Hurricane Harvey: Here’s How You Can Help Homeless Youth in Houston

What’s happening in Houston?

Since Thursday, over 30 inches of rain have fallen on Houston and its surrounding area. Hurricane Harvey has already caused the worst flooding in Texas history, with rains expected to continue through Friday. Many in Houston have lost their homes. At least five deaths and more than a dozen injuries have been reported. Tens of thousands of people spent the weekend in shelters across the Houston area.

For people experiencing homelessness, every night is a fight for survival. In times of national disaster, they’re even more vulnerable. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services notes that people experiencing homelessness are more likely to have a negative reaction, be it physical or psychological, to a disaster situation than the general public. Furthermore, national disasters can dramatically increase the homelessness rate in a matter of hours – leaving a lasting impact.

Here’s what you can do to help.

Emergency responders and service providers have been nothing short of heroic, and they need your support now more than ever. The easiest and most immediate way to support is by making a financial donation.

We recommend giving to:

  • Montrose Center
    • Help our LGBTQ community members displaced by the storm today by giving to the LGBTQ Disaster Relief Fund, managed by the Montrose Center – Houston’s LGBTQ counseling and community center serving Houston for 39 years.
  • Salvation Army
    • The Salvation Army has provided over 18 thousand meals in every area of Houston. Along with their partner Tony’s Place, an LGBT focused drop-in center, the Salvation Army of Houston is providing support for all emergency needs of Houston youth.
  • Covenant House Texas
    • Covenant House International is the largest network of youth homeless shelters in North America, and its Houston location is offering shelter to youth affected by the flooding.
  • Houston Food Bank
    • Houston Food Bank is on the front lines providing relief to shelters and families. For every dollar you give, Houston Food Bank can provide 3 meals to folks displaced by Harvey.
  • Red Cross
    • The Red Cross is providing immediate relief to the people affected by Hurricane Harvey. Shelters are open, truck loads of supplies are being distributed, and volunteers are working round the clock.
  • Coalition for the Homeless
    • Coalition for the Homeless coordinates shelters and service organizations across Houston and Harris County.

If you’re in the area, consider volunteering at:

  • Red Cross
    • The Red Cross in Texas is asking for support and has announced that it will be training volunteers at their shelters through a “fast-track” course.
  • South Texas Blood & Tissue Center
    • Houston is in urgent need of blood donations, especially type O negative and O positive.
      • To donate blood, schedule an appointment here or call 1-(800) 292-5534 ext. 3500.
  • Volunteer Houston
    • Volunteer Houston has launched a virtual volunteer center to help connect organizations in need of support with folks willing to help.

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