How locals can help with relief efforts

On Friday, Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Rockport, Texas.

The Category 4 hurricane and following rainfall created extreme flooding in Texas – including the city of Houston, the nation’s fourth largest city - resulting in more than 2,000 rescues throughout the city.

The “unprecedented” rainfall is expected to continue throughout the week and could bring as much as 50 inches of rain to some areas of Texas, according to the National Weather Service.

Rising water levels created extreme flooding throughout the area and has left people displaced

throughout the state or stranded in their homes without power.

As the effects of the major disaster continue to be felt, organizations across the country are offering their services to victims of the storm.

Here are a few ways local residents can help those more than a thousand miles away.

Donations

The American Red Cross has enough shelter to support 28,000 people and is in the process of receiving supplies for an additional 22,000 people.

It also mobilized half of its emergency response fleet and took in more than 1,800 people Saturday alone. By Monday, housing has already become a critical issue for those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed.

To contribute to the American Red Cross’ efforts, residents can make a donation online, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text HARVEY to 90999 to make minimum donation of $10.

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services is also working to provide food and clothing to those affected by the disaster. To donate to the cause, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or visit their website at www.helpsalvationarmy.org.

After receiving an overwhelming number of inquiries from citizens and companies wanting to help, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner established the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund at http://ghcf.org/.

The fund accepts tax-deductible flood relief donations that will be administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation.

Global Giving, the largest global crowdfunding community, also set up its own page for a Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund at www. globalgiving.org/projects/ hurricane-harvey-relieffund/.

The organization has a $2 million goal to support Hurricane Harvey recovery and relief efforts to meet immediate needs and to provide long-term support for survivors.

Pets are also need of help.

Pets

The SPCA is also seeking monetary and in-kind donations to help with its rescue and relief efforts for animals throughout Texas.

According to its website, the supplies most needed are cat litter, litter boxes, towels, blankets, large wire crates, toys, treats, pet beds, newspaper and gas gift cards. Cash donations can be made online at https://www.spca. org/give.

Blood Donations

The American Red Cross is also seeking blood donations from individuals throughout the country to assist with an “emergency need for blood.”

During the next two weeks, there are four locations in the Santa Clarita Valley hosting blood drives that support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

The first is Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Santa Clarita West Masonic Lodge. The location will also host blood drives Sept. 6 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

And on Sept. 6, College of the Canyons will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Housing

Airbnb set up an “urgent accommodation” site where it is waiving service fees for those affected by the disaster and checking in between Aug. 23 and Sept. 1.

As part of its Disaster Response service, Airbnb is offering housing to displaced individuals and relief workers and allowing users to offer their space up to others for free.