church at 1024 Pinemont is one of the major donation centers near the Heights. Church Without Walls at 5314 Bingle Rd. is also accepting donations. In addition to donated goods, many of these donation centers are in need of volunteers to inspect and distribute items.
Lastly, don’t forgot to look around your own backyard for ways to help. Even neighborhoods that didn’t flood had many residents who had trees fall and need help removing them, not to mention the hail and wind that damaged lots of homes. If you have neighbors who are older and need a hand, they would surely appreciate some help removing fallen tree limbs and cleaning up the considerable mess left behind by the storms.
For a more comprehensive list of ways you can help, visit http://www.khou.com/news/khoucares-how-you-can-help-the-flood-victims/143140506
For more information, please visit: http://www.khou.com/news/khoucares-how-you-can-help-the-flood-victims/143140506
Source: Image via Washington Post