I can’t let this week go by without acknowledging the devastation in Houston brought on by Hurricane Harvey. That’s why I want to highlight this article from Forbes, that lists numerous ways you can help out, and reputable organizations that are accepting donations.

There are so many groups accepting donations, and so many people in need of help. The lives of many Houston residents have been irreversibly changed because of Harvey, and they may be left with nothing. I really want to urge you to donate if you’re able!

Also, please keep the people of Houston in your thoughts and prayers. Natural disasters like this make me worry, in particular, for those with disabilities. For many, losing power or having your house flood would be horrific, but for people with disabilities, these same events may actually severely compromise their health. Losing your possessions is awful enough on its own, but imagine if these possessions included thousands of dollars of medical equipment that you didn’t have access to replacements for.

A few years ago, there was a major snowstorm in Pittsburgh – “Snowmaggedeon” – while I was a student at CMU living on campus. The snow came down quickly and heavily, closing all roads and shutting down the bus system, and leaving me alone, in my dorm room – my attendant was not able to make it. I had to rely on the campus EMTs to help me use the bathroom, and had to sleep overnight in my wheelchair because I didn’t know that anyone would be available to help transfer me to/from the bed, and I didn’t want to be trapped there. Luckily, my mom was able to make it to campus the next morning to help me; otherwise, I have no idea how long it would have been until anyone else was able to be there.

All this is just to say that natural disasters are terrible experience for all affected by them, and that you may not fully realize the effect that they have on people’s lives! So please, donate if you can, and keep everyone affected in your thoughts and prayers.