Hurricane Harvey Children's Relief Fund

Hurricane Harvey’s destructive winds and historic floods from days of relentless rain in late August 2017 carved a 300-mile path of destruction across Texas and displaced more than 1 million people. Hurricane Harvey had a devastating effect on all aspects of children’s lives: their homes, their schools their emotions and their future. More than 3 million children were affected by the catastrophic storm.

Harvey was the most powerful hurricane to strike Texas in more than 50 years. More than 1.4 million school children started the school year late, and the historic storm had a devastating effect on child care and early learning centers, with more than 1,500 centers damaged or destroyed.

Save the Children is working to make sure Hurricane Harvey’s most vulnerable victims – children – are supported in their recovery, have access to early childhood education programs where they can safely play and learn, and become more resilient and ready for the next disaster. In case you missed it, check out our 6 month donor report from March 2018.

Though children are naturally resilient the impacts of Harvey-related trauma may be deep and long-lasting. Displacements created extreme distress for children trying to cope without the comfort of their normal routines, favorite toys, pets or friends. Parents’ stresses over housing, transportation and reduced incomes from lost jobs can also affect children. Some schools are overcrowded as they accommodate students whose own schools remain closed, increasing the risk that children who struggle in class will not receive the extra help they need. Your continued support will help underpin this recovery work. Thank you!

Hurricane Harvey was the most powerful hurricane to hit Texas in over 50 years. It displaced more than 1 million people and damaged over 200,000 homes in a path of destruction that stretches more than 300 miles.

 As the national leader in child-focused disaster preparedness, response and recovery, Save the Children was uniquely positioned to address the needs of children and families affected by Hurricane Harvey. We have more than 80 years’ experience serving the needs of U.S. children and are a partner of the Red Cross, coordinate closely with FEMA and are a member of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters. Additionally, we have a strong history of protecting vulnerable children in the aftermath of emergencies in Texas, including Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008. 

 To date, we have reached nearly 18,000 children and adults through our Hurricane Harvey response. Given the magnitude of the disaster and the massive scope of children’s needs, we have committed to a two-year response strategy to help children, their families and communities to recover. Over this time, we will continue to support children and families through psychosocial support programs, the restoration of local childcare and early learning services, and disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness to help children, families and communities become more resilient and ready in the event of a future crisis. Our goal is to reach over 160,000 children and adults with direct support. 

We are grateful for your support which has already helped children, families and communities recover from their losses, rebuild their lives and become more resilient to future shocks. Thank you.