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Here's How You Can Help Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey

Aug. 28, 2017
3 min read
Here's How You Can Help Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey
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Hurricane Harvey's devastating deluge on Houston and the Texas Gulf coast area has caused severe damage, leaving many in its path in desperate need of relief. The storm, which the National Weather Service is calling "unprecedented," has left the area in a state of disaster.

Thus far, relief efforts have focused on getting those in danger to safety — rescuing people trapped in their homes and cars from drowning. Several airlines and travel companies have done their part to help, such as Southwest airlifting almost 500 employees and customers from Houston's Hobby Airport (HOU) and Airbnb offering stays at no cost for those in need.

But the area is going to need much more help in order to fully recover — something that will likely take months, if not years to do. So, we're signing up to do our part to help. I'm proud to announce that as a company, The Points Guy is donating $10,000 to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund via GlobalGiving.

Image by Lt. Zachary West/Army National Guard via Getty Images.

Initially, the Fund is using donations to help first responders meet survivors' immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, hygiene products and shelter. Then, once the initial relief work is done, the Fund will donate the money it's raised to local organizations, which will know what the affected communities need most urgently.

You can help the survivors of Hurricane Harvey, too. The easiest way to help is to donate. Donate whatever you can — $15 or $5,000. GlobalGiving and other charities desperately need the money to help save those still in danger and to repair the damage down the line. If you're looking to donate cash, remember that American Airlines and United Airlines have also set up donation campaigns, which allow you to earn up to 10 miles per dollar donated. Other ways you can help include donating blood, providing accommodation for evacuees if you live in the area or donating food.

In times of tragedy like this, it's easy to hang our heads and think we can't individually help all of those in need. But, if we all come together and chip in — no matter how big or small — it can make a world of difference. I encourage you to donate or do whatever you can to help the people affected by Hurricane Harvey.

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