Update (Monday): The city has released new information regarding the Halloween floods that claimed five lives. Here’s some numbers conveying the extent of the damage:
- 659: Number of homes damaged
- 259: Number of homes that received major damage
- 15: Number of homes destroyed
- 1,300: Tons of debris removed from the affected area
Residents of southeast and southwest Austin are still in need of help. Fortunately, there’s several ways you can lend a hand.
Volunteer:
The Austin Disaster Relief Network is looking for volunteers to help with demolition and cleanup of affected areas. Volunteers are asked to wear jeans, gloves, masks, and hard sole shoes, and bring shovels, utility knives, and hammers if possible.
You can sign up to volunteer online through Austin Disaster Relief Network or Hands on Central Texas, or by calling 512-331-2600.
Benefits:
The Red Shed Tavern is hosting a benefit concert on Nov. 17. All proceeds from the door and a silent auction go toward the Austin Disaster Relief floods relief fund.
Bands include Joy Davis, The Bonfire Choir, Von Roader, Silo Road, Thrill Joy, and Shad Blair. Auction donors include Guitar Center, Samuels Diamonds, Vince Young Steakhouse, Star of Morocco, Serrano's and more.
- Benefit Concert for South Austin Flood Victims
- Red Shed Tavern, 8504 S. Congress Ave
- November 17, noon-8 p.m.
- $15 entry donation
Donate:
For those affected by the floods, the Dove Springs Recreation Center at 5801 Ainez Drive continues to operate as a "one-stop shop" for flood victims. The center will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
People are asked not to bring donations to the Disaster Assistance Center. Non-perishable food donations can be brought to the Oak Meadows Baptist Church at 6905 S. Interstate 35.
The church is accepting H-E-B and Walmart gift cards, furniture, household items, water, non-perishable food items, toiletries, baby items, and toys. Shovels, sheet rock, face masks, gloves, box cutters, utility knives, hammers, safety goggles, heavy duty trash bags, trash cans and bleach are also needed for clean-up efforts.
CentralTexasFires.org is collecting supplies to donate to flood victims at Central Texas Harley-Davidson in Round Rock at 2801 N. Interstate 35.
It’s asking for H-E-B, Walmart and gas gift cards, plus construction materials, food, household items and more.
The Austin Disaster Relief Network is also accepting food donations at a tent at the corner of William Cannon and Pleasant Valley for teams cleaning up the neighborhood. Volunteers are there from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Austinites can sign up to volunteer online, or by calling 512-331-2600.
The Austin Disaster Relief Network has also established a Central Texas Flood Relief Fund. Donations can be made via PayPal and check.
The United Way of Greater Austin is collecting donations for long-term recovery efforts. You can donate $10 by texting UWATX to 85944 or give online here.
The Red Cross Central Texas Chapter is also accepting donations.
Clothing and other items can be donated to your nearest Salvation Army.
An updated list for drop off and items being accepted can be found here.
Know more ways to help? Leave a comment below and let us know.
