Aug 28, 2017 • BCL of Texas

BCL of Texas stands in solidarity with our neighbors across Texas who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey. We stand ready to help, and to connect you to the resources you need to put your life and business back together.

Disaster Recovery Loans

Those whose homes or businesses have been damaged by the storm may be eligible for Disaster Loan Assistance through the Small Business Administration. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to expedite processing time, and BCL is available to answer questions regarding this process.

• Homeowners may be eligible for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their residence. Both homeowners and renters may be able to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Click here for mail-in application forms.
• Business owners can apply for a loan to repair their business building and assets, as well as to compensate for economic injury due to loss of operation. Click here for mail-in application forms.
• Online applications are available here.
• Apply for FEMA assistance here.
• You may also work with a Small Business Development Center advisor to create a Disaster Recovery Action Plan. SBDC recommends completing SBA and FEMA applications as primary steps before contacting SBDC. Click here to complete your application.
• Click here to view a list of general disaster resources, from insurance to safety to recovery loans.

BCL of Texas Help

• Counties affected by the storm will be given first priority consideration for BCL’s Community Impact Lending program. Eligible projects include city, county, or nonprofit owned community facilities, such as fire stations, child care, food banks, assisted living facilities, and more. Health and safety projects will be given first priority. Contact David Dinoff at 512-912-9884 or by email for more information.
• Leaders of affected communities may contact BCL to discuss ways that we can work together to find financial solutions for housing, small businesses, and community facilities for your area.
• As a response to our Habitat for Humanity of East Wharton County customers who may have been affected by flooding in Wharton, TX, BCL is deferring mortgage loan payments for 4 months to allow these families time to catch up.
• For our small business customers that are in affected areas, please contact Raquel Valdez at 512-912-9884 or rvaldez@bcloftexas.org to discuss loan deferment options.

Unemployment Insurance

If you are in one of the 18 federally-declared disaster counties, you may be eligible for disaster-related unemployment assistance. You must apply by September 27.

Nutrition Assistance

States have been granted extra flexibility to use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to serve Hurricane Harvey evacuees. Visit this page to learn more about Texas Disaster Nutrition Assistance.

A Place to Stay

RentCafe and Yardi have created a portal where people can search for housing, connect with property owners and managers, or list accommodation information for those in need.

Safety

• To locate loved ones or mark yourself safe, visit the Red Cross Safe and Well site.
• For help, please call 211 for non-life threatening situations.
• To find a shelter, visit the Red Cross shelter page.
• To report a missing child, contact the National Emergency Child Locator Center: 866-908-9570
• To speak with a professional who can help you cope with emotional distress from the storm, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
• To find a local Disaster Recovery Center, use this link.

Legal Help

Free legal help via the State Bar of Texas Disaster Legal Hotline. Call 1-800-504-7030 or visit their website for more information.

For Homeowners

• Homeowners in the Houston area needing assistance with clean-up can register here.
• Avenue CDC in Houston is offering Disaster Relief counseling, including how to navigate FEMA, file insurance claims and unemployment benefits, prevent foreclosure, and make safe home repairs. Visit their website to learn more.
• HUD has compiled a Hurricane Harvey resources list.

Texas Association of Businesses

The TAB has begun connecting businesses affected by the hurricane with resources to help them rebuild. Submit your help request here.

Grants for Nonprofits

• The San Antonio Area Foundation offers disaster relief grand funding for nonprofits in select counties.
• The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is making $7 million in grants and donations available for Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts. Visit their webpage to learn more about available funds and how to apply.

Federally-declared disaster counties

These are the counties that are eligible for federal aid, including FEMA and SBA assistance. The current list (as of August 30th) includes the following 18 counties: Aransas, Bee, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Harris, Jackson, Kleberg, Liberty, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, and Wharton.

How You Can Help: Monetary Donations

• The Red Cross needs to raise about $10 million for its Hurricane Harvey response. To make a $10.00 donation, you can text “REDCROSS” to 90999.
• Add $1, $3, or $5 to your grocery tab at any H-E-B store to support their relief efforts.
• There are many other organizations whose primary need is funding, including: Austin Disaster Relief Network, Austin Pets Alive!, Austin Wildlife Rescue, Boys and Girls Club of Austin, Caritas of Austin, Central Texas Food Bank, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County, Convoy of Hope, Feeding Texas, Global Giving Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, Heart to Heart International, Houston Fifth Ward CLean Up Fund, Meals on Wheels, Rockport Fulton Chamber of Commerce Relief Fund, Mother’s Milk Bank at Austin, Portlight, The Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, Save The Children, the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, SPCA of Texas, Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Texas PTA, United Way of Greater Houston, and YWCA Austin.
• See this link for a list of other local food banks that need donations.
• Austin-area businesses that are donating a portion of proceeds to relief efforts.
• Click here to view a comprehensive list of Houston-area organizations that need donations to help Harvey victims.

How You Can Help: In-Kind Donations

• Mayor Adler has asked Austinites to prepare 6,000 welcome kits for Hurricane evacuees. See details on what is needed here.
• In the Dallas area: Dallas County VOAD member Trusted World will accept new underwear, new socks, new warmups for men, women, children and infants, toiletries/hygiene products, baby formula and baby wipes, bottles, diapers and the Graco Pac n’ Plays for babies to sleep in. Drop off is at 15660 N. Dallas Parkway, just north of Arapaho on the north side of the Parkway. Follow the signs to drop off donations. The donations center will open daily from 3 to 8 p.m. daily.
• Hope Family Thrift Store at 1122 E. 51st in Austin needs the following in-kind items donated (no clothing, please): new blankets, clean up supplies, mops & buckets, utility knives, hand sanitizer, new undergarments, socks, toiletries, black trash bags, new bed pillows, and box fans.
• The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Austin is in need of volunteers to assist with helping those in need. Volunteers are needed to help in the food pantry, Tuesday from 5-7pm, as well as client intake W & F from 9-1. The organization is providing food and clothing to anyone in need. Please email donna@ssvdp.org.
• Counter Balance ATX has a supply wish list on Amazon.
• The Austin Disaster Relief Network is organizing a supply drive. See needed items here.
• The San Antonio Humane Society has an urgent wish list of most needed items.
• Blood donations are needed, especially O types. To donate blood, contact (512) 206-1266, or contact the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center or visit We Are Blood for donation locations.
• You may donate your space for those who need a place to stay via Airbnb.

How You Can Help: Volunteer

• In the Houston area, up to 30 volunteers per day are needed to help clean homes. Register for a shift here.
• Counter Balance ATX is asking local community members to volunteer for a wide range of tasks. Learn more and register here.
• Volunteers are needed at YWCA Austin. Interested parties should contact Volunteer and Training Institute Coordinator Haleigh Campbell at 512/326-1222 x.113.
• Organize a food drive or volunteer at the Central Texas Food Bank. Call 512/282-2111.
• Visit the Harris County virtual volunteer office.
• National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) has information on its website.
• Apply to be a FEMA reservist (this is a paid position.)

Current estimates show that as many as one-quarter of Texas residents may have been affected by this storm. BCL of Texas is here to support our communities in every way we can. Please contact us if we can be of assistance.