Editor’s note: This is an ongoing list and we will continue to add to it for weeks to come. Please email us at lauriel <at> austin dot com to have your efforts added OR if we have posted anything inaccurate. Also, we’ve split up this post into pages since it is so long, but you can view everything as one page if you click the link at the bottom of this post.
Other resources:
- Mayor Adler’s Office gives plenty of tips on how to help statewide, and is a great resource for how to make welcome kits for evacuees.
- Not only does Texas Monthly have a great helping guide, they’re also donating 100% of new subscription sales through midnight, August 31 to flood relief efforts.
- Hipstercrite, Reddit, and Holp Photography also have very helpful ongoing lists of resources.
- Texas Charity Angels has a running list of the Facebook invites for fundraiser events.
- Eater Austin also has a great list of restaurants helping to raise funds.
Finally, this Google Spreadsheet started by Maris Clegg because she wanted to help in some way, is a dynamic list of local businesses that are donating proceeds, hosting events, raising funds, etc. for flood relief. We’ve included some of the events in our list, but this sheet is constantly being updated, so keep an eye on it when you’re deciding where to go eat lunch this weekend, where you want to spend your entertainment dollars, and where you want to go shopping.
1. They’re Using Music to Heal
It’s Austin, of course they are! Currently there are plenty of music industry folks scrambling to put together benefits and other fundraisers, as well as selling other items to benefit hurricane victims. We’ll keep our list as updated as we can, but so far we know:
- Bird Peterson is donating 100% of sales of his Drankenstein series to Harvey efforts.
Past events/efforts:
- Mohawk Austin is hosting the Houston Strong benefit on Friday, September 1, featuring Black Joe Lewis, The Octopus Project, Walker Lukens, Otis the Destroyer, and more. They’ll also be collecting physical donations at the event.
- Sound on Sound Fest is donating 25% of all sales from August 30-September 4 to flood relief efforts.
- Waterloo Records is hosting two in-store performances featuring Patty Griffin on September 4 and Matthew Logan Vasquez and Israel Nash on September 5. Suggested donation at the door benefiting The Houston Food Bank and The American Red Cross.
- Texas Scratch League is accepting donations during their monthly scratch session this Saturday, September 2 at Beatlab — all are welcome.
Texas Music Office is trying to help coordinate information about these benefit concerts:
“The Texas Music Office is coordinating information on upcoming music-related Hurricane Harvey benefit concerts…from big blow-outs, to smaller community events, and everything in between.” Click here for more info on how to help.
In addition, Stephanie Bergara of TMO is helping to ensure that the evacuees that are being taken in at Austin shelters are being welcomed with the warm arms of the Live Music Capital. This video is a great example of the outpouring of love and healing through music happening in our city right now. Any musicians with simple setups who want to help play for our guests in shelters, follow this link for info.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYcOC44l3ow/?taken-by=bidibidibergie
Welcome kits are a really easy way to help out our neighbors, as well as a great way to bond with family, friends, or other groups. And since kids are often the ones with the biggest hearts and don’t have many ways to get them involved, let them help! Just gather your supplies and place them in a container, then drop them off. It’s that simple. Here’s more info on putting them together, plus a handy dandy video from Mayor Adler.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7ZHAa4IiCA
3. Creativity is Being Harnessed
A variety of people are making t-shirts and donating the proceeds, including Josh Abbott Band’s understated “My Texas” shirt and Vinyl Ranch’s Texas Forever shirt.
The Paramount Theatre is hosting The Harvey Relief Benefit: Comedy Helps on September 5. Comedians Ron White, Iliza Shlesinger, and Chris D’Elia will perform, and 100% of the proceeds (that’s tickets, concessions, and merch sales) will go to the American Red Cross. Grab tickets before they sell out.
Austin Bakes, a group of bloggers, foodies, and local businesses based in Austin, Texas, who are raising money for flood relief efforts and humanitarian aid following disasters both local and worldwide, is hosting Austin Bakes for Harvey on September 16 at various locations across Austin.
Past events/efforts:
In addition, the Paramount Theatre is closing out their 2017 Summer Classic Film series this weekend with free admission to any of the films if you’ve donated to the Red Cross. In order to redeem their free ticket, patrons are encouraged to donate $10 to the Red Cross by texting REDCROSS to 90999. All you need to do is show the text at the Box Office, and they’ll receive a free ticket to that day’s film(s). Films include:
The Outlaw Josey Wales I Thursday, August 31 I 7:30 PM
Giant I Friday, September 1 I 7:00 PM
Gone with the Wind I Saturday, September 2 I 7:00 PM
From September 4-5 all Hopdoddy Burger Bar locations will be donating to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. During that time all sales from their Goodnight/Good Cause burger (%8.25-$9.25 each) will be donated and Tito’s Vodka will donate $1 (up to $10,000) for every drink Hopdoddy sells made with Tito’s. For the rest of the days in September, Hopdoddy will donate $1 from every Goodnight/Good Cause burger.
