Natural Disaster Relief Fund

Natural Disaster Relief Fund is sponsored by Texas PTA. The Natural Disaster Relief Fund was established by Texas PTA to provide critical financial support to Local and Council PTAs experiencing hardship due to natural disasters, including floods.

Disaster Relief Resources: Individuals and Families | Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs TDHCA will be closed Wednesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Normal office hours will resume at 8 a. m.

on Thursday, November 12. Disaster Relief Resources: Individuals and Families If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please visit our Help for Texans Page. Texas Hurricane Center (Office of the Governor site) Rental Property Owners, Communities and Nonprofits Relief resources and information are also available for rental property owners of TDHCA-funded properties and communities and nonprofit organizations .

Homeowners and renters in federally declared disaster areas are encouraged to register for disaster help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA help may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs. Register for FEMA help: Online at www.

DisasterAssistance. gov Use the FEMA mobile app, available at https://www. fema.

gov/mobile-app Call 7 a. m. to 11 p.

m. ET, 7 days a week at 1-800-621-3362 (also for 711 & VRS). People with speech or hearing impairment may call toll free TTY 1-800-462-7585.

For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. At a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Find your nearest DRC at https://www.

fema. gov/disaster-recovery-centers or Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 . Example: DRC 01234.

Using this option doesn’t add you to any messaging service. It’s just like doing a search on the Web. (Standard text rates may apply.)

Housing, Hotel, Lodging Resources Use these databases to find reduced rent apartments: TDHCA Vacancy Clearinghouse (opens in a new window) US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) ( www. hud. gov ) US Department of Agriculture (USDA) (rdmfhrentals.

sc. egov. usda.

gov) 2-1-1 Texas ( https://www. 211texas. org ) or dial 2-1-1 or call toll free 1-877-541-7905 American Red Cross: Get Assistance ( https://www.

redcross. org/find-help ) or call toll free 1-866-438-4636 Texas Apartment Association: Disaster Reminders and Resources ( https://www. taa.

org/news/taa-red-cross-provide-resources-to-help-member… ) or call 512-479-6252 Texas Hotel and Lodging Association ( https://texaslodging. com/lodging ) or call 512-474-2996 U.S. Postal Service Change of Address Form ( https://moversguide. usps.

com/icoa/home/icoa-main-flow. do?

execution=e1s1… ;) Assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development If you lived in public housing, a Section 8 unit or have a Housing Choice Voucher contact the housing provider that assisted you before the disaster and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at: Public housing residents and Housing Choice Voucher holders call 1-800-955-2232 Section 8 unit residents may call 1-800-685-8470 Contact HUD for information on federally subsidized rental housing programs including providers in your area at: 1-800-955-2232 or 1-800-685-8470.

Don’t forget to Register for FEMA assistance ( https://www. disasterassistance. gov/ ) or call toll free 1-800-621-3362.

People with speech or hearing impairment may call toll free TTY 1-800-462-7585. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. Individuals with Disabilities Long-Term Disaster Recovery Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities (redd.

tamu. edu): Resources from The Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University and the Texas Center on Disability Studies at the University of Texas at Austin Texas Ready (texasready. gov): Make a plan, Build a kit.

Get informed. Texas Disaster Preparedness (texas. gov portal): https://emergency.

portal. texas. gov/ Emergency Preparedness : https://www.

dshs. texas. gov/preparedness/e-prep_public.

shtm Texas Department of Insurance: StormLink Resources ( https://www. tdi. texas.

gov/consumer/storms/index. html ) Elderly, Persons with Disabilities Special Needs registration for disaster evacuation: 2-1-1 Texas ( https://www. 211texas.

org ) or dial 2-1-1 or call toll free 1-877-541-7905 Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services: Register for Evacuation Assistance ( https://www. dads. state.

tx. us/hurricane/index. cfm ) Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Disaster Precautions and Preparedness for Individuals with Brain Injury ( https://hhs.

texas. gov/services/disability/office-acquired-brain-injury/… ) FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) ( www. floodsmart.

gov ): Affordable flood insurance for homeowners, renters and business owners. Call NFIP at 800-427-4661 or email FloodSmart@fema. dhs.

gov . FEMA: Family Communication Plan for Parents and Kids ( https://www. fema.

gov/media-library/assets/documents/34330 ) Ready. Gov ( https://www. ready.

