people who don't donate to harvey

What is the worst thing you can do?

One of the worst things you can do is just send stuff into a disaster zone. This is another thing we see in disaster after disaster: people hurriedly send old clothes, canned food, and toys, and no one has any idea what happens to that stuff. If you’re compelled to give, always give cash.

What does the Red Cross do?

What the Red Cross does well is position very short-term relief in certain kinds of situations. They're better at it in a very small-scale disaster, where basic logistical networks aren't being affected. So if there's a single house fire or something like that, they can be effective.

Why is disaster preparedness important?

Disaster preparedness is key to keeping people safe and mitigating the effects of weather and health emergencies.

Is the Red Cross a dysfunctional organization?

One is that the Red Cross is a dysfunctional organization. The second problem is that disaster relief in general is a much bigger and a much different problem than the one people are solving when they send a single donation in the wake of a particular disaster.

Does the Red Cross help with disasters?

But there are many, many other things that have to be done, both after a disaster strikes and before it strikes in terms of risk prevention, and the Red Cross doesn’t help with that.

Is the Red Cross transparent?

If you read the investigative work that Pro Publica has done about the Red Cross and their actions after the Haitian earthquake, after Hurricane Sandy, after the Louisiana floods last year, and many other disasters, you see the same pattern. The Red Cross leadership has misled Congress and resisted oversight at every step. They don’t open their books, they’re not transparent, and they only release details after they’ve been publicly shamed.

Is giving money to the Red Cross an emotional act?

Giving money to disaster relief organization like the Red Cross is an emotional act, which is disproportionate to the amount of money you give. You send over your $10 and it feels like a significant act. And I can relate to that. I'm sure you can, too.

Local Organizations

The Homeless Period Project gets menstrual supplies to homeless people, and those displaced and affected by the storm. (Two other local organizations— Aquí Estamos and Neta —are collected funds for these efforts, too.)

Focusing on Vulnerable Populations

Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County is a community organization that works to protect the homeless and end homelessness.

Helping Animals

Animal Defense League of Texas accepts monetary donations and supplies—donated in person in San Antonio or via Amazon wishlist.

Food Banks

Feeding Texas is a statewide nonprofit that coordinates and integrates with state and federal relief efforts.