Those of you in Texas and Houston: do you know of any opportunities to volunteer there? I have hardly any classes next week. As a former Houstonian and jobless student, I would like to come and make myself useful. Know of any leads?
Posted by jess at September 2, 2005 11:08 AMThe Mayor's office is apparently coordinating volunteer efforts through something called the "Mayor's Volunteer Initiative." The contact info is: 713-437-6165, volunteer@cityofhouston.net. I don't know if that will get you anywhere, but it's all I could find on a quick search.
I also know that the Red Cross is coordinating shelters for evacuees in Houston. They don't have any information specifically about how you can volunteer, but they provide lists of shelters that have opened and I'm sure they all need help. http://www.houstonredcross.org.
Let me know if you're in town by the weekend and maybe we can meet up! I'll be in Houston, too, through Labor Day. I'm all *eeee!* at the prospect of maybe meeting Fig and Plum Jessica!
Posted by: Esther at September 2, 2005 12:47 PMWow! Something else I have in common with the famous Jess--I'm a former Houstonian too. I'm down here for a couple of weeks working at my dad's law office. A local TV station has tons of volunteer listings: go to www.khou.com. Also, my dad forwarded an email to me from the Houston bar association. I just emailed them to see how I can help. I'll forward the email to you.
By the way, they have an incredible yarn store here.
Posted by: Lisa at September 2, 2005 4:09 PMHere's a list from Rice, too.
http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~service/katrina.htm#service
Posted by: Jolt at September 2, 2005 5:01 PMHope this helps - one of hubbys gaming buddies is in the Houston area
Volunteers:
Makeshift shelter at Astrodome:
As of 1:40pm, 9/2, all volunteers are now being asked to go to the Main Street/Yellow Lot at Reliant Park. The Yellow Lot can be accessed from Main Street.
Volunteer Houston
713-965-0031
Red Cross
713-526-8300
281-JOIN-NOW
United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast
713-685-2708
Harris County Citizen Corp.
281-564-6669
Houston United Way
713-957-4357
If you're interested in doing 'simple' volunteer work, you can do so by calling or stopping by some of the locations below.
St. Vincent De Paul Society
Call (713) 741-8234, ext. 110 or stop at the following locations:
Washington Thrift Store
2020 Washington Avenue
Houston, TX
Bellaire Thrift Store
5236 Cedar
Bellaire, TX
Ozanam Outlet
610 Memory Lane
Houston, TX
Salvation Army
Call (713) 752-0677 or go the following locations:
Main Office
1500 Austin
Houston, TX
8:30 am - 4:30 pm to help answer phones
Pasadena Community Center
2732 Cherrybrook
As a Gulf dweller in Florida who has been choking with rage over the inexcusable government "response" in our neighbor states, I want to thank you so much for volunteering to help.
Posted by: Michele at September 2, 2005 9:51 PMHurricane Katrina Relief Projects (as of 9/2/05 4:25 p.m.)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Harris County Citizen Corps- Astrodome shelter for disaster refugees:
Persons wanting to volunteer in direct service to help the Katrina disaster victims who have arrived in Houston should go to the McNee Street parking lot just north of Reliant Stadium, between Kirby and Fannin.. (They should use the West Entrance, so called because it is on the west side of Reliant Center). If met by a guard, volunteers should identify themselves as being with Harris County Citizen Corps.Volunteers should come to the 2nd floor of Reliant Center and ask for the volunteer coordinator. About 300-500 volunteers will be needed on the scene at all times around the clock.
Volunteers should be able-bodied individuals who can walk 3 flights of stairs. Shifts last 4 to 8 hours, and standard shift times are as follows:
Shift One: 6a.m. to 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Shift Two: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Shift Three: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Volunteers must be 18 or older. When you check in let them know if there are additional shifts and days you can volunteer. Its recommended that volunteers wear comfortable shoes, bring a bottle of water, and avoid taking their purses.
PLEASE NOTE: All remaining shifts for Friday, September 2, have been filled.
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The Houston Food Bank is needing volunteers to manage sorting, packaging and delivery of foods to various shelters. They are accepting walk-ins.
Location: 3811 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas
Phone: (713) 223-3700
Web site address: www.houstonfoodbank.org
Because we are operating under emergency disaster mode, orientation will not be necessary. Please just show up at one of the following times. It is not necessary to call and schedule a volunteer shift. We truly appreciate your time and effort in helping us respond to hurricane Katrina.
