Purr-ayers for Texas

Thank you Ann Adamus for creating this thoughtful image!

Many people are wondering how we can help humans and animals caught in Hurricane/Tropical Storm Harvey. One thing mom wants to stress is please don't self deploy to Texas! As a disaster Services volunteer for the Red Cross mom knows first hand how overwhelming it can be to the community affected for spontaneous volunteers to just show up. Now there are exceptions of course. Many people and their fur babies needed assistance evacuating and that prompted people who had boats to drive to Houston (and surrounding areas) to help. Without these brave people bringing their boats to assist, the death toll would likely have been higher. If you don't have a boat or are not trained in Emergency Response please don't self deploy to Houston. The best thing you can do if you want to volunteer is to sign up through an agency such as the Red Cross or Salvation Army where you will be trained in how to best help people devastated by this storm.

Here are links to reputable organizations that you can either volunteer through or donate through:

American Red Cross - Emergency Disaster Services
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance and disaster relief in times of crisis, is seeking donations to help victims of Harvey. The organization is urging people to call 1-800-RED CROSS or text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation for those in need. You can also sign up to be a volunteer. Follow the link to learn more. Shelters are open, truck loads of supplies are being distributed and volunteers [are] in place,  Your donations help make this assistance possible.

Salvation Army - Emergency Disaster Services

Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services is the relief arm of the charitable organization, which is part of the universal Christian Church. The organization is taking donations to provide "physical, emotional and spiritual care to survivors and relief workers." 

Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities USA, a Catholic social service organization, is seeking donations to help those who have been affected by Harvey. The group has set up a website devoted to Harvey relief, and explains that "long term recovery" is part of the group's approach to disasters like this one. 

Austin Pets Alive!

Austin Pets Alive! has been helping shelters in the direct line of Hurricane Harvey. We’ve been working with these shelters to transport as many pets as possible to APA! Austin Pets Alive! is an animal shelter and no-kill pet advocacy group seeking assistance to help with pets, has created a page on its website specific to Hurricane Harvey-related needs. 

HSUS Animal Rescue Team 

The HSUS’s Animal Rescue Team provides animal rescue in response to natural disasters. They have volunteers, equipment, and rescue vehicles currently working from Corpus Christi to Texas City to San Antonio. They rely on donations to fund their support.

SPCA of Texas 

The SPCA of Texas prepared to intake up to 300 animals affected by Hurricane Harvey in addition to deploying emergency response teams to areas affected. Anyone with the capacity to foster animals is desperately needed to free up space in animal shelter facilities to make more room for animals displaced by flooding.

These are just some of the many organizations providing assistance for those affected by #Harvey. Before you donate, be sure you are donating to a reputable agency so your money goes to help those in need. Unfortunately disasters bring out the criminals who just want to scam people out of $. 

Fortunately disasters also bring out the best in people! If you want to volunteer here is another helpful website for organizations such as North Texas Food Bank and Volunteer Now. It's called MassCareTaskForce. 

In the meantime, let's keep the folks and animals of Texas in our thoughts and prayers! 

Love, 

Angel CJ, Angel Cosmo, Mia and Mosby (and their human)