Greater Houston Relief Fund  https://ghcf.org/hurricane-relief/

"If you're looking for a local charity to support in the wake of Hurricane Harvey please consider Houston Food Bank, Food Bank of Corpus Christi, Houston Humane Society, or San Antonio Humane Society. These highly-rated organizations are located in the most-affected areas and are providing support to individuals and animals."

https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=5239

All of my donations go to helping the animals which seem to be the forgotten ones.  

I was going to look into Sally's post that was featured. Also Kathy Streib might know of some good charities as she is from Houston and has  lot of family there as well..

  Salvation Army 

Jeff Pearl has an excellent link to Charity Navigator, specific to Hurricane Harvey relief organizations. 

Yes I agree with that particular thought. I do not call the Red Cross a good use of my money.

I usually think of something like Red Cross first or Catholic Charities. Here's a link to some, which are rated. Also, I noticed they had local food banks on the list... easy to forget about those.

Please see my post yesterday and BETTER yet today Carol Williams Red Cross has lots of overhead....KW  Cares has none...and now we have an agent who has stepped up to double the donations ! 

You bring up an excellent point that holds people back. Too much goes to the money raisers and not enough to the cause! 

American Red Cross

Local church groups from around the country will be sending crews of volunteers down, send some financial assistance to them to help them purchase supplies.

Our community is doing a 'Collection for Texas' through World Care.  They provide humanitarian relief by recycling surplus materials - they provide assistance and shipping for disasters (among other things).  97% of your Gift goes to charity, while 3% of your Gift goes to transaction costs.  I know there are many organizations to select from Carol Williams, and I do think they are not all created equal.  Good Luck!

Carol,

I was going to recommend Charity Navigator, and Jeff Pearl said it.  A

Nina Hollander posted a good link to many charities...

My first choice is The Salvation Army and then American Red Cross. 

Sally K. & David L. Hanson wrote a featured post yesterday about this subject.   I understand your concern about adminstrative expenses of some organizations.   

The Red Cross is always a safe one with the majority of monies going to where the help is needed most.

I chose Salvation Army.  The Red Cross takes too much for admin fees.

Good question Carol.  I want to help out also but so many group keep part of the money.

There are hundreds of local churches that will have boots on the ground working for free. Start making calls or ask your church to do the research and find a church to partner with.

I'm thnking habitat for humanity is going to be real busy soon! - they're my current charity of choice

Jeff Pearl has given a great answer.

Sally K. & David L. Hanson nailed this one!

thank you for this question... there are so many in need and there are a lot of people helping... we all need to do what we can

Carol Williams - checking the answers here and see if I can contribute...

Great question and agreed.

I agree, you always need to research your charity. Churches can be good choice, even if you do not go there, just find who collects. 

I ususally find a local church group going down and help them out with expenses.

I would get in touch with a church.  They will steer you in the right direction.

Your local and state associations should have a foundation where you donate with no expenses taken out.

Jeff Pearl offered great choices for humans and pets - and I agree with Kathleen Daniels - I worry that the pets are the forgotten ones and they're going to be more in need.

I did hear that the San Antonio Humane Society is taking in as many as they can for the displaced Houston fur babies.

I agree with your take. The so-called administrators at the top typically line their pockets. I give to the Salvation Army and must believe the majority of what I give does go where it is intended.

Thank you .