Texas Winter Storm 2021 Resource List

A rare site for Houston: The city was covered with ice and snow on February 15. (Photo: Greg Shannon)

Please continue to stay safe while weathering the impacts of this winter storm. Below, you'll find a list of resources and opportunities to help neighbors, which we will continue to update as we hear of changes. Comment to add any resources, helpful information or updates about donations, drives or opportunities for neighbors to help neighbors.

Volunteer:

Texas Relief Warriors and CrowdSource Rescue are continuing to help those in need. Read more here and find out how you can help, too. Other opportunities we've heard about include:

• Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and NRG Center are hosting an emergency blood drive Friday and Saturday on their donor coach in front of NRG Center.
• As neighbors begin to recover after the winter storm in Texas, sign up with BakerRipley to volunteer in your area.
• Interfaith Ministries is gathering warming supplies for seniors and their pets.
• The Houston Food Bank is open for volunteers starting Feb. 19. Their biggest need is to get food sorted and distributed as people work to recover from the winter storm.
• Donate to Kids Meals Inc. as they deliver free, healthy meals to hungry children without power
• The Jewish Federations of North America is gathering funds to support Texas communities impacted by the storm including Houston. 
• Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) is helping hungry Houstonians through its two food pantries. 

Warming Centers:

Lakewood Church
3700 Southwest Fwy
Lakewood is offering beds, blankets, and supplies for those in need.

Gallery Furniture
6006 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77076
If you are in need of a warm place to stay and a meal, stop by Gallery Furniture.

Find more details and an updated list of shelters here.

Boil Water Notice:

As of February 21, the City of Houston is not longer under a boil notice.

Water Pressure:

Water pressure remains an issue due to numerous broken and frozen pipes. Public Works employees have been working around the clock to repair broken pipes and restore water access. Emergency boil water order is still in effect.

Memorial Villages' Police Department offered helpful tips: If you have a swimming pool and a bucket, you can fill the bucket with pool water and then fill the toilet tank. That will give you a good flush to help clear waste. If you don’t have a pool, ask a neighbor who does. Do not use pool water for anything other than toilets. Use caution when retrieving water from swimming pools and have a second person present for assistance.

If a pipe bursts, it is advisable to immediately turn off your water.

Water Distribution:

Amid the boil water notice, several community centers have stepped up to distribute water to Houstonians in need. Find details here.

Protect against carbon monoxide poisoning:

Do not sit in a running vehicle inside your garage. Also, do not bring grills or generators indoors. This kind of machinery creates carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.

Caution against scammers:

Restoring power does not require anyone to enter your home. Be cautious: There have been reports of individuals impersonating CenterPoint Energy employees.

Support small businesses:

Eater Houston and CultureMap have compiled a running list of restaurants open in Houston. Stay Loyal to Local's Facebook page is keeping group members aware of local restaurants and businesses that are open.

More resources:

• Jewish Family Service has created a Disaster Assistance Intake Form, which will put you in line to speak with disaster support staff to help you navigate resources.
• Seniors: For individuals 60+ who live in Harris County and are in need of food or other services, call the Harris County Area Agency on Aging at 832-393-4301.

Editor's note: Stay warm and safe. Connect with The Buzz on Facebook and Twitter, where we're sharing storm-related updates. Scroll through snow-day photos shared by Buzz neighbors during these historic times. Comment below or email us at [email protected] to let us know about additional opportunities to help neighbors or to share your photos, too.