After the winter storm: How to help, and where to get help

February 23, 2021

Office of Communications

HOUSTON – The social service agencies of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston continue to respond to the growing needs of those seeking help after the February winter storm.

Catholic Charities - Donate

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is working to provide immediate financial and food  assistance. If you were impacted by this severe winter weather event, please complete and submit the online financial application form and a staff member will follow-up. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, February 26, 2021. Click here for more information.

Catholic Charities is distributing food in Houston, Fort Bend (Richmond) and Galveston. Find dates, times and registration information here or call 713-526-4611 .

Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Donate

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Galveston-Houston has 58 parish-based chapters throughout the Archdiocese. ​Call the helpline at 713-741-8234 (available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for assistance via the Society's food network, clothing and furniture aid, disaster response and rent and utility aid programs.

SVDP hosts food fairs at its Vincentian Services Center (6654 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX 77087) on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. And on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

Additionally, many other parish-based ministries are also providing more localized assistance. Contact your local parish for more information.

Home Repairs

• FEMA is assisting individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.
• Report home damage – Harris County (ReadyHarris.org)
• Crisis Cleanup may be able to help with volunteer support for cleaning up after the freeze. Register online here or call 844-965-1386. Volunteers will contact you as they have resources to help. Assistance is limited.
• Clean up guide [PDF]
• Separating debris [PDF] – Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management
• How to detect and deal with frozen pipes
• Filing claims with renters or homeowners insurance for damages

Legal Resources

• Texas Winter Storm Resource – Renter’s Rights, How to Request Repairs from Landlord
• Renter’s Rights [PDF]
• Replacing legal documents – USA.gov
• Houston Volunteer Lawyers – free legal assistance
• The State Bar of Texas Disaster Hotline: (800) 504-7030. The hotline — answered in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
• TexasLawHelp.org provides this list of legal advice articles for disaster recovery.
• Immigrant Disaster Resource Guide
• Immigrant Rights Hotline: 1-833-468-4664
• Know Your Rights – Public Utility Commission of Texas
• Houston Bar Association – Disaster Recovery Resources

Additional Resources

To be connected to an agency that may be able to help with your immediate needs, call the Texas Emergency Helpline by dialing 2-1-1 or searching online at 211texas.org.

• Winter Storm Resources (ReadyHarris.org)
• To get the most up-to-date information from the Harris County Office of Emergency Management, text FREEZE to 888777.
• Warming Centers: call 211 or 311 or visit Texas Warming Centers
• If you use durable medical equipment, like oxygen machines, that go out because they lose power, please call 202-225-2571 and someone will contact you.
• Shelter or transportation needs: call Harris County Sheriff’s Office: 713-221-6000.
• West Houston Assistance Ministries
• Memorial Area Ministries: 713-574-7533 English | 713-574-7536 Español
• Northwest Assistance Ministries
• Humble Area Assistance Ministries
• Baker Ripley