gov ) Persons with Disabilities or Access and Functional Needs DisasterAssistance. gov: Persons with Disabilities or Access and Functional Needs ( https://www. disasterassistance.

gov/information/disabilities-access-and-… ) Federal online resources, guides and videos to help people with disabilities or access and functional needs learn how to prepare for a disaster. DisasterAssistance. gov: Older Americans ( www.

disasterassistance. gov/ ) Federal online resources, guides and videos to help seniors learn how to prepare for a disaster. American Red Cross Disaster Safety Library ( www.

redcross. org/prepare/disaster-safety-library ) Tools and resources to prepare your home, school and workplace for disasters or emergencies. US Humane Society: Disaster Preparedness ( https://www.

humanesociety. org/about/departments/disaster_preparedness. h… ) or visit Resources for Texans ( https://www.

humanesociety. org/about/state/texas/resources_texas. html?

cr… ) American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): Disaster Preparedness ( https://www. aspca. org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness ) Attorney General of Texas (OAG): Disaster Scams ( https://www.

texasattorneygeneral. gov/cpd/disaster-scams ) or call toll free 1-800-252-8011 Basic disaster scam information: https://texasattorneygeneral. gov/cpd/disaster-scams Home Repair Scam, Price Gouging: Call 1-800-621-0508 Email: consumeremergency@oag.

texas. gov Charity or donation scam: https://texasattorneygeneral. gov/apps/charitable-trusts-complaint-form/?

utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= Texas Law Help: Disaster Relief and Recovery ( https://texaslawhelp. org/offer/hurricane-harvey-disaster-relief-and-rec… ) State Bar of Texas: Disaster Relief Resources ( https://www. texasbar.

com/disasters/ ) Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Weather Emergencies ( https://www. consumer. ftc.

gov/features/feature-0023-weather-emergencies ) Concern with someone claiming to represent FEMA: National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721 or disaster@leo. gov Utilities disconnection notices: PUC Informal Complaint hotline: 1-888-782-8477 TTY: 1-800-735-2988 Email: customer@puc. texas.

gov Web: https://www. puc. texas.

gov/consumer/complaint/Complaint. aspx Mold Program: Cannot assist unless there is a complaint against a state-licensed mold contractor – refer to DSHS Mold Program (in the process of moving to TDLR Nov. 1, 2017).

For additional info visit https://www. dshs. texas.

gov/mold/ or call (512) 834-6600. Email MoldHelp@dshs. state.

tx. us with any additional questions. File a complaint requesting that property owner repair the source of the water causing the mold, covered by lease.

Put complaint in writing, if landlord has not responded, you must submit written request for repair (dated and signed letter) and send to landlord or property manager via certified mail, signature receipt requested. If landlord refuses to respond, contact TX OAG by visiting https://www. texasattorneygeneral.

gov/cpd/tenant-rights or calling 1-800-621-0508 and requesting to speak with someone in Tenant Rights. Texas Education Agency (K-12) ( https://tea. texas.

gov ): School closings, enrollment information for displaced students. Call 512-463-9734 US Department of Education: Federal Student Aid ( https://studentaid. ed.

gov/sa/about/announcements/disaster ) or call toll free 1-800-433-3243 Special Needs registration for disaster evacuation: 2-1-1 Texas ( https://www. 211texas. org ) or dial 2-1-1 or call toll free 1-877-541-7905 Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services: Register for Evacuation Assistance ( https://www.

dads. state. tx.

us/hurricane/index. cfm ) Post-Disaster Tips, Resources Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS): Response and Recovery ( https://www. dshs.

texas. gov/preparedness/phrr_public. shtm?

terms=disaster… ) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Emergency Preparedness and Response ( https://emergency. cdc. gov/disasters/index.

asp ) Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Dealing with Weather Emergencies ( https://www. consumer. ftc.

gov/features/feature-0023-weather-emergencies ) Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Disaster Recovery Information ( https://texashelp. tamu. edu/browse/disaster-recovery-information/ ) US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Emergency Drinking Water Disinfection ( https://www.

epa. gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/emergency-disinfect… ) or call toll free 1-800-426-4791 During times of crisis and/or natural disasters, the need for blood donations can be more critical than ever. Here is some helpful information on that topic: https://online.

nursing. georgetown. edu/blog/donating-blood-how-to-help/ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Emergency Information ( https://www.

cms. gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/Emergency/index. html?

r… ) Texas State Board of Pharmacy ( https://www. pharmacy. texas.

gov ) or call 512-305-8000 US Department of Health and Human Services: Public Health Emergency ( https://www. phe. gov/emergency/Pages/default.

aspx ) Mental Health, Substance Abuse To talk to a professional who can help you cope with emotional distress from the storm, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, visit https://www. samhsa. gov/ , or text TalkWithUs to 66746.

