Ways to help Texans after #TexasWinterStorm2021
Deep in our hearts: Texas. We're keeping all the Texans struggling through #TexasWinterStorm2021 in our thoughts. If you or someone you know has been affected by the #TexasWinterStorm2021, we’ve compiled a list of assistance resources below.
If you’re in a position where you can help, please consider donating to local Texas non-profits and community organizations. Please share these options far and wide so everyone can get the support they need.
Stay strong, Texas — our hearts and thoughts are with you.
Union Plus Disaster Relief and Partner Assistance
You may be eligible for a $500 Disaster Relief Grant from Union Plus
If you are a union member who participates in certain Union Plus programs and have been affected by the severe winter storms in Texas, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Disaster Relief program.*
No-cost legal help for Texans through MetLife's Disaster Relief Plan
MetLife Legal Plans has activated its Disaster Relief Plan for union members who have been affected by the recent severe winter storm in Texas.
MetLife network attorneys are able to provide document review and consultations for many issues that these individuals may face, at no cost to them through their Disaster Relief Plan. These include:
- Reviewing documents related to federal aid and insurance claims
- Providing consultation for identity theft issues due to lost personal documents
- Answering questions about damaged property for renters or homeowners
- Providing advice on dealing with creditors and bill collectors
This service will be available through July 31, 2021. Members that need assistance can call the Customer Service Center at 800-821-6400. They will need to identify they are with Union Plus, the last four digits of their Social Security Number or membership number and indicate that they are interested in the document review and consultations services being offered as part of the Disaster Relief Plan.
LifeWorks Grief Counseling from MetLife
LifeWorks has resources available for you and your members to provide emotional support and referrals for community resources to help during this difficult time. LifeWorks has opened its 24/7 crisis support hotline for anyone affected by the severe weather and power outages.
The Crisis Support Line is available by calling: 1-877-757-7587. This hotline is available for anyone in the community impacted by this event. Callers will receive professional emotional support and/or referrals to community resources.**
MetLife Auto & Home Catastrophe Response Team and Claims
MetLife stands ready to assist Texan customers experiencing property losses due to the recent extreme cold, including damage from burst pipes. Assistance includes:
- Help customers secure shelter, as needed
- Guide customers through temporary repairs
- Issue advances for immediate expenses using debit cards and electronic fund transfers
- Promptly compensate customers for any damage to property
MetLife Auto & Home Auto property damages
Phone: 1-800-854-6011
Email: MET_CAT@metlife.com
MetLife Auto & Home Flood policy claims
Phone: 1-877-254-6819
Email: metlifecs@torrentcorp.com
Ways to get or give help
Texas Workers Relief Fund
The Texas Workers Relief Fund has been established by the Texas AFL-CIO to assist workers and their families in their time of need.
Texas Freeze Resources from the Texas AFL-CIO
The Texas AFL-CIO has compiled a broad list of resources by region/city, that include shelter and food based resources.
Texas Mutual Aid Organizations
Here are some of the largest Mutual aid organizations in major Texas cities:
Austin
Donate to Austin Mutual Aid via the Venmo accounts @austinmutualaid and @austinmutualaidhotels.
Note: Do not donate to @austinmutualaidhotel (similar to the legitimate handle, just without an S.) this is a fraudulent account not associated with Austin Mutual Aid.
Dallas
Feed the People Dallas is a Black/Latinx female-led network that serves the Dallas–Fort Worth area. You can Venmo it at @feedthepeopledallas or donate via it’s website: https://feedthepeopledallas.com/.
Houston
Community Care - Mutual Aid Houston has been overwhelmed by generous support and has recommended donations to the below organizations to help those in need in the Houston area:
- Crowdsource Rescue (@cs_rescue on Twitter) is a 100% volunteer organization using next-generation technology to quickly connect professional first responders and vetted civilian rescue teams with people in the community who need help after disaster strikes. Distributing food, water, generators, and heaters to people without power or water.
- Houseless Organizing Coalition (@HocHtx on Twitter) is a revolutionary coalition fully operated by BIPOC organizers building dual power within Houston's houseless community. Distributes supplies and addressing needs for those in our houseless community.
- West Street Recovery (@weststreetrecovery on Instagram) is a horizontally organized grassroots non-profit organization which aims to use efforts toward recovery after Hurricane Harvey to build community power.
- Houston Food Bank (@HoustonFoodBank on Twitter) serves more than 1.1 million people in the 18 southeast Texas counties and distributes food and other essentials to those in need through a network of 1,500 community partners.
- Texas Jail Project (@TxJailProject on Twitter) is a grassroots advocacy project that listens, informs, and advocates for people trapped in Texas county jails. Amidst the Texas Winter Storm, they set up a rapid response helpline for folks and their families to report on-the-ground conditions in jail facilities where thousands have no clean drinking water and are experiencing neglect. They have been distributing funds to people's commissaries for those who are able to purchase food, water, and hygiene products through their jail's commissary stores. They also posted money to folks' phone accounts and covering the cost of all collect calls from jails.
- Community Fridges in Houston
San Antonio
Para Mi Gente Mutual Aid is asking for donations via Cash App ($pmgmutualaid) and Venmo (@pmgmutualaid).
As always, double-check before donating to ensure you’re doing it safely and effectively and thank you for being good neighbors to our friends in Texas.
Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant Disclaimer
*Certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at https://www.unionplus.org/hardship-help/disaster-relief-grants.
MetLife's Disaster Relief Plan disclaimer
Group legal plans are provided by MetLife Legal Plans, Inc., Cleveland, OH. In certain states, group legal plans are provided through insurance coverage underwritten by Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates, Warwick, RI. Please contact MetLife Legal Plans for complete details.
MetLife Lifeworks disclaimer
**Some restrictions may apply to all of these services. Hotline services provided by LifeWorks US Inc. (LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell). LifeWorks is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MetLife. Information disclosed directly to LifeWorks is not disclosed to MetLife, and therefore is not subject to MetLife’s privacy policy.