Hurricane Harvey's record-breaking rainfall and widespread damage in South Texas was unprecedented for a storm in the US. Seventy-seven people were killed, hundreds of thousands of homes were damaged, and thousands were temporarily displaced. Harvey dumped 27 trillion gallons of rain by the time the storm dissipated. Current estimates put total losses as high as $125 billion and 33 Texas counties declared a federal disaster.
Immediately, International Relief Teams shipped 625 disaster health kits to on-site partners providing support and temporary shelter for evacuees. Next, we purchased nearly $100,000 in ready-to-eat meals (9,216 meals) and delivered them to evacuation centers in hard-hit coastal communities. In addition, we sent five semi tractor-trailers filled with more than 21,000 gallons of bleach to help clean and sanitize homes and prevent the spread of disease, illness, and mold.
After the flood waters receded, we shipped truckloads of drywall, insulation, and roofing materials.
In 2018, we began sending skilled construction teams to Louisiana as part of a multi-year commitment to help those families, especially the poor, elderly and uninsured, restore their lives and their homes. We are sending three more teams in 2019. Check out volunteer opportunities here.
IRT has 30 years of experience in assisting victims of disasters, both nationally and internationally. During its history, IRT has delivered more than $378 million in humanitarian aid to those in desperate need. IRT provided aid following Superstorm Sandy in New Jersey from 2012-2016, following Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi from 2005-2011, and is continuing to send construction volunteer teams to Louisiana to repair homes following the 2016 floods.
San Diego Channel 8 News Local Relief Team Responds in Texas
SB Nation How to Help Houston after Hurricane Harvey
Charity Navigator Hurricane Harvey
SELF Hurricane Harvey: How You Can Help
San Diego Union Tribune Hurricane Harvey: Here's how to help the people of Texas
Tims of San Diego National Charities Gearing Up to Help Victims of Hurricane Harvey
Fox 5 San Diego San Diego agencies helping flood victims in Houston
The Journal Record Editorial: Applying the Oklahoma Standard
CNN Help for Hurricane Harvey Victims
Good Morning San Diego Local IRT sends more than 1K hygiene kits to Harvey victims
PR Newswire USANA True Health Foundation Donates $130,000 To Victims Of Hurricane Harvey
Good Morning San Diego Tacos Libertad to donate 100 percent of September's proceeds to Harvey relief efforts
