Tropical Storm Harvey is devastating cities along the Gulf Coast, dumping record amounts of rain that has destroyed millions in property and stranded many residents who are in need of rescue. And perhaps no city has been hit harder than Houston, Texas. The nation’s fourth largest city has experienced as much 43 inches of rain in some areas as of early this morning, and even more precipitation is expected in the coming days.
Amid the devastation, many Houston coffee shops have managed to stay dry enough to remain open, serving food and coffee to displaced Houstonians and volunteers, offering the use of their electricity and Wi-Fi, and acting as collection spots for local disaster relief efforts. Siphon Coffee, Blacksmith, and Inversion Coffee are among the shops still open and actively serving the community.
If you live outside of the Houston area and would like to help, Vox has a great list of national and local charities you can donate to, including the George R. Brown Emergency Center, Houston Food Bank, Galveston County Food Bank, Corpus Christi Food Bank, and Southeast Texas Food Bank.
New Orleans Harvey Relief
As Harvey continues to move inland, Louisiana is expected to take similarly heavy damage from the storm. In New Orleans, Pressed has begun accepting donations of food, clothing, toiletries and other essentials.
Other local charities include St. Catherine of Siena, The Junior League of New Orleans Amazon Wish List, Animal Rescue New Orleans, Take A Chance Animal Rescue, and Zeus’ Place.
If you are able, please consider giving to one of the charities listed above.
Zac Cadwalader is the news editor at Sprudge Media Network.
*top image via Blacksmith