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS): Disaster Behavioral Health Services ( https://www. dshs. texas.

gov/mhsa-disaster/ ) US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Disaster Distress Helpline ( https://www. samhsa.

gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline ) or call toll free 1-800-985-5990 Disaster Recovery: A Resource for Homeowners brochure by the Mortgage Bankers Association outlines homeowner disaster preparedness and steps to recovery including who to communicate with about your mortgage, how to navigate the insurance process, and what forms of aid and disaster loans are generally available. ( www. mba.

org/recovery ) Single family home repair, reconstruction, new construction, demolition, acquisition, down-payment assistance and relocation, call the Texas General Land Office’s Community Development and Revitalization division toll free at 1-844-893-8937 or visit Recovery. Texas. gov Homeowners with a mortgage loan through TDHCA are encouraged to contact their lender for forbearance/deferment information.

Other questions may be directed to the TDHCA Homeownership Division at 800-792-1119 or texashomeownership@tdhca. texas. gov .

US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 90-day foreclosure moratorium is available for FHA insured home loans after a Presidentially Declared Disaster. For information call 1-800-225-5342. If you are homeowner concerned about foreclosure or have questions about next steps with your home connect with a HUD-approved housing counseling agency by calling 1-800-569-4287.

You do not have to have a FHA loan to meet with a HUD approved housing counseling agency and there is never a fee for foreclosure prevention counseling. If you were affected by a disaster and your mortgage loan is backed by Fannie Mae, you can get personalized help navigating the challenging recovery process from our Disaster Response Network. Read Fannie Mae’s Disaster Response Flyer (PDF) or visit Fannie Mae’s consumer website: www.

KnowYourOptions. com/relief HUD Home Insurance and Loan Programs HUD's Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims who have lost their homes and are facing the daunting task of rebuilding or buying another home. Borrowers from participating FHA-approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing, including closing costs.

For information call 1-800-225-5342. HUD's Section 203(k) loan program enables disaster survivors to finance the purchase or refinance of a house along with its repair through a single mortgage. It also allows homeowners who have damaged houses to finance the rehabilitation of their existing single family home For information call 1-800-225-5342.

Homeowners can find answers to questions about FHA mortgages at https://www. hud. gov/FHAFAQ Homeowners in federally declared disaster areas in Texas who have a home loan through FHA or other conventional home loan program may be eligible for a forbearance/deferment on their mortgage loan.

For more information, contact your lender and refer to the following: HUD: https://portal. hud. gov/hudportal/HUD?

src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/nsc/qaho0121 Fannie Mae: https://www. knowyouroptions. com/relief Freddie Mac: https://www.

freddiemac. com/singlefamily/service/hurricane_harvey_relief. html VA Home Loan Program: https://www.

benefits. va. gov/homeloans/documents/docs/va_policy_regarding_natural_disasters.

pdf US Department of Agriculture Rural Development (“USDA-RD”) Rural Development Disaster Assistance If the disaster has damaged your property, please contact USDA-RD to obtain a claims package. The claims package will explain how to work with your insurance agency and USDA. If you have repairs not covered by insurance and your income qualifies, you may be able to obtain a loan from USDA.

If your income has been reduced by over 10% and will be reduced for the foreseeable future, you can request a payment assistance package. If you have excessive, non-reimbursed repair expenses or have lost your job as a result of the storm, you can request a moratorium package. This moratorium is a suspension of your payment for a period of time and is subject to repayment at a later date.

Contact a USDA-RD Customer Service Representative at 1-800-414-1226 or 1-800-438-1832 (TDD/TTY Hearing Impaired Only). USDA-RD Customer Service is available from 7:00 A. M.

to 5:00 P. M. Central Time, Monday through Friday.

