February 2021 Winter Storm Resources

November 6, 2020

This page contains links to local, state, and federal resources for those impacted by the February 2021 winter storms. More information is also available at www.houstonemergency.org.

Report Home Damage

Houstonians can submit damages via the following "Personal Property Damage Reporting" forms:

Affected residents are urged to report severe winter weather damage to their homes. This will help the City of Houston provide an accurate summary of affected structures, which is required for the City and State to qualify for federal recovery assistance.

Local Resources

Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund

  • Fund created to assist with plumbing and home repairs. Text HOUSTONFREEZE to 898211. As soon as additional information is available on funding eligibility and criteria, we will text you with the information needed to apply. For more information, visit https://winterstormrelieffund.org/ 

City of Houston Bottled Water Distribution

  • As many Houstonians continue to be without water or lack power to boil drinking water, Mayor Sylvester Turner has directed bottled water to be distributed citywide, at no cost, through City council member district offices. Please contact your district council member's office for the most updated information on bottled water distribution sites. Find your council member here: http://www.houstontx.gov/council/.

Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities

  • The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities is partnering with Crowd Source Rescue to deliver bottled water to people with disabilities who don’t have access to reliable transportation. We want to make sure that no one gets left behind, especially the most vulnerable populations. You can sign up for delivery here: crowdsourcerescue.org/freeze. Call 3-1-1 or reach out via houstontx.gov/311 or the Houston311 app if you need additional assistance completing the form.

Bread of Life

Houston Food Bank

  • Home Delivery Services - For the most vulnerable needing immediate assistance. Households receive a home delivered disaster box/water if they are:
  • NRG Distribution Event:
    • The Houston Food Bank will be hosting a large food distribution at NRG on Sunday, February 21 from 9:00 - 12:00 p.m. (8510 Kirby Dr - Blue Lot). You can also visit houstonfoodbank.org/winterstorm and enter your ZIP code on the map to find other pantries near you

Crowd Source Rescue

Houston Independent School District

  • HISD FACE staff members have compiled a Winter Storm Community Resources list to help our families with recovery. Food/water distributions, financial assistance, and more: bit.ly/3s7gF64

Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative (HILSC)

Legal Aid

  • Lone Star Legal Aid can assist employees with the following services SNAP (food stamp) recipients can request their replacement food benefits by dialing 2-1-1 and selecting option 2. Alternately, recipients can download Form H1855 (Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed Food Stamp Benefits) here. To limit exposure to COVID-19, recipients are encouraged to mail or fax the completed form to HHSC instead of visiting their local offices. Completed forms should be mailed to Texas Health and Human Services Commission, PO Box 149027, Austin, TX, 78714-9027, or faxed to 1-877-447-2839. For more information, please visit hhs.texas.gov.
  • Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com. For all other resources that Lone Star Legal Aid provides regarding the winter storm go to https://www.lonestarlegal.blog/ and click the link Texas Winter Storm 2021 Resources.

Jewish Family Services (JFS)

Saint Bernard Parish (SBP)

  • SBP teams are currently providing damage assessments, and plumbing services for uninsured residents impacted by winter storm. If you or anyone you know experienced damage from winter storm and are seeking home repair support please contact Saint Bernard Parish Client Services team at [email protected] or call (346) 570-4867

Crisis Cleanup

  • Crisis Cleanup helps local church groups and volunteers communicate and coordinate after a disaster. If your home has been damaged once you call and complete the intake process, you can receive assistance in fixing your damaged property. Call 844-965-1386 for more information.

Connective

  • This link informs non-profits about the community’s needs, advocates for resources for our community and strengthens recovery efforts: https://www.connectivetx.org/winterstorm/ Participants of the survey can receive text messages regarding new resources as they become available.

State Resources

  • The Texas Department of Emergency Management has a statewide effort to collect damage assessment data from this winter storm. Our goal is to identify the scale of the disaster and help officials assess the total statewide damages. Please report damages here: arcg.is/uOrOb
  • Texas HHSC received federal approval to allow SNAP recipients to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed due to severe winter weather by dialing 2-1-1. Learn more: http://bit.ly/37y9oV6
  • Texas Rent Relief: COVID-19 has affected Texans across the state. The State has emergency funds available to help Texas renters pay rent and utility bills (including past due rent and utilities). Visit https://texasrentrelief.com/ for more information.

Federal Resources

The White House has approved a Major Disaster Declaration in 77 Texas counties today, which includes City of Houston residents. Individuals who sustained losses due to the winter storms and do not have insurance can now apply for federal assistance.

If you don't have insurance and your home was damaged by the severe winter storms in one of the designated counties, apply for assistance now:

How to Help:

  • Houston Food Bank
    • CAN YOU HELP? Houston Food Bank is in need of bottled water to supply to our neighbors in need! How to Donate:
      • Donors can drop off at 535 Portwall St. Houston, TX 77029 in the main entrance parking lot tent drive-thru.
         From 2/20-2/26: Mon – Sat 10a–4p; Sun 9a–12p
  • Houston BARC
    • BARC expects an influx of pets needing help in the next coming days due to the winter storm. You can make a difference during these challenging times by fostering a shelter pet in need! Sign up to become a BARC foster on our website - https://www.houstontx.gov/barc/foster_a_pet.html. If you are already an approved BARC Foster email [email protected] to get started!
    • Due to conditions caused by the cold weather, BARC also needs additional blankets and pet bedding for shelter pets! We can use new or gently used blankets, towels, and pet beds. Donations can be dropped off through our back entrance located at 2700 Evella St from 9am - 5pm. Can't make the drive? You can donate from the comfort of your home via our Amazon Wish List.