Help for Texans in the wake of winter storm

This week, our neighbors in Texas were hit with a deadly winter storm that cut power and disrupted water supplies for millions across the state. Residents in this southern state have been faced with freezing temperatures, burst pipes and building damage and a lack of food and water access. The response is especially hard amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Many of our donors want to know how they can help. Below is a list of nonprofits assisting the victims of the storm. We will continue to add to this list in the coming days as more information becomes available.

• Austin Area Urban League launched the #LoveThyNeighborTX campaign to help housing insecure individuals with shelter, food, water, clothing and more.
• Communities Foundation of Texas has created a special fund to support those impacted by the emergency short-term and longer-term effects of the storm (this organization is also one of our peer community foundations).
• Family Elder Care is assisting the elderly in affected areas.
• Feeding Texas is working with member food banks to provide food assistance and needed supplies across the state.
• Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley launched the Winter Storm Assistance campaign to support those severely impacted by the drastic and unexpected winter storms in South Texas.
• Front Steps is providing supplies and warming centers for people experiencing homelessness.
• Houston Food Bank is providing resources and food.
• Lifeworks seeks to meet the needs of youth experiencing homelessness in Austin, who are experiencing medical, emotional and economic vulnerability.
• Mercy Chefs is providing hot meals, clean drinking water and USDA Farmers to Families grocery boxes in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
• North Texas Food Bank is working to ensure that North Texas residents who were affected by the winter storms receive badly-needed assistance.
• San Antonio Food Bank is hosting mega food distribution centers to feed residents.
• Save the Children is providing hygiene kits, bottled water, warm clothing and COVID-19 prevention materials to shelters.
• West Street Recovery is a grassroots community-centered organization in Houston that provides assistance navigating the complex systems to access relief.

Please contact your philanthropic officer with any questions or to make a grant.

Photo credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Flickr/Creative Commons