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Posted on by Dale Roe

Winter Storm 2021 — Here’s how to help

Winter Storm 2021 — Here’s how to help

The ice, snow and cold are on their way out, but relief and recovery efforts from the 2021 Winter Storm disaster are just getting started. Here are some ways you can help people in our community who are still suffering and will need help rebuilding.

Donate funds:

Right now, there are highly trained volunteer organizations with boots on the ground, supplying people with lodging, food, water, and cold weather supplies. You can donate to support that work here.

Austin Area Urban League – Providing housing, food, cold weather relief, water and other goods to underserved residents of Austin.

Lifeworks – Donations help cover the cost of overnight staffing, food, sleeping arrangements, and more.

TEXSAR – Texas Search and Rescue provides disaster relief services provided by volunteers who are trained professionals in their field.

Round Rock Area Serving Center – Distributes food and financial assistance to Round Rock residents.

Donate in-kind items:

Please note that driving conditions might still be dangerous. Use extreme caution when driving to these locations.

  1. Foundation Communities – Just drop off at the lobby. Note, staff may not be present at the time of delivery.
    1. Waterloo Terrace (12190 N Mopac Expy, Austin, TX 78758) residents are in need of food, air mattresses and sleep mats.
    2. Spring Terrace (7101 N IH-35) and Bluebonnet Studios (2301 S Lamar) are without power and in need of ready-to-eat food, water & blankets.
  2. Austin Pets Alive – If you can help, please email [email protected] or go to their Town Lake shelter (1156 W Cesar Chavez) if it is safe for you to do so. Supplies should be left in front of the Building B gate. *=priority items
    1. Water for people and animals* (if tap water, must be boiled first)
    2. Diesel fuel to be brought to our Town Lake shelter for the dog kennels generator*
    3. Gloves, hand warmers, and dry, heavy socks for people caring for animals on campus
    4. Flashlights/head lamps, portable chargers for staff electronic devices (in case of another outage)
  3. Round Rock Area Serving Center – Clients will need to replace household items damaged by plumbing issues. 1099 E Main St, Round Rock, TX 78664.
    1. Bedding, blankets, cold weather clothing
    2. Bottled water
    3. Food donations for their pantry
  4. Family Eldercare – Serving elderly clients in their homes
    1. Ready-to-eat non-perishable food
    2. Hours of operation (weather permitting):
      1. Friday 2/19 from 12pm to 4pm
      2. Saturday 2/20 from 12pm to 4pm
    3. Two drop-off locations:
      1. Lyons Gardens: 2720 Lyons Rd Austin, TX 78702
      2. Family Eldercare: 1700 Rutherford Ln, Austin, TX 78754

Volunteer:

First, please know there are risks to volunteering. In addition to the ongoing pandemic, road conditions and low temperatures can make volunteering more difficult. Please only sign up if you are comfortable driving in these harsh wintery conditions with a suitable vehicle. Be very careful when travelling and always use extreme caution.

Travis County Wellness Phonebank

Join Austin City Council members and TCDP in calling seniors and vulnerable communities to make sure they are somewhere safe and have resources for warmth, water, and food. City Council staff will help direct folks to available resources and coordinate wellness checks to those who aren’t reached. Two days and times available. More information here.

  • Sat, Feb 20, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Austin Disaster Relief Network
Central Texas Food Bank
  • TBD, volunteer opportunities will be scheduled soon

Other ways to help:

You can provide immediate help in your own neighborhood. Some great ways to do this are by checking on your neighbors, and calling senior citizens, single mothers, or other vulnerable individuals to make sure they are okay.

Check social media to find ways to get involved near you, particularly the Nextdoor app, a hyperlocal networking service for neighborhoods. Join yours or a neighborhood close to you to see how you can help. Ask if anyone near you needs any assistance or search the forum for those in need.