I had planned on talking about the upcoming fall season and all the fun events and conferences planned for our industry. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t set that aside for now, and address the heartbreak and devastation Harvey has brought to Texas and Louisiana, and the nation.

Just this morning I saw a headline that read, “With Death Toll at 30, Storm Makes 2nd Landfall”.

For six consecutive days, Harvey has wreaked havoc, with hundreds of thousands of people forced to evacuate their homes and belongings, with uncertainty of what’s ahead. And I’m sitting in the comfort of my home in Chicago, watching in awe as story after story of survival, and bravery, is told across the airways. I’m wondering, as I’m sure many of you are, “What can I do to help?”

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Association, recently sent out an email, which read: 

As a result of the current flooding in Texas and Louisiana, PHCC has activated its Disaster Relief Fund to provide immediate assistance to members in need. Donations will support members whose businesses have been disrupted by major disasters now and in the future. PHCC members may use funds to offset costs to clean up flood damage, repair or replace equipment, etc. All requests are confidential and will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis as funds become available. Please consider Donating Today!

Harvey has quickly become one of the worst tropical systems to impact the U.S. in years, with record-shattering rainfall. Preliminary reports from the National Hurricane Center suggest that Harvey has broken the Texas tropical cyclone rainfall record, with some estimates as high as 49.32 inches.

Harvey may end up being the costliest natural disaster in the history of the U.S, considering the size and population of the area affected. In addition to donating via PHCC’s Disaster Relief Fund, below is a list (originally provided by NPR) of ways you can help. This is not an endorsement of any of the groups below; it is always a good idea to do your own research on any charity before you donate to it. Charity Navigator is a good place to start. 

• Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner established a Harvey relief fund at The Greater Houston Community Foundation. 
• The Salvation Army says it is providing food and water to first responders and preparing for massive feeding efforts for residents.
• As well as the American Red Cross, local organizations accepting blood donations are Carter BloodCare and the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center.
• Portlight Strategies facilitates projects involving people with disabilities, including post-disaster relief work. 
• The Texas Diaper Bank, based in San Antonio, works to meet the basic needs of vulnerable babies, children with disabilities, and seniors. 
• The SPCA of Texas is organizing evacuations of pets in Texas.
• Austin Pets Alive! says it has transported more than 235 animals to its shelter. The organization seeks donations, as well as people who can adopt animals. 

A number of food banks will be aiding the affected region. Consider donating money instead of food, as it allows a food bank to use your donation most efficiently. Here is a list of food banks:

• Houston Food Bank
• Galveston Food Bank
• Food Bank of the Golden Crescent 
• Corpus Christi Food Bank
• Southeast Texas Food Bank 
• Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley 
• Brazos Valley Food Bank 
• Central Texas Food Bank 
• San Antonio Food Bank

Not long ago it felt like the country was divided in the midst of politics. Although it has taken a natural disaster, I take comfort in knowing that we can all pull together and be one nation. Texas and Louisiana, you are in my thoughts and prayers; this too we shall overcome!