These past few days have been an unprecedented challenge for the greater Houston area. Harvey has flooded our homes and our streets, but our region is buoyed by a spirit that cannot be easily washed away. That spirit has been evident throughout this ordeal--from our first responders risking their own lives to save others to our local emergency crews and staff working round the clock to the neighbors that have rallied to help their neighbors in need--we are making our way through Harvey together.

Critical rescue missions for those in more dire situations are still ongoing, but thousands of rescues have been successfully completed already. Flooding is still a serious threat and there are hazardous conditions across the region. People who are safely sheltered in place should remain there and avoid unnecessary travel. 

Shelter Information for People In Need

While most people should remain where they are, there are temporary neighborhood shelters across Harris County for those who can no longer stay at their home because of flooding or other safety concerns.  If they can do so safely, people are encouraged to make their way to their neighborhood shelter. Be aware, these smaller neighborhood shelters are intended to be temporary shelters with limited services and resources.  Most people will then be transported to the George R. Brown Convention Center, which serves as the central shelter and staging ground for aid and recovery services.                             

If planning to walk to a shelter, please keep these safety guidelines in mind:

Driving is still heavily discouraged because floodwaters have not fully receded nor has the rain completely stopped. A clear street in one's immediate area does not guarantee safe passage because several streets and major thoroughfares are still under water.  Everyone should weigh a decision to drive carefully and proceed with extreme caution. Here are essential safety guidelines to follow:

Below is a list of shelters open in or near Precinct One. For a complete list of shelters open in the area, see here. If they can, people should bring essential items like clothing, medication, important documents, bedding and other essential items with them. It is our understanding that pets are generally allowed at shelters, including the George R. Brown Convention Center, but there may be some exceptions. People should bring food, carriers/crates, leashes and other provisions for their pet, if at all possible. 

How You Can Help

I know that those of us who were fortunate to escape the worst of Harvey's devastation are eager to help their fellow neighbor. That's just who we are. There are concrete steps we all can take on the shared path to relief and recovery from Harvey.

Volunteer

The Volunteer Houston website has activated an online Virtual Volunteer Reception Center (VRC)  for those interested in providing assistance to the Greater Houston Region flood relief efforts, sign up here.

The Red Cross is also recruiting volunteers to aid in the relief efforts once conditions allow, sign up here.

Donate

A Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation has been established, and all donations are tax-deductible. Secure online donations can be made here. 

People can also donate to the Red Cross relief efforts, the United Way Relief Fund, or a local charity of your choice that is actively supporting relief efforts.

The following supplies will be needed in the coming days:

• New clothing (t-shirts, sweat pants, underwear, etc.)
• Bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows etc.)
• Non-perishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Baby supplies (diapers, unopened formula, bottles etc.)
• Pet supplies (food, carriers/crates, leashes, bowls etc.)  
• Towels

We will keep you updated on where these items can be dropped off once it is safe to do so. We still need people to be mindful of hazardous flooding and rain--we are still in a state of emergency.   

We've seen unprecedented devastation in our beloved region and I know we're eager to help however we can. But safety must be our top priority. If you are in a safe location, please continue to stay there and avoid unnecessary travel. There will be opportunities for everyone to take part in relief and recovery efforts in the days, weeks, months, and possibly years to come. We'll get through it together.