The world has witnessed the devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey on the citizens of Houston. Houston’s metropolitan area population is around 6 million making it one of the largest cities in the United States. It is hard to fathom the tragedy of the unprecedented flooding that has wreaked havoc on the city yet daily stories arrive of heroism, grit and determination to help others and propel this Texas city to recovery.
One of the most prominent crowdfunding platforms in the US is based in Houston, Texas. NextSeed, an online marketplace funding small business in Texas and around the country has recently shared an update on what some of their funded companies are doing along with a list of resources that can be utilized to support Houston bounce back.
NextSeed stated;
“Houston is still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, yet the outpouring of support continues to grow. First responders and volunteers from all over Texas and our neighboring states have parachuted in to lend a hand. We can’t say “thank you” enough! We’re also incredibly proud to be associated with the NextSeed businesses that are jumping head-first into the recovery efforts.”
We understand the NextSeed offices were fortunately spared by the flooding but the NextSeed team is working hard to help out.
Small Business Helping Out
- Peli Peli and their tremendous team of volunteers worked in shifts daily to prepare over twenty thousand meals(!) for distribution around town.
- The Native is fundraising and accepting donations to bring a busload of supplies to Houston. They’ve raised over $3,000 already! If you can contribute supplies or funds, please consider doing so by Monday.
- The Dumpling Bros is bringing their new food truck down. They’re driving to Houston tonight and will volunteer their weekend to help nourish shelters, first responders, and volunteers around town.
- The team behind The Sugar Refinery is also putting their other businesses, Songkran Thai Kitchen, to work. They are opening their doors today, and 10% of all proceeds will be donated to relief and rebuilding efforts.
NextSeed has also provided a list of non-profits focused on helping Hurricane Harvey victims get the needed support, food, shelter and additional necessities to get through this difficult time. We have republished this list below.
- Mayor Turner’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund: A fund housed at The Greater Houston Community Foundation that will accept tax deductible flood relief donations for victims that have been affected by the recent floods.
- OCA – Greater Houston Community Relief Fund: Working in conjunction with the Harvey Community Relief Fund (founded by other trusted organizations in Houston) to pool resources and coordinate their distribution.
- Night Owls Charity T-shirt: Night Owls Print Shop have teamed up with a designer in Austin to do a run of benefit tees. All proceeds will be donated to JJ Watt’s Houston Flood Relief Fund.
- The Montrose Center: Funds will be used to help individuals and families begin to rebuild their lives through counseling, case management, direct assistance with shelf stable food, furniture, housing and more
- Houston Food Bank: Local Houston organization raising funds to provide meals and necessities for those displaced by Harvey.
- JJ Watt Houston Flood Relief Fund: A fund created by Houston Texans football player JJ Watt to help in relief efforts across Houston.
- Houston SPCA: Donate and help displaced animals find foster homes. Animal Rescue Disaster Hotline at 713-861-3010
- United Way of Greater Houston: Local Houston organization raising funds for recovery efforts.
- The Salvation Army: Donate online or text STORM to 51555.
- Hurricane Harvey GoFundMe Campaigns: Provide support to people in need of financial assistance.
- GlobalGiving: All donations to this fund will support relief and recovery efforts in affected regions. The fund will help first responders meet survivors’ immediate needs, including the provision of shelter, medical care, food, and clean water. Once initial relief work is complete, this fund will transition to support longer-term recovery efforts run by vetted local organizations.
- Donate Items to Shelters in Need: Crowdsourced map of open shelters in need of specific items.