Please have your account number and Social Security Number available when you call. Immediate Needs (Food, Clothing, and Shelter) FEMA: Call 1-800-621-3362 or https://www. disasterassistance.

gov/ Speech or hearing impairment: Call toll free TTY 1-800-462-7585 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS): Call 1-800-621-3362 Individual Assistance FAQ: https://www. fema. gov/individual-disaster-assistance For businesses: https://www.

fema. gov/nbeoc FEMA Evacuee Hotel list: https://www. femaevachotels.

com/index. php Low-interest SBA loan up to $40,000 for businesses, renters, and homeowners to repair/replace personal property. Call 1-800-659-2955 or visit sba.

gov/disaster . TTY users call 1-800-877-8339. Apply online at disasterloan.

sba. gov/ela Red Cross: Call 1-866-438-4636 or 1-800-733-2767 or www. redcross.

org/find-help Find a shelter: https://www. redcross. org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905 or www.

211texas. org US Department of Agriculture: Food Assistance for Disaster Relief ( https://www. fns.

usda. gov/disaster/disaster-assistance ) or call toll free 1-800-221-5689 Salvation Army: 1-800-728-7825, www. salvationarmyusa.

org Texas Hurricane Center, Office of the Governor: https://gov.texas. gov/hurricane or call 512-463-2000 SNAP Food Benefits (food stamps): Your Texas Benefits ( https://yourtexasbenefits. hhsc.

texas. gov/programs/snap ) or call the Lone Star helpdesk at 1-800-777-7328 Women, Infants and Children ( WIC ) ( https://www. dshs.

state. tx. us/wichd/ ) Program or call 1-800-942-3678 Local Emergency & Homeless Services resources: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Help for Texans ( https://www.

tdhca. state. tx.

us/texans. htm ) or call toll free 1-800-525-0657 (Look/ask for resources.) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Talk with a professional who can help you cope with emotional distress from the storm.

Call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Call 1-800-626-4959 or visit The Arc of Texas ( www. TheArcOfTexas. org ) Autism Response Team from Autism Speaks - Information and resources, financial assistance: Call 1-888-288-4762 Spanish: 1-888-772-9050 Email: familyservices@autismspeaks.

org Web: https://www. autismspeaks. org/family-services/autism-response-team Jobs and Unemployment Information FEMA Reservists: https://careers.

fema. gov/reservists-program or send your resume to fema-careers@fema. dhs.

gov Texas Workforce Commission: Job Seekers and Employees ( https://www. twc. state.

tx. us/jobseekers ) US Department of Labor: Disaster Unemployment Assistance ( https://workforcesecurity. doleta.

gov/unemploy/disaster. asp ) or call toll free 1-877-872-5627 People who are hearing impaired may call this toll-free TTY number: 1-877-889-5627 Texas Workforce Commission: Unemployment Insurance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance ( https://www. twc.

state. tx. us/jobseekers/disaster-unemployment-assistance ) or call toll free 800-939-6631 Lost or Damaged Documents Check the list below to find out where to obtain official copies of your lost or damaged documents.

Bank Checks, ATM/Debit Cards, or Safe Deposit Boxes: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Natural Disaster Impact on Banking Operations ( https://www. fdic. gov/news/disaster/ ) or call 877-275-3342 or TDD 800-925-4618 Birth and death certificates: Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) ( https://www.

dshs. state. tx.

us/vs/default. shtm ) or call 888-963-7111 Credit Cards: Contact the issuing institution: American Express ( https://www. americanexpress.

com/us/help/lost-stolen-card. html ) or call 800-992-3404 Discover ( https://portal. discover.

com/customersvcs/universalLogin/ac_main? link=mi… ) or call 800-347-2683 Master Card ( https://www. mastercard.

us/en-us/consumers/get-support. html ) or call 800-627-8372 Visa ( https://usa. visa.

com/support/consumer/lost-stolen-card. html ) or call 800-847-2911 Credit Reports from Equifax, Experian or TransUnion: Annual Credit Reports ( www. annualcreditreport.

com ) or call 877-322-8228 Fraud alerts or a credit freeze: Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) ( https://www. texasattorneygeneral. gov/consumer-protection/identity-theft ) or call 800-621-0508 Green Card: US Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCIS) ( https://www.

uscis. gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted/replace-green… ) or call 800-375-5283 Insurance Documents: Contact your insurance agent. For insurance company contact information, visit the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) ( https://apps.

tdi. state. tx.

us/pcci/pcci_search. jsp ) or call 800-252-3439 For post-disaster insurance tips, visit TDI’s After the Storm page ( https://www. tdi.

