Unless you’ve been living under a very big rock, you’ve heard of the devastation that Hurricane Harvey has brought to the people of Houston.
You’ve seen your favorite influencers lending helping hands - shout out to Jaclyn Hill, Jake Paul, and Dan Bilzerian to name a few - and you’re wondering how you can help. And while you may not have the means of celebs like Justin Bieber or the Kardashians, it doesn’t mean you can’t lend a helping hand to those suffering.
We’ve rounded up the SEVEN best ways you can help out all those afflicted by this tragedy, so take a look and see if there’s something you can do!
1. Money
Donating money is definitely going to be the best thing you can do right now and there are TONS of organizations that could use your help. Here are a few we definitely think deserve some love:
We’re working in #Texas providing essential aid to children & families affected by #HurricaneHarvey. Please donate>https://t.co/HsyyqgeSWA pic.twitter.com/s4CXHM9X8S
— Save the Children (@save_children) August 28, 2017
Google (they matched donations, too!)
Our thoughts are with the millions of people affected by severe flooding in South Asia. We’re committing $1M to help https://t.co/Z0mJ5aKtKy
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) August 31, 2017
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund (set up through the Greater Houston Community Foundation)
Direct link to donate! #HurricaneHarvey #floodrelief #TexasStrong https://t.co/KSacXgPyLE
— Greater Houston CF (@greaterhoucf) August 28, 2017
2. Avoid sending materials like clothes and toys…unless requested!
We know it sounds weird, but for right now, sending items like stuffed animals, clothing, and food can end up hindering relief efforts. It’s best to confirm first if certain items are needed, so check with a charity you like to see what things they’re looking for before sending materials down.
3. Open your home
If you’re in Texas and unaffected by the hurricane, consider offering up a room in your house. Airbnb is waiving service fees (and the minimum nightly fee requirement) so think about putting your house up!
We’re encouraging our Houston hosts to open their homes to those affected by #HurricaneHarvey.https://t.co/6e6GnuIf9e
— Airbnb (@Airbnb) September 1, 2017
4. Use Facebook
We’re sure you’ve already hashtagged Harvey to the max, but there’s another way you can use social media to help out. Browse Facebook’s “Community Help” for requests Harvey victims have and the chance to help them directly.
5. Host a charity event
We’re loving seeing different fundraisers pop up on our events page for Houston efforts and we think it’s a great way to help out. Many are combining passions of theirs with helping out Harvey victims. Play a sport? Host a game where ticket proceeds go to a charity of your choice. Love dancing? Reach out to your favorite club and see if they’d be willing to give you a portion of ticket sales and then advertise it like crazy.
6. Give blood
Whenever a crisis like Harvey hits, there’s a shortage of blood. If you’re able, consider setting an appointment to donate blood.
There’s a big need for blood donations, so @connectforlife has extended their donation hours. Visit any #SATX donor room, 7a-7p. #Harvey pic.twitter.com/iyvA23dSUS
— SA2020 (@SA2020) August 28, 2017
7. Don’t forget about Harvey
Right now, Harvey news is everywhere - our feeds, TV, our snaps, the radio, etc. But in time, the news crews will move on and even though Harvey isn’t physically in Houston anymore, his damage will linger for a very long time. If you don’t have the funds now, consider stocking something away every week and making a donation in a few months’ time. Or, if you have the means, think about traveling to Houston sometime next year to help with rebuilding. As we’ve learned from Katrina and other disasters in the past, just because we’re not hearing about it in the news anymore, doesn’t mean our help isn’t still needed.
What do you think? Let us know if you have other ways we can help out our friends in Houston! #HoustonStrong
