Community Organizations

Houston's nonprofit and community sector carries an enormous share of disaster response and long-term recovery. The organizations below have repeatedly demonstrated capacity across hurricanes, floods, and the 2021 winter storm. Descriptions are informational; we are not affiliated with these organizations and do not direct donations or volunteers on their behalf.

Houston Food Bank

The largest food bank in the country by distribution volume, the Houston Food Bank serves an 18-county region of southeast Texas through a network of community partners. During and after disasters, the food bank coordinates emergency food and water distribution at sites across the region.

Greater Houston Community Foundation

The community foundation managed the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and similar funds after subsequent disasters, directing pooled donations to vetted nonprofit recipients focused on long-term recovery.

American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region

The Red Cross opens and operates many of the region's emergency shelters during evacuations, distributes relief supplies, and provides health and mental health services. The Texas Gulf Coast region covers Harris and surrounding counties.

BakerRipley

A century-old Houston community development organization, BakerRipley operates community centers across the region and has served as a major disaster case management provider after recent storms, helping households navigate FEMA, insurance, and recovery resources.

Crisis Cleanup

Crisis Cleanup is a collaborative platform used by faith-based and community organizations across the country to coordinate volunteer cleanup work — mucking out flooded homes, tarping roofs, removing debris — after major disasters. Houston-area homeowners can request help through the hotline activated during a declared event.

Houston VOAD Network

Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster brings together nonprofits, faith-based groups, and other partners operating in the region. The network coordinates so that organizations are not duplicating effort during response and recovery.