Arts & Culture

How You Can Help Texans in Need

A list of on-the-ground relief efforts for those affected by the devastating extreme winter weather in Texas

Photo: David J. Phillip / Associated Press

Volunteers distribute donated water in Houston, where bitterly cold temperatures left many residents without running water.

After historic snowfall and freezing temperatures, many people across the state of Texas are still without power, heat, and running water. Here are a few ways to help. 


Austin

Front Steps 

This nonprofit serves the homeless population in Austin. The organization is currently accepting monetary donations as well as blankets for its blanket drive

Free Lunch Austin 

This local group prepares and delivers food to the Esperanza Community, a state-commissioned campsite community in Austin. 

Austin Area Urban League 

AAUL’s “Love Thy Neighbor” campaign is raising funds for hotel rooms, water, and other basic needs for the housing insecure in the city. 

Austin Disaster Relief Network 

The Austin Disaster Relief Network is gathering donations to help provide both short- and long-term housing, food, and other basic needs. 


Dallas-Fort Worth

Mercy Chefs 

The Virginia-based relief organization is serving meals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area beginning today. You can donate to their efforts or become a volunteer. 

Tarrant Area Food Bank  

This organization serves the Fort Worth area, delivering food to pantries in thirteen counties. 

United Way of Tarrant County 

This nonprofit is seeking donations to cover food, utility bills, rent, housing solutions, and home repairs for those affected. 

Austin Street Center  

This Dallas-based organization helps people experiencing homelessness find shelter in North Texas. 


Houston 

Houston Food Bank  

Every donated dollar will help provide three meals for families, children, and seniors in the Houston area. 

Lucille’s 1913 Community Kitchen 

Helmed by the chef Chris Williams, this Houston organization is preparing meals to distribute to children, the eldery, and anyone else in need. 

Coalition for the Homeless 

Support warming shelters through this Houston-based organization. 


Other/Statewide

Animal Shelters

Shelters across the state, as well as organizations such as Austin Pets Alive! and San Antonio Pets Alive! are accepting donations to help keep animals out of the cold. 

San Antonio Food Bank 

This food bank will increase the number of food distributions to those affected by the winter weather this weekend. They accept donations and are seeking volunteers to sign up for shifts.

Feeding Texas 

Feeding Texas is the largest hunger-relief network in the state, partnering with twenty-one food banks. They are seeking donations to distribute among these partners.

Salvation Army of North Texas 

The Salvation Army is operating inclement weather shelters and is accepting donations to help cover food and electricity costs. Donate here

Texas Red Cross 

The Red Cross is accepting monetary donations, volunteers, and blood donations for relief efforts in Texas.

Airbnb Open Homes 

Airbnb allows volunteers to register to open their homes to those seeking free and temporary shelter.

Support Local Journalists 

Visit the above GoFundMe page to donate to journalists from the Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth news guilds who are working around the clock to keep people informed and updated. 

Sea Turtle Inc.  

This South Padre Island nonprofit dedicated to sea turtle conservation is rescuing and rehabilitating cold-stunned sea turtles. Read more about the rescue efforts here. 


To learn more about a charity before donating, consult Charity Navigator.