Thai Fresh is donating 100% of proceeds from their yummy food sales from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on September 5.
For all of you rabid hatch chile fans, Ramen Tatsu-ya has a new miso chile broth and this special bowl (Hatch chile miso, chicken broth, ajitama, wok-fired corn and hatch chiles, fried chashu pork) will see its entire $15 cost donated to flood relief efforts. The special will be available at both locations while supplies last (estimated at around a week). Our Executive Editor sings high praises for it, already!
Dirty Bill’s and Mischief Magazine are teaming up for the Dirty Bill’s Hurricane Harvey Benefit Night on September 6. 100% of bartenders tips, food sales, and DJ payouts will go to charity. They’ll have drink specials with a portion of sales benefiting charity, as well as $5 raffle tickets, and a special DIRTY benefit shirt (100% of sales go to charity).
Hops and Grain is hosting a Hurricane Harvey Relief BBQ Fundraiser featuring Micklethwait BBQ in their taproom on September 9. 100% of sales will benefit relief efforts, and to make sure everyone comes there will be vegetarian and vegan options, as well.
All proceeds from Wrestle Circus at Travis County Expo Hall on September 9 will be donated to Houston flood relief.
Cane Rosso is selling $50 raffle tickets for a year’s worth of pizza where the funds will go towards the flood relief efforts (400 tickets will be sold) from August 29 to September 2.
Kyoten Sushiko is donating $40 for each dinner guest served between Wednesday, August 30 through Sunday, September 10 to JJ Watt’s fundraiser.
From today through Saturday, September 9, any of the 80+ Twin Liquors neighborhood locations will be accepting donations in quantities of $1.00, $3.00, $5.00 or more in an effort to support flood relief for Harvey victims. 100 percent of all donations will go to the American Red Cross to help the affected Texas neighborhoods. In addition to customer contributions, Twin Liquors will match up to $20,000.
Past events/efforts:
On Thursday, August 31 District Austin and Oasthouse Austin are donating 100% of proceeds to the Red Cross.
100% of bar sales at Shangri La on Friday, September 1 will be donated to Greater Houston Community Foundation at their Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief, so drink up!
Yeti is also donating 100% of sales on September 1. Visit their flagship store (220 S Congress) or yeti.com to make your purchase.
Volstead is hosting Hot Dogs 4 Hurricane Harvey on September 1. There, 100% of hot dog sales, 100% of DJ tips, and more will be donated to flood relief efforts.
On Friday, September 1, Amy’s is giving away free ice cream to those who have donated to to any Hurricane Harvey relief organization (must be able to show proof of donation).
Justine’s Brasserie is donating 5% of all sales to Houston Food Bank from September 1-3.
Alamo Drafthouse will donate $1 from every ticket sale on Sunday, September 3 to flood relief efforts.
A big donation bus helmed by Ninja Buses and organized by H.O.P.E., Native, and Vince Young Foundation will be heading to Houston on Monday. By then it needs to be filled with diapers, toiletries, snack bars, powdered milk, socks, shoes, medical supplies, towels, sheets, blankets, and pet supplies. Donations to the HOPE for Houston Donation Drive can be dropped off at Native Hostel (807 E. 4th St. 78702) between Wednesday 8/30 and Sunday 9/3. Also, if any other groups are collecting items and need a transport, bring it to the hostel on Sunday, and they’ll take care of distribution.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYbLq4RlOEVrZWwbVCd6HSu1BCIeDddqDg0xBU0/
Aspire Dental is collecting supplies for Red Cross Monday through Thursday. For every donation, you’ll receive one raffle ticket for a new Sonicare toothbrush.
The Austin Disaster Relief Network is collecting items at the Hope Family Thrift Store (1122 E 51st) including new undergarments and socks, toiletries, new bed pillows and blankets, cleanup supplies, box fans, and lots more. Check their website for a full list, and start gathering! Note: Used clothing is NOT needed – please do not drop off.
Though used clothing donations can often be more trouble than they’re worth because they take up so much time from volunteers, plus sized clothing is needed. Cheer Up Charlie’s is hosting a plus sized clothes drive from August 30-September 3. Drop off between 4 p.m. and 2 a.m., then Tito’s Vodka will drive the donations to where they’re needed.
Every Austin sightseer’s favorite quacking boats are in Houston, as Austin Duck Adventures is diverting operations in Austin to send their flock of amphibious vehicles to help in rescue efforts, including delivering medical supplies. Be sure to show them some love next time you have out-of-towners to show around.
