As rain from tropical storms flood and impact Texas after Hurricane Harvey, Jeff and I decided to do a quick podcast to share ways we know you can offer relief and support for those in need in the Lone Star state via a @BreakDrink podcast. We appreciate the love and concern a number of you have expressed for our well-being, but we are a-okay. Our fellow Texans to the southeast are under water and they could really use your help.

In this episode, we chat with Paul Eaton who is in the midst of some flooding in Conroe, TX and share few ways you can donate to Harvey (and avoid being scammed) if you are so inclined.

There are a number of ways to get and offer help for Harvey. If you know people who are directly affected by Hurricane Harvey, FEMA recommends visiting www.nvoad.org/how-to-help/ Additionally, DisasterAssistance.gov includes a link to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s step-by-step guide to filing a flood claim, a map to locate the nearest FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers and instructions on how to apply for assistance. If you have questions about the help FEMA offers or the application process, call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or submit your query online. Or better yet, Find an open shelter near you by texting SHELTER and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362). You can also use the FEMA mobile app.

Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, are currently taking in residents from the flood and hurricane zones. This means the state of Texas needs your help to support these small towns who have moved into these shelters. Additional donations for various relief needs can be met by visiting the following websites – and if you know of others, please tweet or comment where others can help:

• Greater Houston Community Fund, specifically the Hurricane Harvey Relief fund, set up by the Mayor Sylvester Turner
• Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County
• Portlight assists people with disabilities who have medical needs or require shelter as a result of Hurricane Harvey.
• Houston Food Bank and the Food Bank of Corpus Christi
• Texas Diaper Bank need urgently need donations: http://www.texasdiaperbank.org/
• The Homeless Period Project of Austin distributes tampons, pads, and other period-related items to those displaced by the storm.
• American Red is collecting donations for Hurricane Harvey: Disaster Relief
• Carter BloodCare
• covers hospitals in North, Central and East Texas. To donate, call 877-571-1000 or text DONATE4LIFE to 444-999.The United Way of Greater Houston flood relief fund to help with immediate & minor home repair. Visit their website to donate or text UWFLOOD to 41444.
• Airbnb has activated their Disaster Response Program where you can volunteer your place to stay for those who were evacuated from their homes & they will waive their fees or set up a room for evacuees to stay
• Organizations Focused on People of Color for Harvey Relief/Support
• The L.G.B.T.Q. Disaster Relief Fund to help with recovery and those in need
• JJ Watt fund: https://www.youcaring.com/victimsofhurricaneharvey-915053
• If you or anyone you know is in a crisis and you’re concerned about their mental well-being, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HOME to 741741 (https://afsp.org/)
• For Animal Lovers – the SPCA of Texas needs assistance: https://spca.org/give
• SPCA of Texas is in need of donations & support to help evacuated fur friends, including 123 cats from The Cattery shelter from Corpus Christi
• GreaterGood.org mutt foundation
• An amazing grassroots, user-generated list of resources in an open Google doc for community support/outreach: Hurricane Relief Efforts
• And a few more ways to help, donate, volunteer, and contribute to those who need aid.
• Call for suggestions to supporting Harvey Relief shared on the Student Affairs Pro Fb page.
• NPR lists a few ways to help those impacted by Harvey as well.
• Note from Department of Homeland Security: Special Announcement: How to Help Disaster Survivors in Texas
• UPDATE: List Of Charities And Steps To Donate As Harvey Relief Grows

Want to VOLUNTEER in-person to help with Harvey relief? Here’s how you can get involved.