Best org for Harvey donations?

[concreteblue]

Hey DU: My band is partnering with the owners of the venue at our weekly jam gig to raise $$ for Harvey Relief. What is the most trustworthy/efficient/ organization taking $$$?

[Not Ruth]

1. I do not know, but the Red Cross is not it

[Sedona]

2. If you're searching for an appropriate, local, well-run group that could really make a difference.

Thank you to so many of you who have already reached out to us to see how you can help! It means a lot. If you searching for an appropriate, well-run group that could really make a difference, this fits the ticket.

For those who don’t know, our company (Keller Williams Realty) is headquartered in Austin, Texas. This means we have thousands of agents in the Houston and surrounding areas that were hit by Hurricane Harvey. At present count, at least 300 of our agents (and thousands of other non KW folks) are out of their homes and many more severely impacted. 7,000 people will take refuge in Austin where many of us will be volunteering. Not only have they lost their homes, their pets and belongings – they will be impacted for months to come since their livelihood is dependent on the housing industry.

We have many personal friends who have been impacted. And many others who have been heroes, literally pulling people out of the water. One of many stories shared yesterday: “We finally found our cat. Floating by on a mattress.”

YOU CAN HELP.
Our company has an established 501(c)3 charity (KW Cares) with a long history and lots of experience in helping with disaster relief and recovery. We own multiple 18 wheelers for this purpose, the first of which arrived in Houston with supplies today. Rather than collecting water, clothing and other supplies, the best way you can help is to donate money. KW Cares is then able to buy in bulk. They are working closely with the Salvation Army & Red Cross, and will adjust what is purchased based on needs as they change day by day. 100% of all donations go to disaster relief. (All admin costs are personally handled by our Chairman Gary Keller and Vice Chairman of the Board Mo Anderson).
We have committed to raising $20 Million. We have a LONG way to go.
Thanks for stepping up. It’s in times like this that the good in people comes out and our friends and family shine. We appreciate you. Please pray for all of those affected.

https://secure.kwcares.org/donation/wizard/donateLoad.do

(Please choose McLean or other when instructed to choose a Market Center. Designate your donation to Hurricane Harvey Relief.)
#kwcares #hurricaneharvey #texasstrong

[EarnestPutz]

4. Working closely with the Red Cross?

What do you mean exactly? The Red Cross is a bloated
bureaucracy run by overpaid elitists. I can't support your
effort, though I am conflicted. The Salvation Army is a
great organization, however.

[Sedona]

6. The Red Cross is running the shelters where relief supplies are going..

The Salvation Army is feeding and clothing people. They help KW Cares identify where the needs are greatest.

KW Cares has a long track record of delivering relief where it's needed with little waste.

[Not Ruth]

8. Avoid Trump connected SBC Disaster Relief, Send Relief, American Red Cross, & The Salvation Army USA

[hlthe2b]

3. People, aside, direct donations to Houston's or any of the adjacent animal shelters

will give bang for the buck...Throughout the West (especially Denver and Front Range, Colorado) no-kill shelters have taken animals from shelters throughout Texas to free them up for the huge influx of flood-related abandonments, lost animals, and temporary need for shelter.

They take direct donations via their websites too.

Plenty of human need, don't get me wrong, but I KNOW there are direct services for the helpless animals that are desperate for help.

[OldHippieChick]

5. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

https://pma.pcusa.org/donate/make-a-gift/gift-info/DR000169/?appeal=PDA&package=HH17-ABB

is a favorite of mine as I know it all goes to the victims. There is no administrative or overhead cost.

[Not Ruth]

7. Avoid Trump connected SBC Disaster Relief, Send Relief, American Red Cross, & The Salvation Army USA

"On behalf of First Lady Melania Trump & myself, THANK YOU for the update & GREAT WORK! SBC Disaster Relief, Send Relief, American Red Cross, & The Salvation Army USA."

[gopiscrap]

9. Lutheran World Relief and UMCOR

[unc70]

10. Agree on UMCOR

United Methodist Committee on Relief. Does great work. Also coordinates volunteers.

I would also trust the Presbyterians, Lutherans, et al.

[gopiscrap]

12. same here

[concreteblue]

11. Thanks for the help, peeps

Keep it coming!

[dixiegrrrrl]

13. You might consider a suggestion from Juantia Jean

who is a very well known Dem. commentator in Texas, knows as well as anyone what is needed.

Here are links to 2 suggestions she has.

A few of you have asked me where you could donate a little money where it would do the most good. I am donating to the AFL-CIO Texas Worker Relief Fund. I know these guys. John Patrick, the president of the TEXAS AFL-CIO is a friend of mine and he’s meaner than ten acres of snakes. I know for damn fact that he will squeeze every penny you give him to do the most good. Click here to donate.http://www.texasaflcio.org/donate

If I hear of any more in need, I will let you know.

from her page of the other day, here: http://juanitajean.com/page/3/

Also, she just this am pointed to this local place for needed donations.
http://juanitajean.com/the-goodest-people-i-know/

The Red Cross used to be a good biz, but in the last 10 years of audits, were slammed for not using donated money for victims, but instead for salaries and other "administrative costs"
They really screwed up in Haiti a few years ago.

I reocmmend Charity Navigator to help find places to donate to.

https://www.charitynavigator.org/