texas. gov/consumer/storms/recoverytips. html ) or call 800-252-3439 Manufactured Housing Statement of Ownership and Location: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Manufactured Housing Division ( https://www.

tdhca. state. tx.

us/mh/faqs-sol. htm ) or call 800-500-7074 Medical and Prescription Records: Call your own doctor; medical and prescription records are tracked electronically. Medicare Cards: Medicare.

gov ( www. socialsecurity. gov/medicarecard/ ) or call 800-772-1213 Military Records: National Archives and Records Administration ( https://www.

archives. gov/contact/ ) or call 866-272-6272 Passport: US Department of State ( https://travel. state.

gov/content/passports/en/passports/lost-stolen. html ) or call 877-487-2778 or TTY 888-874-7793 Proof of Address/Residency: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) ( https://www. dps.

texas. gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-5. pdf ) or call 512-424-2000 Real Estate and Property Records (Mortgage Documents, Deeds, etc.): Contact your real estate agent or your county clerk’s office Replace a Texas Marriage Record or Certificate: Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics ( https://www.

dshs. state. tx.

us/vs/default. shtm ) or call 888-963-7111 Save water damaged documents: National Archives ( https://www. archives.

gov/preservation/disaster-response/guidelines. html ) or call 866-272-6272 SNAP Food Benefits (food stamps): Call the Lonestar helpdesk at 800-777-7328 Social Security Card: Social Security Administration (SSA) ( https://www. ssa.

gov/ssnumber/ ) or call 800-772-1213 Tax Returns: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ( https://www. irs. gov/individuals/disaster-services-referral-guide ) or call 800-829-1040 Texas Driver License: Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) ( https://www.

txdps. state. tx.

us/DriverLicense/replace. htm ) or call 512-424-2600 U.S. Savings Bonds: TreasuryDirect ( https://www. treasurydirect.

gov/indiv/forms/forms_SavingsBonds. htm ) or call 844-284-2676 Vehicle Titles: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV) ( https://txdmv. gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/get-a-copy-of-y… ) or call 888-368-4689 To find friends and family or to register yourself as safe, visit: https://safeandwell.

communityos. org/cms/ To report a missing child, contact the National Emergency Child Locator Center : 866-908-9572 American Red Cross: Contact and Locate Loved Ones ( https://www. redcross.

org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services… ) or call toll free 1-877-568-3317 Missing Persons Registry call toll free 1-800-733-2767 National Center for Missing and Exploited Children ( https://www. missingkids. com/home ) or call toll free 1-800-843-5678 Next of Kin Registry ( https://www.

nokr. org/nok/restricted/home. htm ) Texas Department of Transportation: Road Conditions and Closures ( https://www.

txdot. gov/inside-txdot/division/traffic/safety/weather/hurr… ) or call toll free 1-800-452-9292 Drive Texas: Statewide Highway Conditions ( https://drivetexas. org/#/7/32.

340/-99. 500 ) or call toll free 1-800-452-9292 Helping Lost Pets ( https://www. helpinglostpets.

com/ ) Lost Dogs of Texas ( https://www. facebook. com/findtexasdogs?

fref=ts. %20 ) Texas Animal Health Commission: Emergency Management & Response ( https://www. tahc.

texas. gov/emergency/ ) or call toll free 1-800-550-8242 American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): Find a Lost Pet ( https://www. aspca.

org/pet-care/general-pet-care/finding-lost-pet ) or call toll free 1-888-666-2279 To get help filing a personal insurance claim, call the Texas Department of Insurance 's Consumer Help Line: 800-252-3439 (Note: this is not an emergency number). Texas Department of Motor Vehicles: https://www. txdmv.

gov/harvey for information about Motor Carrier Permits, Apportioned Registration/Temp Permits, Vehicle Titles and Registration, Insurance Companies and Flood-Damaged Vehicles. Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs: Help for Texans ( https://www. tdhca.

state. tx. us/texans.

htm ) or call toll free 1-800-525-0657 for home repair resources. Visit the Texas Department of Insurance at ( www. tdi.

texas. gov ) or call 1-800-252-3439 for: How to file an insurance claim Tips to avoid scams and fraud Frequently Asked Questions about Disaster Recovery ( https://www. helpinsure.

com/home/condisasterfaq. html ) Texas Department of Emergency Management Post-Disaster Home Repair Guidelines (txdps. state.

