How to Help After Hurricane Harvey

  • Team Schusterman

August 30, 2017

  • Service

As Hurricane Harvey continues to ravage parts of Texas and surrounding areas, many of us are eager to help the thousands of people who have been displaced and a region that has been devastated. When natural disasters strike, it can be hard to know where to start and the full scale of impact is often not known until the crisis has passed.

Many incredible organizations are doing important work on the ground to provide immediate support to those affected by a still-ongoing situation. Here we share ideas and tips for getting involved.

As we do, we are keeping in our thoughts those who lost their lives and loved ones, as well as anyone still in harm’s way. We are inspired by the many ways in which our communities and our country have rallied to help those in need, and we hope that safety will be restored soon, even as we know the road to recovery will be long.


1. Our partners at Repair the World have compiled a list of national and local organizations giving direct aid to those affected by the hurricane, as well as tips for those considering how best to get involved in a safe way. Learn more.

2. Our partners at KIPP Houston have set up a fund to help staff and students’ families. They have a donation page on their website and ask that you designate your gift to the Family Emergency Fund. Learn more.

3. Our partners at BBYO have created a list of ways to support those on the ground, including lists of charities to donate to and other ways to help. Learn more.

4. Nechama: A Jewish Response to Disaster is a voluntary organization that provides natural disaster preparedness, response and recovery services nationwide. You can support their work in Houston on their website. Learn more.

5. YES Prep has set up a fund to meet the immediate needs of families in their community and supplement other relief efforts. Type 'flood relief' in the comments section of the donation link, and 100% of your donation will go toward flood relief. Learn more.

6. IsraAID will be providing emergency relief, psychosocial support and debris removal assistance to communities in South Texas. You support their efforts on their website. Learn more.

7. Local charities like the Houston Food Bank and Greater Houston Community Foundation are accepting donations to provide urgently needed supplies.

8. The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston has set up a fund, as has the Jewish Federations of North America. Donate here and here, respectively.