After Harvey: Resources to Help You Get Back on Your Feet
These agencies and organizations can assist with shelter, food, finances, cleanup and rebuilding
After a disaster like Hurricane Harvey, it’s hard to know where to start with the recovery process. Below, we list some agencies and websites that have resources and information that can help.
A sign on the back of an emergency vehicle in Corpus Christi, Texas, offers hot meals. Photo by Chuck Haupt for the American Red Cross
Food, Clothing and Support
Houston Recovers has partnered with numerous faith-based organizations to provide clothing and other needs at locations throughout the city.
Houston Food Bank (832-369-9390) is operating food pantries and disaster food-distribution points.
The Salvation Army is providing meals in addition to other services.
Catholic Charities has locations that are functioning as information hubs and donation points. It’s also providing necessities, referrals, emergency funds and gift cards.
If you’re experiencing emotional distress, the national Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 provides counseling 24/7.
Food, Clothing and Support
Houston Recovers has partnered with numerous faith-based organizations to provide clothing and other needs at locations throughout the city.
Houston Food Bank (832-369-9390) is operating food pantries and disaster food-distribution points.
The Salvation Army is providing meals in addition to other services.
Catholic Charities has locations that are functioning as information hubs and donation points. It’s also providing necessities, referrals, emergency funds and gift cards.
If you’re experiencing emotional distress, the national Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 provides counseling 24/7.
A man works on a hurricane-damaged home in Holiday Beach, Rockport, Texas. Photo by Chuck Haupt for the American Red Cross
Cleanup Help
Report structural damage and ask for cleanup help from nonprofit and faith-based organizations at Houston 311 (713-837-0311).
Learn more about debris removal in the city of Houston.
Find out more about mold and preventing mold buildup.
Rebuilding
The Greater Houston Builders Association has advice and resources for rebuilding as well as links to resources.
The National Association of Home Builders has guidelines on finding contractor help and avoiding scams.
The Texas Association of Builders also provides advice on finding a contractor.
Cleanup Help
Report structural damage and ask for cleanup help from nonprofit and faith-based organizations at Houston 311 (713-837-0311).
Learn more about debris removal in the city of Houston.
Find out more about mold and preventing mold buildup.
Rebuilding
The Greater Houston Builders Association has advice and resources for rebuilding as well as links to resources.
The National Association of Home Builders has guidelines on finding contractor help and avoiding scams.
The Texas Association of Builders also provides advice on finding a contractor.
Red Cross volunteers prepare water for distribution in Houston. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross
Volunteering
If you would like to help out as a volunteer, work with established relief providers to offer your services. They can direct you to where you can best be of help.
For information on volunteering, some places to start are Volunteer Houston, FEMA, National VOAD and the Red Cross. Or check out this list of some of the organizations providing aid.
More
Find more resources offering hurricane relief and recovery
Locate design, building and service professionals to help with your project
Volunteering
If you would like to help out as a volunteer, work with established relief providers to offer your services. They can direct you to where you can best be of help.
For information on volunteering, some places to start are Volunteer Houston, FEMA, National VOAD and the Red Cross. Or check out this list of some of the organizations providing aid.
More
Find more resources offering hurricane relief and recovery
Locate design, building and service professionals to help with your project
Recovery Advice and Aid
FEMA (800-621-FEMA) provides information on registering for disaster assistance and advice on starting the cleanup process, avoiding scams and dealing with contractors. FEMA also provides information on rumors and misinformation.
City of Houston offers updated information on city services, shelter locations and FEMA assistance. Its Houston Recovers site has information on the recovery process.
2-1-1 Texas (877-541-7905) will connect you with organizations throughout the state providing food, housing, medical help and more. It also is partnering with faith-based communities to provide clothing and other basic needs.
Insurance and Monetary Assistance
The Texas Department of Insurance can help with locating your policy information and filing claims. If you have a National Flood Insurance policy, you can get information about filing a claim at the program’s website or by calling 800-621-3362 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (CDT).
Find out your eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance at 800-939-6631.