Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort

As a native Floridian, I grew up with the threat of hurricanes. We always dodged the big ones in the Tampa Bay area. But one day, they won't be so lucky. Like Houston, this week. Hurricane Harvey ravaged the coast of Texas.

Apogee has two employees in Texas so this one hit home for us. Daniel M. Clark is in the Houston area, between the city and Galveston, and his house took on five inches of water at 2 a.m. Saturday. The Clark family is safe and they didn't lose power. But they didn't have flood insurance. His specific location, he was assured, never floods. They have applied for FEMA assistance. Daniel has been ripping out the lower three feet of his walls to get at the wet insulation before mold develops and he has removed all the carpet. They also lost some large furniture pieces and the washer/dryer. If you want to donate directly to Daniel and his family, send me a message and I'll give you his PayPal address.

But Daniel was luckier than a lot of people. The devastation is widespread. We encourage you to support the Red Cross. In fact, Daniel has specifically requested that if you are going to make a choice between donating to the Red Cross or giving money to him directly, that you donate to the Red Cross.

“There are people who lost their homes. We've got damage, really expensive damage. But there are people homeless right now. We have a place to live, power, even internet. If you are a friend who wants to give money to both the Red Cross and my family, I love and appreciate you. If you have only a few dollars to spare, please don't give it to me. There are others in greater need. —Daniel”

The Red Cross has launched a massive relief response to this devastating storm and needs financial donations to be able to provide immediate disaster relief. Help people affected by Hurricane Harvey by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.