Last updated March 12, 2021
The massive winter storm that swept through Texas this February brought statewide devastation in the form of lethally cold temperatures and widespread power outages and water shortages. While the freezing weather and icy conditions have eased, the journey to recovery has only begun for the millions of affected Texans who have lost basic resources—shelter, food, water, heat—and endured costly damages. If you are seeking opportunities to help vulnerable Texans recover, we’ve rounded up a few ways that you help. Check back for new opportunities updated daily!
If you have additional ways for people to give or volunteer to support Texas recovery, please complete this form to submit your resource. If you or someone you knows requires immediate relief assistance, please dial 211 or visit 211texas.org.
Where to Give
Texas Emergency Management Council Nonprofit Members
Established by the Governor of Texas to advise and assist in all matters relating to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, the Texas Emergency Management Council coordinates the use of state resources to respond to during major emergencies and disasters and addresses requests for assistance that cannot be resolved at the local level.
- American Red Cross
Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. This includes providing food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support and other assistance. - Salvation Army of Texas
Monetary donations are the best way to support the ongoing work of The Salvation Army and provide the flexibility to quickly and efficiently meet immediate community needs. Donations will be used to provide food boxes, hot meals, blankets, shelter, emergency financial assistance and more to those impacted by the cold weather. - Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
Texas VOAD is a membership-based nonprofit association that brings together more than 50 voluntary organizations that respond to disasters as a part of their overall mission. Texas VOAD member organizations are actively supporting, and will continue to provide support to, disaster-impacted communities throughout the State of Texas. Check out the full list of Texas VOAD members accepting financial donations on their website here.
Local Relief Funds & Nonprofits
- Amplify Austin Disaster Relief Fund – supporting Austin nonprofits (I Live Here, I Give Here)
- Austin Disaster Relief Network – supporting Austin and Travis County
- Community Pipe Repair Program Fund – supporting plumbing repair in San Antonio (San Antonio Area Foundation)
- Dallas Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund – supporting response and recovery efforts in Dallas (Dallas Foundation)
- Feeding Texas – supporting network of Texas food banks respond to weather and energy crisis
- Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund – supporting Greater Houston nonprofits (City of Houston, Harris County, United Way of Greater Houston, Greater Houston Community Foundation)
- Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley – supporting winter storm assistance to South Texas residents
- just keep livin Texas Relief Fund – supporting vetted and trusted partners meeting critical needs resulting from winter storm (just keep livin foundation)
Join the “We’re Texas” virtual revival benefiting the just keep living Texas Relief Fund on March 21 at 7 PM CT ! - Love Thy Neighbor TX – supporting housing insecure communities in Austin (Austin Area Urban League)
- North Texas Winter Weather Crisis Relief Fund – supporting Dallas/North Texas nonprofits (Community Foundations of Texas)
- San Angelo Disaster Relief Fund 2021 Winter Storm – supporting emergency repairs for low-income homeowners in San Angelo (San Angelo Area Foundation)
- Texas Cares: Winter Storm Relief– supporting United Way chapters statewide, with donations made in the respective community of the donor (United Ways of Texas, TEGNA Foundation)
- Texas Disaster Relief Fund – supporting Feeding Texas, Austin Disaster Relief Network, and Rebuilding Together Houston (Legacy Collective)
- United Ways of Texas– listing of local United Ways throughout Texas currently raising funds for recovery efforts in their local communities
- Winter Storm Community Relief Fund – supporting Waco nonprofits (Waco Foundation)
- Winter Storm Relief – supporting child- and family-serving organizations in need across the state (Texas Center for Child and Family Studies)
Local Long Term Recovery Groups
A Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG), also known as recovery committees or organizations, are groups that organize the money, people power, and materials that help a community recover from a disaster. It is a collaborative network of individuals, businesses, faith-based & community nonprofit organizations, philanthropic funders, and other recovery partners. LTRGs work in close collaboration with local government. Find a local LTRG to support here.
Where to Volunteer
Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
Texas VOAD is a membership-based nonprofit association that brings together more than 50 voluntary organizations that respond to disasters as a part of their overall mission. As Texas continues to engage in cleanup and recovery activities from the February 2021 Winter Weather Event, volunteer interest and support will be a critical resource needed for the weeks and months ahead. Find Texas VOAD member organizations seeking volunteers on their website here.
Volunteer Centers
.Check your local volunteer center for open opportunities to get engaged in your community
- Austin: United Way for Greater Austin
- Houston: Volunteer Houston (a program of Interfaith Ministries)
- Lubbock: Volunteer Center of Lubbock
- McKinney: Volunteer McKinney Center, McKinney Texas
- North Texas: Volunteer Now (Volunteer Center of North Texas)
- Round Rock: The Volunteer Center (a program for the Round Rock Area Serving Center)
- San Antonio: United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County
- South Texas: Volunteer South Texas
- Texarkana: Hands On Texarkana