Apply

Helping Our Friends in Texas

February 25, 2021
Submitted By: Office of Marketing and Communication
Texas Winter Storm Aid

Unprecedented winter storms have blanketed Texas, causing bitter cold temperatures and widespread power outages throughout much of the state.

President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency. The need for help is immediate as many struggle to find shelter, food and warmth in these dangerous freezing conditions. Here are many ways that you can donate and contribute to the cause: 

  • The American Red Cross is supporting at least 35 warming centers with cots and blankets across the state.

  • In Austin, the area Urban League has started the #LoveThyNeighborTX campaign to raise money for hotel rooms, food, water, clothing and other basic needs of the housing insecure communities.

  • Mercy Chefs is providing hot meals, clean drinking water and USDA Farmers to Families grocery boxes in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

  • The Houston Food Bank is also distributing food to those in need.

  • Austin small business Free Lunch is making deliveries of home-cooked meals, blankets, hand warmers and hygiene kits to the Esperanza Community residents, a state-sanctioned shelter/campsite in the city.

  • The Other Ones Foundation is also providing resiliency kits for residents of the campsite. The kits include basic needs for those experiencing homelessness.

  • Dallas-area organizations Austin Street Center, OurCallingThe StewpotUnion Gospel Mission, and Oak Lawn United Methodist Church are pooling funds to help pay for temporary shelter as well as Covid-19 rapid tests for those in need.

  • Lucille's 1913 Community Kitchen is preparing and distributing meals in the Houston area.

  • Caritas of Austin also helps those experiencing housing insecurity in the Austin area. You can support their work by making a monetary donation or ordering items from their Amazon wish list to be shipped directly to the center.

  • The Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County is supporting warming centers throughout Houston and Harris County.

  • Austin Pets Alive! is working to keep pets across Texas warm and safe during the freezing conditions. The group needs heating pads, Styrofoam coolers, dog beds, heat lamps and monetary donations.

  • Save the Children is helping storm-damaged child care and early learning centers in Texas recover. They are also providing hygiene kits, bottled water, warm clothing and PPE to shelters.