After the devastating weather in Texas, the past few weeks that have left many homeless, over 3 million people without power, and caused the death of over 32 people in Texas as of last week. We’re all wondering what we can do to help. Uncontrollable natural disasters, especially ones like that in Texas that saw record-low winter temperatures that the people are infrastructure are not used to, are even harder on people during the COVID-19 crisis.

Beyoncé, a Houston native, among other celebs, has been trying to help Texans recover from the winter weather disaster. Beyoncé’s charity foundation BeyGOOD urged those struggling to fill out a form which, if applicants were approved, could receive up to $1000 to help pay for unforeseen costs from the dangerous winter storm.

But we’re not all Beyoncé, nor have celebrity influence or money to do something of this scale. Luckily there are other ways you can help those affected in Texas who are still struggling, even if the power’s turned back on.

1. Volunteer

If you’re near the Texas area and feel comfortable leaving your home during the pandemic, different shelters need as many extra hands as they can get right now, especially since many have been left homeless or are still without power.

Places like Voly.com and VolunteerNow based in Texas provide those in the area with many opportunities to help, including a list of places that need urgent assistance. This helpful resource tells you how long the volunteer period is for, where it is, and what you need to do; it’s a very concise list of places that you can immediately help with. Many of these include food banks but also places you may not immediately think of, like nursing homes or tutoring centers.

2. Donate

3. Spread Awareness

By sharing posts on social media, letting people know where they can donate and places that specifically need aid or more volunteers, you’re also helping people in Texas. Because of social media and the news, awareness of what happened in Texas and just how bad it was, and still is for many, people are aware of the crisis and are able to help much more quickly than they may have been able to in the past.

Over the past year, we’ve managed to come together more than over since the start of the pandemic – and the crisis in Texas is no exception. Because Texan infrastructure is made for warmer weather and the power grids are privately owned and largely connected, this winter storm hit the state much harder than it may have in other states. But there are many ways that you can help people, just make sure you research organizations before donating to them!