The American Red Cross – Greater Houston Chapter has been our home for our German language classes since we began in January. They have been of invaluable help to us, and now they help a region in need. The American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region, is headquartered at the same location and provides life-saving services to over 9 million people in cities such as Corpus Christi, Galveston & Houston. The Region is made up of 4 local chapters: Beaumont, South Texas, Coastal Bend & Greater Houston.
Torrential and prolonged downpours have caused severe flooding in the Houston metropolitan area. The Governor issued a State of Disaster for nine counties on Monday, including Austin, Bastrop, Colorado, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Montgomery, Waller and Wharton. Three million residents are in the impacted region. More than 100,000 homes have lost power, and an additional 1,000 homes have flooded in Harris County. There are eight confirmed deaths due to the flooding, and more than 1,222 water rescues have been made to save people from severe conditions.
The American Red Cross Response
The Red Cross is working closely with emergency management to coordinate extensive relief efforts. On Monday night more than 430 people spent the evening in 13 Red Cross and community shelters outside of impacted areas. Red Crossers are continuing to operate shelters and relief centers, serve meals, distribute relief items and monitor conditions to address evolving needs. When conditions allow, Red Cross disaster teams are completing damage assessments.
Click here to learn more about how you can prepare yourself and your family for a flood.
The American Red Cross continues to operate five shelters to assist flood-affected residents and provide clean-up tools and materials for local residents beginning the process of recovering from flood damage. Please find detailed information below:
Shelters open through Sunday, April 24:
HARRIS COUNTY:
- South County Community Center, 2235 Lake Robbins Rd., Spring
MONTGOMERY COUNTY:
- First United Methodist Church in Conroe, 4308 West Davis, Conroe
WALLER COUNTY:
- Brookshire Civic Center, 4010 4th Street, Brookshire
WHARTON COUNTY:
- Wharton Jr. High School, 1120 N. Rusk Street, Wharton
These shelters will be open 24 hours a day, providing a warm, dry place to stay, food and emotional support for area residents who are not able to remain at their homes due to storms and flooding.
BULK DISTIBUTION SITES (An interactive map is available here.)
- New Light Church – Community Center (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
7317 E Houston Rd Houston TX 77028 - Jewish Community Center (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
5601 N. Braeswood Blvd, Houston TX 77096 - Humble Acres First Baptist Church (1 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
19901 Townsen Blvd., Humble TX, 77338 - Brookshire Civic Community Center (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
4705 5th Street, Brookshire, TX 77423 - First Presbyterian Church (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
1602 John Knox St., Wharton, TX 77488 There will also be eight mobile distribution routes throughout the area.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WHAT TO BRING TO A SHELTER: Anyone evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring the following essential items for each member of the family:
- Prescription and emergency medications
- Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements
- Identification and important personal documents
- Extra clothing, towels, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
- Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys
- Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled
- Public health regulations do not permit pets in shelters. Certified service animals are permitted. The Red Cross works closely with local partners to accommodate pets and animals that need shelter.
FOR HELP: Those with flood-related needs are urged to call the American Red Cross at 1-866-526-8300.
TO DONATE: Those who wish to donate to flood relief may do so at redcross.org/donate.