Hurricane Harvey - Red Cross on the Scene

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August 28, 2017. George R. Brown Convention Center, Red Cross Mega Shelter, Houston, Texas.

Event based volunteers with specialized trainings sign up to volunteer at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

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August 28, 2017. George R. Brown Convention Center, Red Cross Mega Shelter, Houston, Texas.

“We were airlifted from the Westbury area so that we could be taken to Ellington Field Station. One, because my brother is disabled and two, because actually this is the second time our house flooded...” Stephanie Gander recounted her experience of being evacuated with her brother, Stevie, whom she cares for full time. “We are both afraid of heights, but the Coast Guard was so professional, it really provided us comfort. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

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August 28, 2017. George R. Brown Convention Center, Red Cross Mega Shelter, Houston, Texas.

“I guess we gotta go.” were the words Oralia Guerra uttered to her boyfriend, Diamond Robinson after 8 inches of water ominously laid stagnant in their single story house after the first night of flooding in Houston.They decided to attempt an evacuation with approximately 20" of flood waters outside of their home. “The water was up over the tires of our cars when we left. But we were walkin’ through. Sometimes it was dry, in others it was about 20 inches…. but just knew it was gonna get worse so we had to get out.” Diamond recalled of the traumatic experience. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

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August 28, 2017. George R. Brown Convention Center, Red Cross Mega Shelter Houston, Texas.

Shelter residents in communal sleeping quarters. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

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August 28, 2017. George R. Brown Convention Center, Red Cross Mega Shelter Houston, Texas.

Shelter residents in communal sleeping quarters. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

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August 28, 2017. George R. Brown Convention Center, Red Cross Mega Shelter, Houston, Texas. “Our whole house is gone. We barely survived.”

August 30, 2017

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by what is being called the worst flooding disaster in U.S. history. Catastrophic flooding is still occurring, and the American Red Cross is working day and night to get help to where it is needed most.

You can find shelters by visiting redcross.org, downloading the free Red Cross Emergency App or calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

You can also check with your local officials on where to find a shelter, download the FEMA app or text SHELTER and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362). Monitoring your local media may also help.

Massive disasters like Hurricane Harvey create more needs than any one organization can meet on their own. The Red Cross is working very closely with the entire response community – government agencies, other non-profit groups, faith-based organizations, area businesses and others – to coordinate emergency relief efforts and get help to people as quickly as possible.

The Red Cross has launched a massive response to this devastating storm and needs financial donations to be able to provide immediate disaster relief. Help people affected by Hurricane Harvey by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters like this.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.