#HOUSTONSTRONG
The volunteer effort is in full swing. Here’s how to help.
It has been three weeks since Hurricane Harvey dropped an unparalleled deluge onto the Gulf Coast. Since then, hundreds of thousands of volunteers have mobilized and come to the aid of those in need. For some, the recovery process will take weeks, if not months, and the need for volunteers continues to increase.
Here’s how you can help:
• Call the Harris County Volunteer hotline at 281-656-1533 or visit volunteerhouston.org to sign up for shifts at shelters and donation sorting centers in the Houston area.
• BakerRipley is asking for volunteers at NRG, GRB and other major shelters in the area. Sign up at volunteer.bakerripley.org.
• The American Red Cross is registering volunteers to work at shelters and donation centers, including Toyota Center. Sign up at redcross. org.
• The Houston Food Bank is seeking volunteers for food prep and other duties. Visit houstonfoodbankorg to register.
• The Houston Furniture Bank seeks volunteers for furniture distribution, helping to move furniture in the warehouse and other duties. Visit houstonfurniturebank.org.
• Lord of Life Lutheran Church in The Woodlands is partnering with Interfaith Ministries for clothing distribution. Volunteers can sign up by calling 281-367-7016.
• Houston Volunteer Lawyers is asking attorneys to volunteer their time and expertise to provide legal help to storm victims. Register to volunteer at makejusticehappen.org.
• The Islamic Society of Greater Houston is calling for volunteers to man its donation distribution centers across the city. For a list of distribution centers and to sign up to volunteer, visit isgh.org or call 832-9410766.
• Check helphoustonharvey.com for an updated list of shelter volunteer opportunities in the Houston area.
• Free indeed Community Works needs volunteers at their food, baby care, and donation distribution centers. Visit communityworkscdc.org.
• First Baptist Church of Fresno needs help with food and supply distribution for flood victims in the Arcola, Fresno and Cianna Range areas. Go to fresnobaptistchurch.org.
• Reach Out WorldWide needs volunteers willing to assist with cleaning and gutting homes. Volunteers must be in good physical shape. Contact responders@ roww.org for information.
• Friends of North Rosenberg is looking for assistance with cleaning and gutting homes, as well as and debris removal. Visit attackpoverty.org for information. • All Hands Volunteers is setting two bases in Fort Bend County and one in Aransas Pass. Get information at hards.org.
How to donate
• Texas Mattress Makers and Houston Children’s Charity have teamed up with Carlos Correa and Dave Ward to raise money for Hurricane Harvey Children’s Relief Fund. The goal is to raise $500,000 to help put 5,000 children back in bed; 100 percent of the donations will go to the purchase of mattresses, bedding and bed frames. Donate at YouCaring. com/CarlosCorrea.
• BARC Houston, Houston’s municipal animal shelter, needs monetary and supply donations to help with the continuous care of its animals. Donate at houstontx.gove/barc.
• Houston Pets Alive! is in need of supplies and monetary donations. Go to houstonpetsalive.org.
• There are some 400 dogs and 100 cats housed at the Pet Rescue Pavilion at NRG Arena, where families can come search for lost pets. Volunteers are needed to help with animal care, dog walking, administrative duties and building dog beds and other items. To register, visit bestfriends. org/hurricaneharvey.