Volunteer Shifts are as follows:
Friday, September 2nd
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, September 3rd
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, September 4th
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday - Labor Day September 5th
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Everyone must wear close-toed shoes. Please leave your bags, purses, and cell phones locked in the trunk of your car or at home. If you are bringing a group of 5 or more, please call before coming. Individuals do not need to call in advance. At this time, you must be at least 16 years old.
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Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center needs volunteers to provide donor services at its Neighborhood Donor Centers by:
Greeting donors and directing them based on scheduled appointments and walk-ins. We are honoring appointments and encouraging those who cannot stay to make an appointment for next week.
Due to the large number of donors there is a wait, especially for the walk-ins who choose to stay. Volunteers can really make a difference by assisting with crowd control, helping keep the donors in order, providing information, educating about Commit for Life and making the situation WOW.
Volunteers can also make a difference in the canteen by serving refreshments, talking to the donors, watching for reactions and keeping the area clean.
All volunteers must attend an orientation first.
Refer to www.giveblood.org to check hours of operations for the location nearest to you.
The Blood Center is also going to need help on Labor Day. The following centers will be open from 8am - 3pm: Katy, Memorial City, Clear Lake, Humble and Cy-Fair.
Call Liz Foley, Volunteer Services Manager, at 713-791-6647 (Toll Free at 1-888-482-5663) or e-mail lfoley@giveblood.org.
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The American Red Cross will hold the following orientation session for persons wanting to volunteer in the ongoing process of providing relief to Katrinas victims:
Date: September 7, 2005
Time: 9:00 am - 11 am
Place: American Red Cross
2700 SW Freeway
Phone: 713 313-5480 (information hotline)
American Red Cross Bay Area Shelter
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
18220 Upper Bay Rd, Nassau Bay; Donations accepted 8am-8pm at main entrance
Taking volunteers to assist at shelter go to website to register.
Accepting donations of towels, washcloths, soap, shampoo, deodorant, razors, feminine hygiene products, diapers, babywipes, bottles, formula, paper plates, napkins, disposable utensils, Most needed items currently: bottled water, soda, juice, individual snack items. Updates listed on website at www.gdlc.org
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Moody Methodist Church
2803 53rd Street, Galveston
Phone: 409-744-4526
Needs volunteers to serve meals, cleanup after meals, accept physical donations and sorting through donated items.
Accepting donations of sheets, blankets, sleeping bags, clothing in good condition (need more mens clothes), new underwear (children and adults), shoes, school supplies, bottled water and drinks, non-perishable foods, toiletries (hygiene and feminine products), towels, washcloths, diapers/wipes, baby food/formula, and paper goods. Items can be delivered to Fellowship Hall (on Ave. U south side) from 8:30am - 9pm. Updates on website at www.moody.org
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Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) is a social service organization designed to alleviate the effects of poverty. Supported by 38 local churches in central and southwest Houston, we provide five programs that help the poor, hungry, disabled and otherwise needy. Two of these programs (Emergency Services and JobNet) are of immediate assistance to persons displaced by Hurricane Katrina, and both programs are in need of additional volunteers to help deliver these services.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
For information, call: 713-871-9741
Hours of Operation:
Monday Friday, 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Saturday, 9:00AM to Noon
Location: 3434 Branard, Houston, TX 77027 (near Greenway Plaza)
May be accessed by METRO (Route: Alabama 78)
Program offerings for persons displaced by Hurricane Katrina:
- FOOD
- CLOTHING
- HYGIENE ITEMS
- REFERRALS
Also note that we operate on a first come, first served basis. Clients are encouraged to arrive as early in the day as possible. Emergency Services WILL BE OPEN TO SERVE CLIENTS on Labor Day.
JOBNET
For information, call: 713-626-8320
Hours of Operation:
Monday Wednesday, 9:00AM to 4:00PM
Thursday, 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Friday, 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Saturday, 9:00AM to Noon
Location: 3224 Mercer, Houston, TX 77027 (near Greenway Plaza)
May be accessed by METRO (Route: Alabama 78)
Program offerings for persons displaced by Hurricane Katrina:
- JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE
- EMPLOYMENT LEADS
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Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church
6221 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
Volunteers will be needed to help with the following activities benefiting the Katrina disaster refugees. These will be occurring on a daily basis until further notice:
Dinner Service: Cook, serve, and clean up after dinner - 6:p.m.-7:30 p.m.
· Tutoring: Preparing refugee children for entrance into HISD schools - 7:30-8:30pm
To keep operations manageable, volunteers must make arrangements prior to going to Palmer Church. Interested volunteers must e-mail icanhelp@palmerchurch.org and receive a confirmation before they come to the location.
