The extreme hardships Texans have been facing the last week have left countless people in need. From frozen and bursting pipes to subsequent flooding, to food shortages, lack of electricity, and barriers to clean, safe water, Texas has been dealt a devastating blow. Although power has been restored to more than 4 million people, thousands are without food, clean water, or a safe place to stay in the aftermath of the winter storm.
Here we have compiled a list of dozens of resources Texans can turn to for help, along with organizations that you can donate to, in order to help Texans in need.
Clothing Resources
Texans in need of clothing, during this difficult time, may find assistance from national and regional organizations.
Save The Children
Save the Children is on the ground along the Southern and Western borders providing critical supplies to transit shelters serving those in need.
To help support the work of Save the Children you can make a financial donation.
Austin Area Urban League
The Austin Area Urban League has launched the #LoveThyNeighborTX campaign to provide shelter, food, and clothing to individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
To help support the work of the Austin Area Urban League you can make a financial donation.
Housing and Shelter Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling to find safe, warm shelter in the aftermath of the Texas winter storm there are organizations available to help.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army of Texas provides lodging to those in need. Group homes, emergency shelters, and transitional living centers provide housing, food, and overnight lodging.
To help support the work of The Salvation Army of Texas, you can make a financial donation.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has opened emergency shelters throughout Texas providing food and shelter to those who have been forced to evacuate their homes.
To help support the work of the Red Cross, you can make a financial donation.
Clean and Safe Water Resources
With much of Texas under a boil water notice as of writing this piece, those who cannot boil water can secure clean, safe, free water from many organizations.
Clean Water Available in Austin
In greater Austin, dozens of restaurants, breweries, grocery stores, churches, community centers, and other organizations are providing safe, clean water for free to those in need.
Clean Drinking Water Available in Houston
School districts, food banks, and other distribution centers are providing safe, clean, free water to those in need throughout greater Houston.
Clean Drinking Water Available in Texas
Multiple distribution centers providing clean, safe, free water in Texas have been set up in areas including Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Keene, Lewisville, Plano, and other areas.
Food Supply Resources
Texans who need assistance with food as a result of the Texas winter storm can find help from a variety of organizations throughout the state.
Free Lunch
Free Lunch delivers home-cooked meals to the Esperanza Community in Austin four days a week.
To help support the work of Free Lunch, you can make a financial contribution.
Austin Area Urban League
The Austin Area Urban League has launched the #LoveThyNeighborTX campaign to provide shelter, food, and clothing to individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
To help support the work of the Austin Area Urban League you can make a financial donation.
Central Austin Food Food Bank
The Central Austin Food Bank provides food and/or meals at no cost. The Central Austin Food Bank also provides help with enrolling in SNAP.
To help support the work of the Central Austin Food Bank, you can make a financial donation.
Houston Food Bank
The Houston Food Bank is providing disaster relief at numerous distribution centers throughout greater Houston. The Houston Food Bank also provides assistance enrolling in SNAP. You may call the Houston Food Bank at 832-369-9390 for help.
To support the work of the Houston Food Bank, you can make a financial donation.
North Texas Food Bank Serving Dallas
The North Texas Food Bank has multiple distribution centers throughout North Texas providing free food to winter storm victims. The North Texas Food Bank also offers Mobile Pantry Services, providing scheduled distribution of food items throughout the Dallas area.
To support the work of the North Texas Food Bank you can make a financial contribution.
Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Throughout the month of March, Texans in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can buy hot food, and prepared, ready-to-eat meals using their SNAP benefits. This includes warm and prepared items such as rotisserie chickens and grocery store prepared deli items. Texans in need can apply for SNAP benefits at www.yourtexasbenefits.com
Mental Health Resources
As Texans begin to rebuild and recover from the winter storm, we're reminded that people are managing a crisis within a larger global crisis. If you are struggling with the aftermath of last week, in light of a pandemic, you are not alone.
Telemind
Telemind is offering discounted services on mental health therapy sessions online through video chat.
Texas Psychological Association
The Texas Psychological Association provided a list of local and state-wide mental health services available for those affected by the winter storm.
Other National Mental Health Hotlines
We compiled a list of mental health hotlines available right now.
"Super easy to use and saves me $50 or more a month!"
Lauren
Home Repairs/Plumbing Resources
For help with home repairs, including plumbing, organizations in Austin and throughout the state are available to help.
Meals On Wheels Home Repair
Meals on Wheels of Central Texas provides greater Austin (Travis, Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Burnet, Blanco, and Fayette counties) with safety repairs for seniors, veterans, and adults with disabilities.
To support the work of Meals on Wheels of Central Texas, you can make a financial donation.
Austin Habitat for Humanity
The Austin Chapter of Habitat for Humanity helps to alleviate substandard living conditions for those who need critical repairs.
To support the Austin Chapter of Habitat for Humanity you can make a financial donation.
San Antonio Water System Community Pipe Repair
The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) has launched a Community Pipe Repair (CPR) program to assist those who cannot afford a plumber to repair broken pipes.
To support the CPR program, you can make a financial donation.
San Angelo Emergency Pipe Repair
The city of San Angelo is providing emergency repair services including plumbing, electrical systems, carpentry, and more at no cost to qualified San Angelo residents.
Habitat for Humanity Texas
Check with your local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate for more information on possible services offered across Texas.
Organizations You Can Donate To For Texas Winter Storm Relief
Many organizations are on the ground helping Texans impacted by the severe winter storm. In addition to the organizations listed above, you can also donate to:
Feed the People Dallas Mutual Aid
How to Support Texas Pets Affected By Winter Storm
Animals have also been impacted by the Winter storm in Texas. The following organizations are requesting donations and assistance to help.
Helping Texas Recover from the Winter Storm
This list includes only some of the many organizations, businesses, and associations providing aid to victims of the Texas winter storm. The organizations included may also need volunteers, in addition to financial resources. Volunteers help distribute food, sort food in food banks, deliver meals, sort clothing, care for pets, and provide water.
As an Austin based company, we recognize the impact and devastation last week brought to our communities. There are plenty of additional resources we may have missed while compiling this list and ask that you continue to share organizations with others.
RxSaver Editors
RxSaver Editors are wellness enthusiasts who help you learn how you can save the most on prescription medication costs and other health-related topics.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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