Response to Hurricane Harvey

It has been heartbreaking to watch the devastation of Hurricane Harvey unfold in Houston. 30 trillion gallons of water have fallen so far, leaving more 33% of Houston County submerged, and more rain is expected to come. The damage is sure to be expensive and far reaching, while the recovery will be complex and challenging. We have received a large number of requests throughout the district seeking advice on the best way to donate and support the recovery efforts in Texas. My office reached out to the Governor’s office and Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston for recommendations on how to help, which we have included here:

Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund

  • In response to the overwhelming show of support, Mayor Turner established the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. The Fund is currently administered through the Greater Houston Community Foundation. Donations will go to fund grant programs for long term recovery, Community Development Block Grants, and reconstruction and recovery.
  • Donations can be made directly online at https://ghcf.org/hurricane-relief/. Checks can be made payable to Greater Houston Community Foundation, note for Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund in the memo line, and mailed to Greater Houston Community Foundation, ATTN: Gift Processor, 5120 Woodway Drive, Suite 6000, Houston, TX 77056

Salvation Army

  • The Salvation Army has provided shelter, food, and clothing to victims in Houston. In other hard-hit cities, volunteers have been assisting in the efforts to rescue victims as floodwaters rapidly rise.
  • Donations can be made online at www.helpsalvationarmy.org, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by texting STORM to 51555

Red Cross

  • The Red Cross is similarly helping those affected by Harvey, with hundreds of trained volunteers providing meals and shelter for victims, including enough cots and blankets to support more than 20,000 people.
  • Donations can be made online at www.redcross.org, by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or by texting HARVEY to 90999.

Charities helping animals:

The above listed organizations will be providing immediate and ongoing relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. When donating to a charity, make sure you do your research to verify it is a legitimate organization. Be aware of donating to organizations that have not been vetted and do not have a history of providing disaster relief. Websites like www.CharityNavigator.com have a list of reliable and highly rated organizations currently accepting donations on their website.

Assemblyman Rooney will continue to work with the Mayor’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund as they move from rescue efforts towards recovery. In addition, Assemblyman Rooney’s office will act as a collection point for essential items that are needed for the recovery (eg. baby formula, canned goods, cleaning supplies, socks, etc.). Supplies can be dropped off during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding the Labor Day holiday.

Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you need additional information on Hurricane Harvey or how to help the recovery.