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DONATIONS NEEDED:
Announcement from Bering Omega Community Services:
Bering Omega is hosting "drop-off" sites at our residential hospice (602 Branard) and our adult day care center (1429 Hawthorne) for anyone who wishes to bring donations for the hurricane victims. We will then transport and ensure that the donations reach the refugees.
We will be collecting personal grooming items such as shampoo, soap, lotion, tooth brushes and toothpaste, and also linens, towels, sheets, pillows, as well as miscellaneous items like towelettes, children diapers, and bottled water. People may bring their donations to either the Care Center between the hours of 7am and 5pm, or to Omega House on Branard Street, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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AMERICAN RED CROSS
Donations by phone at 1-800-HELP NOW
Donations by internet at www.houstonredcross.org
Donations by mail to PO Box 397, Houston, TX 77001, designate Disaster Relief
Information line at 713-313-5480
SALVATION ARMY
Donations by phone at 1-800-SALARMY (725-2769)
Donations by internet at www.salvationarmyhouston.org
Donations by mail to 1500 Austin Street, Houston, TX 77002
Information by phone at 713-752-0677
Salvation Army Bay Area Shelters
Pasadena Shelter
2732 Cherrybrook Lane
Phone: 713-378-0020
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HOUSTON FOOD BANK
3811 Eastex Freeway, Houston
Accepting donations of non-perishable food, paper goods, cleaning supplies, baby supplies, water, heat & eat meals, single serve foods, personal hygiene products and volunteers. Call 713-223-3700 or 713-547-8609
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Society of Saint Vincent De Paul in conjunction with TV Channel WB39, Cox Radio, and CVS is holding a donation drive on Saturday, September 3rd from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m for the children staying in the Astrodome and various shelters. Donations will be accepted at the CVS Pharmacy located at 5204 Richmond at the corner of Richmond and Sage.
Items Needed: Toothbrushes, Toothpastes, Dental Floss, Soaps, Hand Sanitizers, Shampoos, Hair Conditioner, Hand and Body Lotion, Hairspray/Hair gel, Deodorant, Combs/Brushes,Toilet Paper, Infants & children: Orajel, Pedialyte, Diaper bags, Diapers, Baby wipes, Baby Formulas, Baby Foods, Snack Foods, Simple Toys, Stuffed Animals..
If you have any questions or need additional information call: 713-435-2835 or log on the web at www.houstonswb.com.
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Clear Lake United Methodist Church
Accepting donations of food and cleaning products
Call 281-488-5110.
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US COAST GUARD
The U.S. Coast Guard in Houston is asking for donations to help about 50 workers in New Orleans on rescue efforts who are running out of basic supplies. Donations can be dropped off at the Coast Guard office at Ellington Field. Items in needed include: toilet paper, wipes, soap, first aid kits, bug spray, foot powder, bottled water, sports drinks, coffee, Power bars, granola bars, cups of dry soup, sleeping bags and pillows, D and AA batteries.
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United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast
United Way Katrina Refugee Relief Fund, to assist local agencies that are caring for displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina Contributions can be made at any of the more than 80 Amegy Bank of Texas banking centers. Visit any banking center and reference "United Way Katrina Refugee Relief Fund," Account #3601021 or mail to "Attn Teller, P.O. Box 27459; Houston, Texas 77227"
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IMPACT HOUSTON CHURCH OF CHRIST
I-10 at I-45
Collecting goods to be donated to hurricane victims
Visit their website:"www.impacthouston.org" for location and phone number
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Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza is asking Catholics throughout the 10-county archdiocese to contribute to a special collection this weekend that will go to aid victims in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The special collection will be taken up at all Masses at every parish in the archdiocese this weekend. The money raised will be given to Catholic Charities USA, which is among the primary responders in the regions devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
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West Houston Church of Christ
Collecting gift cards (phone, gas, food, Wal-Mart, etc) in any denomination to be distributed to Hurricane Katrina victims in Red Cross shelters in Texas. The collection will extend through the month of September and cards may be brought to West Houston Church of Christ, 17100 West Road, Houston, TX 77095. For additional information, see our website www.westhoustonchurch.org or call 281-856-0001.
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ICNA Relief-Helping-Hand
P.O. Box 572181, Houston - Texas 77257
www.icna.org
A division of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) -- a humanitarian relief and development organization. Providing assistance like food and shelter to many, including about 150 displaced Muslim families in Baton Rouge. ICNA Relief-Helping-Hand has allocated $25,000 for this specific effort and appealing for additional donations.
Jessica, "fig and plum" is a beautiful name and you are a beautiful person.
Posted by: jing at September 3, 2005 3:02 AMHey Jess --
How did it go?
Posted by: joy at September 8, 2005 9:45 AM