How to Help Texas During Winter Storm Emergency
Conserve power if you have it
If you live in Texas and have power, please conserve it if you can to help those without. The Austin American-Statesmanrecommends that locals lower thermostats to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, close curtains and shades, unplug and power down non-essential appliances and avoid using large appliances (think ovens, washers and dryers).
Donate to a mutual aid fund supporting Texas crisis relief
The easiest way to help right now from wherever you are is to donate funds to help those in crisis. Donating to causes like Austin Mutual Aid, Feed the People Dallas,Crowdsource Rescueand Mutual Aid Houston will help provide shelter, food, and supplies to Texans in need.
Donate to rescue and emergency efforts in and near Texas
The Austin Area Urban League, North Texas Red Cross, Central and South Texas Red Cross, Gulf Coast Red Cross and Salvation Army are accepting donations and helping in the area.
Support homeless persons and those in need of a warm shelter
Find a map of warming shelters here from the Texas Department of Emergency Management. The Ending Community Homelessness Coalitionreleased a list of organizations to help people find shelter from the storm. Solid Ground Ministryis acting as a shelter and accepting donations. Maximizing Hopeis accepting donations to pay for hotel rooms in the Austin region. Front Stepsis accepting donations of warm blankets, preferably made from acrylic or fleece and large enough to wrap an adult. Austin Street Center, Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, OurCalling, The Stewpotand Union Gospel Missionare collaborating to fundraise for temporary shelters and COVID-19 tests. The Other Ones Foundation and Free Lunch deliver meals and emergency supplies (including blankets and hand warmers) to the Esperanza Community shelter and campsite. Lucky enough to have a property nearby with heat and power? Share the wealth. AirBnB’s “Open Homes"lets you open up your home to guests, or you can donate to the program; NoirBnB is asking users to do the same.
Donate to food banks in the area and help fight hunger
Feeding Texas has a list of food banks throughout the entire state. You can search by zip code to find specific banks. Lucille’s 1913 Community Kitchen distributes meals in the Houston region. These restaurants are providing free meals in the Austin area.
Help pets affected by the winter storms in Texas
Organizations including Operation Kindness, Austin Pets Alive!and SPCA of Texasare working to rescue animals affected and displaced by the storm. Next, take care of yourself with these self-care tips.
