Home / Life Here’s how you can help Texans affected by the winter weather emergency Even if you're nowhere near the Lone Star State, you can help residents who are in crisis. By Jamie Orsini February 19, 2021 Rectangle Much of the nation is experiencing deadly frigid weather right now, but Texas has been hit especially hard. The catastrophic effects of the state’s worst winter storm in decades are still being felt. Millions of Texans lost power amid single-digit temperatures and millions more have also had their water service affected because the power outages have brought on water shortages in about half of the state’s counties. The combination of freezing weather and lack of heat and power has led to an increase in 911 calls, hospitalizations, and weather-related deaths. Texans need our help. Even if you’re halfway across the country (or the world!), there are ways you can help. Read on to find out how. Mutual aid funds ‼️MUTUAL AID INFO FOR HOUSTON, TEXAS‼️ Houston & beyond: Thank you all so much for your outpouring of love & suppo… https://t.co/JVhPkqvQ0b — Mutual Aid Houston (@mutualaidhou) 1613600963.0 Consider donating to mutual aid funds, like Mutual Aid Houston , Feed the People Dallas , and Austin Mutual Aid . These organizations provide housing, food, and other support to people in need. The American Red Cross Thank you to our Texas volunteers who, with our partners, spent yesterday unloading, delivering, and distributing s… https://t.co/t8cG74KhAU — American Red Cross (@RedCross) 1613659812.0 Donate to the American Red Cross to help the group supply cots and blankets at warming centers across the state. Support food banks ❄️⚡Texas food banks need your help during this extreme winter weather event and energy crisis. Our network is suppo… https://t.co/GpE5lViwHc — Feeding Texas (@FeedingTexas) 1613584178.0 Donate to food banks in Texas to make sure that no resident is without food. World Central Kitchen Scenes from last night in Dallas! WCK restaurant partner Kwench immediately sprung into action when they saw the ne… https://t.co/MHVQdS8D6N — World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) 1613751485.0 Or donate to World Central Kitchen , a not-for-profit group that provides meals in the wake of natural disasters. Founded by Chef José Andrés in 2010, WCK has responded to natural and manmade disasters, like the massive bushfires in Australia, devastating hurricanes in Central America, and now, the deadly winter storms in Texas. Donate to animal shelters Happy Friday! We are currently asking for the following items and services. If you can help, please email cold@aust… https://t.co/l16upktWLz — Austin Pets Alive! (@austinpetsalive) 1613750402.0 Help animals in need by donating to groups like Austin Pets Alive! And SPCA of Texas . The Salvation Army The Salvation Army is working tirelessly to continue providing the essentials to those in need. If you are able,… https://t.co/eewugzRYA5 — The Salvation Army of Texas (@SalArmyTX) 1613661607.0 Donate to the Salvation Army to help keep warming centers open and safe for Texans. Donate to homeless shelters and organizations. Many of our homeless neighbors have nowhere to turn for refuge from the frigid temperatures. We’re working to make… https://t.co/cGiNMmeJ6y — Austin Street Center (@AustinStreetCtr) 1613157184.0 Organizations like Austin Street Center and The Other Ones Foundation are dedicated to providing shelter and meeting the needs of the homeless population, who are incredibly vulnerable to winter storms. Support first responders Medics in Austin are working 24+ hour shifts, can’t go home, and don’t have time to find food on their shifts. This… https://t.co/bNOyBHWVyt — Brody Logan (@BrodyLogan) 1613673166.0 Help provide food to first responders, including those who are working 24-hour shifts or haven’t been home in days. The latest Life 7 months pregnant on the campaign trail: How motherhood has changed the way I view politics Style Zooey Deschanel’s tips on how to get holiday party-ready (without putting your finger through your tights while your kids are yelling for dinner) Motherly Stories What is the ‘gratitude trap’? How gratitude can keep us stuck Getting Pregnant What to know about using supplements for fertility—and when to start taking them in preconception