To the people of Houston,

We stand with you and are here to assist you the best we can during this challenging time. Jessica and I have been out in the communities volunteering and helping where we can, so we understand some of the challenges you are experiencing. Houston is the place we call home as well, it’s where we live, where our families are and where our kids go to school. We have pulled together the below list of resources and we will continue to add to it anything that may be of use to you. We are not just thinking about you, we are here for you.

How Do I File My Flood Claim with FEMA?

This page explains the claims process and steps to follow as you file and work with your adjuster and agent. The more you know, the smoother the process will go. Click here

Federal Aid Program for State of Texas

To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

Houston Muck Map

If your house got flooded during the storm, then it might need to be mucked. Mucking means activities like removing wet carpets, flooring, dry wall, mud, or other items to prepare a flooded home for drying out and renovations. A new map tool from Sketch City helps homeowners that need help clearing out materials from their flooded homes connect with people willing to volunteer their time and effort to help with that work. Click here

Where’s my towed car?

  • Locate your towed car here
  • You will need either your license plate or VIN

Houston Recovers

As Houston begins the recovery process, stay up to date at houstonrecovers.org.

Disaster Distress Helpline

If you are feeling overwhelmed, distressed, depressed or suicidal please consider calling the Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 or Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746

Disaster Legal Services

Through the Disaster Legal Services Program, the ABA Young Lawyers Division (ABA YLD) and FEMA provide immediate temporary legal assistance to disaster survivors at no charge.

TX HOTLINE: 800.504.7030
LA HOTLINE 800.310.7029

Lone Star Legal Aid

Lone Star Legal Aid’s mission is to protect and advance the civil legal rights of the millions of Texans living in poverty by providing free advocacy, legal representation, and community education that ensures equal access to justice.  http://www.lonestarlegal.org/

Here are documents to help you learn about your legal rights after a disaster:

Disaster Survivors with Disabilities Hotline

Phone (800) 626-4959

Email: Dustin@disasterstrategies.org

The Disability Hotline Provides referrals for disaster assistance with:

  • Disaster-related problem-solviing
  • Evacuation strategies and issues
  • Shelter accessibility issues
  • Temporary housing strategies
  • Assistive device, durable medical equipment, and consumable medical supply referrals

Disability Rights Texas

Hurricane Harvey Resources for People with Disabilities. https://www.disabilityrightstx.org/

If you need legal assistance regarding disability rights issues related to the hurricane such as access in shelters to ASL interpretation, service animals, medical care, etc., please call our
intake line at 1-800-252-9108. This phone line is NOT for emergencies. If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

AirBnb Urgent Accommodations

Free housing may be available via AirBnB through September 25 thanks to AirBnB’s Disaster Relief Program to those affected by Harvey.  To find housing, follow this link and click “I need a place to stay.”

Resources for Educators, Students and Families

Colorin Colorado has information on how to help immigrant students and families understand and cope with natural disasters.

Federal Student Aid has information for students and borrowers impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Share My Lesson has lesson plans to help you and your students understand and cope with natural disasters.

National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement has a helpful resource page on how school professionals can help support students in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

The Center for Disease Control

Floods, big or small, can have devastating effects on your home and your family. You can take steps to reduce the harm caused by flooding. Learn how to prepare for a flood, stay safe during a flood, and protect your health when you return home after a flood.  Click here

Houston Area Shelters

* TEXT YOUR ADDRESS TO 346-214-0739 TO FIND YOUR CLOSEST SHELTER! *

* MAP TO THE NEAREST SHELTER: http://houstonsheltermap.com)
* MAP WITH NEEDS TO DONATE TO YOUR NEAREST SHELTER: https://sketch-city.github.io/harvey-needs/
* TO SUBMIT A NEW SHELTER OR NEED (for both shelter and individual needs): http://harveyneeds.org/

FEMA Page for Hurricane Harvey

This page contains information on the below, as well as information about affected counties and authorized funding. Click here

  • Resources
  • National Flood Insurance Program guidance
  • Financial Assistance

Emergency and Government Agency Contact Information

Other County Emergency Operation Centers:

  • Brazoria:  979-864-1064
  • Montgomery: 936-523-3900
  • Harris: 713-881-3100
  • Galveston: 281-309-5002

Information and Other Aid/Assistance

Food Banks

To get help for yourself or community,  call 2-1-1 or your local food bank to learn about public food distributions and open agencies.

Once a federal disaster area is declared, Texas will also have the option to activate “D-SNAP,” a federally-funded program that provides food relief through EBT debit cards. However, community leaders in affected areas have to activate the program. They can do that by petitioning Texas Health & Human Services Commission at 877-787-8999.

To help out, contact your closest food bank and consider staples: Pop-top (canned) meat and fish, powdered milk, cereal, canned fruit, fruit cups, peanut butter and jelly. Cleaning supplies such as bleach and paper towels will also be accepted. In addition to donating at food bank facilities, local grocers may provide collection points for donations.

Contact information for all local food banks:

For more information on all of these food banks head to feedingtexas.org.

Ways to Give and Support Relief Efforts

TO VOLUNTEER TO HELP WITH RELIEF AND RECOVERY EFFORTS: HTTPS://GOO.GL/FORMS/NZGSAFSQXGVO1PG62

Tax-exempt charities that have indicated they are accepting Harvey-specific donations include:

(Please note that these are not endorsements of a specific charity. If you’re not a fan of those organizations listed, there are many other charities which would welcome your support.)

Corporate donor sites and giving challenges include:

  • GoFundMe has created a landing page that aggregates the campaigns already created to help those affected by Harvey.
  • United Airlines will match the first $100,000 raised through its charitable campaign. United MileagePlus members who donate a minimum of $50 to any of United’s charitable partners will receive up to 1,000 bonus miles (details, which download as a pdf, are here). Remember that for tax purposes, if you receive something of value in exchange for a donation, your charitable deduction must be reduced accordingly.

In addition to financial donations, what else can you do?

  • The SPCA of Texas seeks foster homes to help care for displaced animals: www.spca.org/foster. They also need financial donations and in-kind donations, including cat litter, litter boxes, towels, blankets, large wire crates, toys, treats, pet beds, newspaper and gas gift cards.
  • Donate blood: Find your nearest donation center by entering your zip code here.
  • Buy a first responder and volunteers a meal! Groups like the Houston Police Department are trying to bring food to their people who are working hard in the field. By buying someone a meal, you help give them the energy to keep on helping others.

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