To my Houston people and neighboring cities who were affected by Hurricane Harvey,

We stand with you and are here to assist you the best we can during this challenging time. The team 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. Below is a list of resources 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 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/

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

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

Where’s my towed car?

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

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

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

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.

Houston Recovers

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