UPDATE: Harvey & Irma - How Can We Help? A Dozen+ Vetted Organizations

Update:  I originally posted this in response to Harvey.  Getting ahead of Irma...scroll down to list and loo for the organizations UNDERLINED.  These are NATIONAL and/or GLOBAL ORGANIZATIONS. 

We all know that unscrupulous parties will try to take advantage of the disaster. But the problem is not confined to just the really bad actors. Irrelevant charities will piggy back on Harvey and Irma, seeking to get donations, when they have nothing to do with disaster relief, rebuilding, etc. 

Incapable charities will try to help, diverting resources and donations from those that can make a difference.  "Pop-up" charities, either from the well-intentioned or the opportunists, will put a strain on the system. 

SCROLL DOWN FOR VETTED LIST AND FEEL FREE TO ADD SUGGESTIONS OF TRUSTWORTHY, RELEVANT ORGANIZATIONS, IN COMMENTS...

High and dry here at SHERPA in Durango, we've been receiving updates and pictures from one of our SHERPA CISR Coaches, who lives in Houston, and we are watching Irma with grave concern...  

Parisa Ellisor, our Houston area CISR Coach, reported that her subdivision is flooded, streets impassable, with reservoirs overflowing. Seeing the devastation is overwhelming. And the rain continues. Updates below from Parisa and CISR Practitioner Veteran Scholarship Recipient, Robert Reid**

As we've been wondering what we can do, I received an email from a Houston lighting manufacturer, which has been impacted by Harvey. Their message stated, "Below is a list of organizations that we can donate to, and know your money is going to be put to good use".

SCROLL DOWN FOR LIST

I've edited it down a bit, added a few notes, from some of the websites, and have also included a few additions from a good Guidestar article*. 

I hope this helps, if you've wondering the same as we have: How can we help?  If you have any other suggestions, please add them in comments. Thanks!

List Edited with National/Global organization at top and underlined. TX-centric organizations located under Texas Heading.

National/Global (Harvey & Irma Recovery)

All Hands Volunteers - Will help with Irma recovery (from Guidestar) https://www.hands.org/texas-hurricane-response/ All Hands website note: "...Response team has reached Texas and is currently in a staging position in San Antonio. We are in contact with emergency management officials, to determine where our services are needed most. An alert has been sent out to our extensive network of volunteers, that as soon as access is granted we will move into the affected area, most likely between Corpus Christi and Houston." Donations will directly help Harvey Response - any remaining funds roll into next response.

American Red Cross www.redcross.org  MORE ABOUT THE RED CROSS The American Red Cross is working around the clock to provide safe shelter and comfort for the hundreds of thousands of people impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation. s

 Catholic Charities (Link is for Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, but they will respond wherever Irma has already hit and will eventually visit) www.catholiccharities.org

Convoy of Hope (from Guidestar) Will be providing relief for Irma https://www.convoyofhope.org/blog/features/disaster-response/convoy-hope-responds-hurricane-harvey/

SAVE THE CHILDREN Save the Children is delivering family-friendly relief supplies, setting up child-friendly spaces in shelters, providing specially trained staff to help children, and planning for long-term recovery needs. Support their Hurricane Harvey and Irma relief efforts https://bit.ly/2vBcO4o

 United Muslim Relief https://umrelief.org

Texas Organizations

I received a suggestion to add JJ Watt's YouCaring Houston Flood Relief Fund to the list. After researching, I believe this is a trustworthy, focused effort. https://www.youcaring.com/victimsofhurricaneharvey-915053

 United Way of Greater Houston www.unitedwayhouston.org

 Houston Food Bank www.houstonfoodbank.org Website note: Help After Harvey section: donation button

 Houston Humane Society www.houstonhumane.org Website note: Working on limited basis to care for the hundreds of animals seeking shelter in their facility. 

 Houston SPCA www.houstonspca.org Temporary suspended services, but they do need donations. See pic above rescuing horses.

 Jewish Federation of Greater Houston www.houstonjewish.org scroll down on page to donate

Rebuilding Together Houston https://rebuildinghouston.org

 Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County www.habitatnwhc.org Noted on website: Closed but will reopen when safe to return to work.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston www.bgclubs-houston.org

SOUTHERN BAPTIST DISASTER RELIEF Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is assisting in the care of thousands of displaced Texans, and working to restore homes. Learn more about how to support their efforts https://bit.ly/2gmKakK

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*Be informed when you give. Guidestar is an excellent resource. https://trust.guidestar.org/helping-in-the-wake-of-hurricane-Harvey This short compiled list is intended to provide a balance of options across religious faiths and different focus areas. 

Again, if you have any other suggestions, please add them in comments. Please share with anyone looking for reputable organizations to support...

Thanks!

**Update from Parisa - water slowly receding from her subdivision and they finally saw sun yesterday. But relentless rain continues in many areas. 

Robert Reid, CISR Practitioner Veteran Scholarship Recipient shared this video, just a few miles from his house: Beltway 8 Near Wilson Rd completely under water  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_9tlKLBfzM&feature=youtu.be