As we watch the devastation unfold across Texas and Lousiana, we’re all looking for ways to help the people being affected. Luckily, there are many organizations that are accepting donations so they can effectively alleviate the impact of the storm. If you’re interested in volunteering in person, it’s best to register and then wait to be contacted until you’re needed and you can safely be in the area. We’ll be doing our best to aid in recovery while also guaranteeing top window replacements in Denver.
[Read more “Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief: How to Help” here]
Taken from the article:
“In the early days following a natural disaster, monetary donations are often best versus contributing material goods or volunteering. It’s not only a matter of safety, but it’s also a matter of logistics. “The problem right now is even getting supplies and people into the area,” Forrester says. “There are so many highways that are closed. They are anticipating another 12- to 18-inches of rain in the area today, so the health and welfare of the people, but also the fact that the supplies can’t make it there, and even if they did, there’s nowhere to put it. That’s another reason why we say cash is best because there’s no place to put anything that’s donated.”
While Forrester doesn’t advise heading to the area on your own, there are ways to provide assistance beyond cash. There are some organizations calling for local volunteers right now (see list below), and non-local volunteers can pitch in within their own communities. NVOAD organizations assemble and distribute standardized kits as part of their relief efforts, and more will be needed.
Forrester says that the need for volunteers beyond those locally based will be growing in the coming weeks. NVOAD has created an online volunteer form, which NVOAD and AmeriCorps will use to tap volunteers as the needs grow in the area.
“If they’re from outside the area, we’re asking please don’t deploy. Fill out our form and there will be an opportunity at some point that we’ll pair you up with an organization that you’ll then be able to serve within the area during the recovery side,” he says.”
