Hurricane Harvey has awakened the collective conscience of America to step up in extraordinary ways to serve and support those affected. As each day passes, we are confronted with more stories of victims being swept away by the currents and trapped in horrific conditions. At least 30 people lost their lives in this natural disaster, and thousands are faced with the destruction of their homes and communities.
Many of us feel called to action. We want to help. We want to serve in some way to alleviate the pain and suffering of our fellow Americans. If you take 2 minutes to scan through your Facebook newsfeed, you will likely see dozens of requests for donations (financial and otherwise) for both national and local organizations. Choosing a charity or program to support can feel overwhelming because you want to ensure that your donation is received by those who need it most.
In the spirit of our Pregnant on Campus Initiative, we would like to offer several ideas for how you may serve pregnant women and families who have been affected by this tragedy. We encourage you to contact these programs and ministries to inquire about opportunities for you to volunteer, donate (financially or otherwise), or provide other services and support.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT
Heartbeat International
HALO Fund
https://www.heartbeatservices.org/helping-affiliated-life-affirming-organizations-halo
Contact: Ducia Hamm, [email protected]
Phone: (614) 885-7577
Toll-Free: (888)550-7577
Donate Online: https://www.heartbeatservices.org/fund-halo
All funds received through the HALO (Helping Affiliated Life-affirming Organizations) Fund will be distributed “expressly to help those in the Heartbeat network restore their outreach capability” in the Houston and South Texas area.
Houston Diaper Bank
Hurricane Harvey Baby Relief
http://www.houstondiaperbank.org/
10101 Harwin Drive, Suite 201, Houston, TX
Email: [email protected] , [email protected]
Phone: (877) 433-9832 Ext 3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houstondiaperbank
Houston Diaper Bank’s goal is to make a difference in the community. Starting with promoting and providing diapers for families in need of diaper assistance for their little ones. “We are currently coordinating with other shelters for diaper distribution and other baby supplies.”
Houston Pregnancy Help Center
https://www.houstonpregnancyhelpcenter.org/
743 Shotwell Street, Houston, Texas
Phone: (713) 942-2323
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houstonpregnancyhelpcenter/
Donate Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/houstonpregnancyhelpcenter/Id_uOgObmbKnIZz651vEqw?src=fp
Houston Pregnancy Help Center experienced water damage during Hurricane Harvey, but they are continuing to serve their community. “We have activated our medical mobile van to serve at the GRB temporary shelter. We will provide diapers, blankets, gospel tracts, emotional support and the love of Jesus to mothers with babies. As of this update, 5 staff members are living in shelters. If you would like to help during Hurricane Harvey, you can assist in our efforts by donating to the ministry. Text keyword “HPHC” to 77977 and follow the links! You can also give at fifthward.org! Contact us if you would like to volunteer! Thank you for your prayers and support!”
The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Gabriel Project
http://www.archgh.org/offices-ministries/pastoral-educational-ministries/office-of-pro-life-activities/gabriel-project/
St. Dominic Chancery, 2403 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77021
Contact: Julie Fritsch, [email protected]
Phone: (713) 225-5826
The Gabriel Project is a pro-life parish-based apostate of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston offering assistance to women experiencing difficult circumstances during pregnancy. Gabriel Project volunteers act to provide practical advice and help as well as spiritual support and Christian witness to mothers in need.
FIND A LIFE-AFFIRMING CENTER IN TEXAS
Not sure who else to support? You can search OptionLine.org for local life-affirming organizations in the Houston and South Texas area. All you have to do is search a local zip code, and you will find dozens of local centers.