Though HEB isn’t closing their doors to help out, they are certainly helping in a huge way and deserve some love (not that we could really have more Texas pride in this store than we already do). Their Disaster Relief Units are giving out food, supplies, and water in Rockport, Victoria, Aransas Pass, and Houston. There they are operating a Mobile Kitchen, Mobile Pharmacy, and Mobile Business Center. Next time you’re picking up bread, be sure to grab one of those donation slips to add $1, $3, or $5 to their efforts.
Our beloved Torchy’s Tacos is also on the ground in Houston and Katy, giving away free food and water.
And one mom reports that her son received an email that he will be receiving his weekly paycheck, even though the Kingwood location where he works is currently under water.
Austin Emergency Center is giving free services from those in the affected regions through September 8. Just bring in an ID with your address on it.
Native Hostel is offering 50% off of rooms for evacuees and volunteers in transit.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYWov-kja6-/?taken-by=nativehostels
KVUE has a great list of the shelters in Austin, including Delco, LBJ High, and the Southeast Austin office shelter that the city will lease instead of their initial plans to use the Austin Convention Center.
Airbnb is waiving all fees in order to encourage those in unaffected areas to offer up rooms, homes, etc. to those needing to evacuate. This is a very generous way to ensure that people have a roof over their heads and a bed to lie on. All fees will be waived when connecting via the Airbnb website from August 23 through September 25.
Austin Pets Alive! Is helping on a massive scale by taking in pets. They still need plenty of help in the form of donations (including financial ones, of course), volunteer efforts, and animal fosters, especially medical fosters, and of course adopters to help relieve their already full spaces.
Austin Animal Center is helping those who have come to city shelters be able to keep and care for their pets while they’re there. They have a need for supply donations and items from their Amazon Wishlist.
Though Texas Diaper Bank is actually in San Antonio, we couldn’t leave them off of this list, because babies. Opportunities abound with this amazing group, including needing volunteers, Amazon wishlist donations, financial donations, and physical donations of product (yes, parents, you CAN donate those opened packets of diapers that you didn’t quite make it through before sizing up).
Austin Diaper Bank is also taking monetary and Amazon wishlist donations.
We Are Blood is collecting blood donations over the next MONTH to ensure that they have enough blood and platelets when blood banks need them. Donation centers are open in Round Rock, North Austin, and South Austin, and their mobile drive can be followed here.
The Central Texas Food Bank, as well as other Texas food banks, are great resources to drop off food donations and ensure that they’re properly distributed.
Chef Philip Speer of Bonhomie is organizing Austin service industry folks. From his personal Facebook post: “Austin service industry, I know we are all itching to help out our Houston fam. I have secured a few vehicles that are headed to Houston this weekend. The cooking efforts (that I am in touch with) in Houston are lacking disposable hotel pans and lids (full and half), bags of dry beans, rice, potatoes. Cases of sliced sandwich bread, sliced lunch meats, and chips. If you can coordinate any of these things in your next broad line orders, I can get them into the right hands in HTX.”
To donate to this request by Speer, drop off items at Bonhomie (5350 Burnet Rd) through Saturday, September 2 or email him at philip <at> bonhomieaustin dot com. Monetary donations can be made at the Southern Salt Foundation website (click support).
Counter Balance ATX is collecting baby food, rain supplies, sanitary items, food, kitchen supplies and more through their Amazon drive.
As mentioned above, you can help babies keep their bottoms dry through the Austin Diaper Bank (for baby and adult diapers) and Texas Diaper Bank’s wishlists. You can also help pets in this time of need through the Austin Animal Center’s wishlist.
We’ve seen a variety of calls for volunteers who are bilingual, as they are in short supply. If you speak more than one language, you can jump into the fray with Red Cross by signing up to volunteer here. According to KUT, they’re all full on volunteers, otherwise.
Austin’s/America’s sweetheart, Sandra Bullock, donated a whopping $1 mil to the Red Cross. Here’s hoping more Texas celebs drop that kind of cash.
Find more Austin (and adopted Austin) celebrities, including Vince Young and Genevieve Padalecki, who have donated or are hosting fundraisers for flood relief efforts over at ATX Gossip.
Lots of people are working independently to help and have set up smaller fundraiser pages. These are people who we know through our personal networks and trust, but you should be sure that you feel comfortable with anyone that you donate your money to.
Vet tech and wildlife rehabilitator Luisa Vidalibre is raising funds, recruiting volunteers, and taking donations via GoFundMe to help rescue pets and wildlife in the Houston area. “At the moment, we are trying to fill up a trailer with donations and broken down empty crates for transport/rescue on the way back as needed. I imagine we will never have enough slip leashes,” she wrote in a Facebook comment.
Whatever you choose to do to help, just know that you can make a difference!
Featured photo by Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Robert Shelley, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Defense
