As Hurricane Harvey continues to devastate parts of Texas, San Antonians have joined forces to help their neighbors in Houston. The City of San Antonio, along with many local organizations, have helped put together Hurricane Harvey relief efforts for the nearby cities affected. According to an article in USAToday, San Antonio officials have reported that over 1,000 people made their way to city shelters to escape Hurricane Harvey. For most, it seems that evacuating the coast was a last-minute decision.
Meanwhile, in Dallas, officials reached capacity at two shelters by Sunday morning, August 27 and were opening a third. The American Red Cross said Friday more than 1,400 people were staying at 24 shelters throughout the Dallas area. Turning the convention center into a mega-shelter for up to 5,000 remains an option.
Additionally, zoos and parks across the State have joined forces to make sure animals housed in the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Harvey have what they need. The San Antonio Zoo and Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi were originally the top priority. The forecasts had predicted these two locations would face the brunt of the impending storm. According to a report by MySA.com, that quickly changed to one “big army” of zoos working to relieve the Downtown Aquarium in Houston and the Victoria Zoo, stated San Antonio Zoo CEO Tim Morrow.
Morrow said that the coordination was executed via email following an urgent “SOS call” from the Downtown Aquarium, saying they were taking in water.
In other efforts, the San Antonio Zoo and Sea World San Antonio worked to deliver equipment and supplies for staff and animals. San Antonio, Fort Worth and Dallas zoos, Sea World and Animal World Snake Farm are also organizing relief efforts for the Victoria Zoo.
“All zoos are engaged and involved, Morrow continued. “All the animals are fine that we know of.”
Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts: How Can You Help?
With hurricane and flood damage devastating Houston, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas and other cities along coast, many San Antonians are wondering how they can help. Here’s a list of organizations asking for volunteers and donations—courtesy of the San Antonio Current:
- The American Red Cross, which provides emergency assistance and disaster relief, is seeking donations to help victims of Hurricane Harvey. The organization is urging people to make a minimum donation of $10 by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. You can also text HARVEY to 90999.
- The Salvation Army will remain in communities that have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey and is in need of donations to provide long-term disaster recovery efforts and ongoing assistance to those in need.
- The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center is in urgent need of blood donations, especially type O negative and O positive. To donate blood, schedule an appointment at southtexasblood.org or call 1-(800) 292-5534 ext. 3500.
- Food, monetary donations and volunteers are need at the San Antonio Food Bank, which is in response mode to support local and statewide needs. Most wanted items: nonperishable food, water, baby food, diapers, flashlights, batteries, new or packaged clothing , hygiene products and cleaning supplies. Drop off donations between 8 a.m to 5 p.m. at the Food Bank warehouse, 5200 Enrique M. Barrera Pkwy. Donations and volunteer registration can be made online.
- The Texas Diaper Bank is in need of monetary and diaper donations to provide kits to the displaced families. Donations can be made at texasdiaperbank.networkforgood.com or by calling (210) 731-8118.
- The Animal Defense League of Texas and San Antonio Pets Alive ask for donations and volunteers to foster a dog or cat that has been displaced by the hurricane. Steps to donate and register to volunteer can be found on the organizations’ websites. The San Antonio Humane Society is also asking for donations, which can be made at sahumane.org.
- The City of San Antonio has coordinated donation drop-off locations for evacuees at district offices. Needed items are nonperishable food, water, baby food, diapers, hygiene items and new clothes. Drop off donations at D1 Field Office, 1310 Vance Jackson; D2 Field Office, 2805 E. Commerce; D3 Field Office, 3319 Sidney Brooks D4 Field Office, 5102 Pearsall Road, D6 Field Office, 8373 Culebra Road; D7 Field Office, 4414 Centerview Suite, 160; D7 Field Office, 4414 Centerview, Suite 160; D8 Field Office, 9830 Colonnade, Suite 165; D9 Field Office, 1635 NE Loop 410; and D10 Field Office, 1635 NE Loop 410.