Texas is reeling from Hurricane Harvey, with record floodwaters in Houston displacing 30,000 people from their homes since the Category 4 storm made landfall on Friday. The death toll rose to five yesterday. More than 450,000 people are expected to seek federal aid, according to the the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The people and animals impacted by this monumental disaster are in our thoughts and prayers, and we’ve compiled information for those interested in helping Houston residents and horse owners.
To help our human friends: We suggest making a simple donation to the American Red Cross or giving blood at one of the local blood banks in your area. Blood donations are always low this time of year, and it will be even more helpful now.
The Red Cross are also some of the first groups on the ground assisting those in shelters and getting people out of their homes, so a donation can go a long way towards getting victims what they need. [Donate to American Red Cross – Hurricane Harvey Fund]
To help our animal friends: There are a few groups doing rescue operations on the ground who would no doubt appreciate a little financial support.
- The Humane Society of the United States – They have an animal rescue team on standby with horse trailers, crates, food, clean water and medical supplies to handle animal rescues in the floods and downed buildings. Your donation helps pay staffers and keep supplies stocked. They have a Harvey-specific link where you can donate directly toward disaster relief. [Click here to donate to HSUS Harvey Relief]
- US Equestrian Disaster Relief Fund – Coordinating fundraising efforts to assist the Houston SPCA for horses and horse owners [Click here to donate to the US Equestrian Disaster Relief Fund]
- The Houston SPCA – They will be taking in strays and rescues through the storm and helping how they can outside the shelter. [Click Here to donate to Houston SPCA]
- Crossfire Equine Rescue – a Houston based equine rescue, they’ve got trailers standing by and are helping coordinate dry evacuations for horses in the south-east Texas area. Get more info at their Facebook Page: [Crossfire Equine Rescue]
- Why They Cry Animal Rescue – They are coordinating many additional equine rescues in the Houston area and distributing lost and found lists. See more here: [Why They Cry]
Please keep Texas in your thoughts this week. We know they’ll be in ours.
Jenni Autry contributed to this report.