tx. us/dem/disaster/postdisasterguide. htm) U.S. Small Business Administration: Disaster Loans ( https://www.

sba. gov/category/navigation-structure/loans-grants/small-bu… ) or call toll free 1-800-827-5722 Register for FEMA assistance ( https://www. disasterassistance.

gov/ ) or call toll free 1-800-621-3362. People with speech or hearing impairment may call toll free TTY 1-800-462-7585. FEMA Inspection Process ( https://www.

fema. gov/faq-details/FEMA-Individual-Assistance-inspection-… ) Federal Trade Commission: Dealing with Weather Emergencies ( https://www. consumer.

ftc. gov/features/feature-0023-weather-emergencies ) Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA): Disaster Relief Resources and Frequently Asked Questions ( https://comptroller. texas.

gov/taxes/resources/disaster-relief. php ) or 800-252-5555 Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for Individuals and Businesses ( https://www. irs.

gov/pub/irs-pdf/p2194. pdf ). Find Texas IRS Offices ( https://www.

irs. gov/uac/Contact-My-Local-Office-in-Texas ) Before you donate material items, please be aware that: In the early stages of disaster response, most organizations are unable to accommodate all of the donated goods. Unsolicited material donations create a challenge of sorting, storage and transportation when focus is needed on response and recovery.

Monetary donations continue to be the preferred manner of contributing to disaster relief. Monetary donations enable relief organizations to: Purchase needed items and supplies locally and in just the right quantities, which ensures quick delivery to survivors; Support the local merchants, which strengthens the local economy for the long run. Donate your time, money, services or skills American Red Cross: Ways to Help ( https://www.

redcross. org/support ) or call toll free 1-800-733-2767 Salvation Army, Texas Division: Ways You Can Help ( https://www. salvationarmytexas.

org ) Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD): https://voad. communityos. org/disaster-volunteer-registration Red Cross: https://www.

redcross. org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer#step1 United Ways of Texas: Volunteer ( https://www. unitedway.

org/get-involved/volunteer ) or call 512-651-1149 If you or your organization, or if you know of an organization, that can help with one or more of these needs, please contact Bianca Kapadia at Bianca. Kapadia@fema. dhs.

gov or (202) 808-6609.

For City of Houston and Harris County- long term recovery needs skilled volunteers for repair and rebuild; there are more than 140 member groups in the Houston LTRG that help with long term to see what needs are there and also post what they could possibly provide Greater Houston Area- they also need skilled and unskilled volunteers for repair and rebuild (Wharton, Liberty, Fort Bend, Galveston, Brazoria) Affordable Housing is the general need in Houston and Houston-area Skilled Construction volunteers and tradesmen are preferred Unskilled volunteers who can work autonomously will minimal supervision willing to learn basic construction (mucking, gutting, painting and installing flooring, drywall and trim Skilled and unskilled volunteers for weekdays/weekends (large groups welcome) on a continuous basis CPA to assist with setting up financials and end of year reporting anytime CPA is available.

Jefferson, Hardin*, Orange*, Jasper*, and Newton* Counties: Skilled Construction Volunteers for UMCOR operations More rebuild organizations in general. Currently there are only 2-3 depending on the area, and no muck and gut crews. *High priority.

These counties need muck and gut crews Nueces, Refugio, and Aransas Counties: Skilled construction leaders to guide volunteers People who have electrical knowledge Always research charities and organizations before you give. https://www. charitynavigator.

org/ https://www. charitywatch. org/ https://www.

guidestar. org/ Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD): https://www. nvoad.

org/voad-members/national-members/ Red Cross: https://www. redcross. org/donations/ways-to-donate Salvation Army, Texas Division: Ways You Can Help ( https://www.

salvationarmytexas. org ) Michael and Susan Dell Foundation/OneStar: https://www. rebuildtx.

org/ Contracting Opportunities Contractors: https://www. fema. gov/about-industry-liaison-program ( https://www.

fema. gov/about-industry-liaison-program ) or Google “FEMA Industry” Federal Contracting Opportunities: Register at Federal System for Award Management (SAM) ( https://www. sam.

gov/SAM/ ) View current contracting opportunities for which all federal agencies are accepting bids, visit the Federal Business Opportunities ( https://www. fbo. gov/?

s=opportunity&mode=list&tab=list ) DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this site is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only. TDHCA does not endorse any specific organization listed on this site.