You can send help immediately using social media and these apps.
Social media and payment apps are making a difference as Texans continue to deal with the aftermath of a devastating winter snowstorm. Actress and supermodel Chrissy Teigen tweeted to her 13.7 million followers to help her and others find organizations and non-profits that need assistance. “Please list some good ways to help Texas here-for me and for all of us,” she tweeted.
Hundreds of replies replied to her tweet mentioning organizations across the state accepting donations through Venmo and CashApp. It’s one of the first times I’m aware that the apps have been used to raise money to help people and organizations during and after a disaster.
The hashtag #lovethyneighbor trending on Twitter, passing along organizations accepting donations through Venmo, CashApp, and PayPal. A few of the organizations mentioned are:
Dawaheals is a non-profit in Austin providing assistance to people of color, specifically artists, musicians, and teachers.
Austin Area Urban League accepts PayPal donations
Survive 2 Thrive Foundation is putting some of Austin’s large homeless population up in hotels.
Austin Pets Alive has listed needs on its website and taking donations in various ways
Austin Mutual Aid started a GoFundMe project to help house the homeless in area hotels until temps warm again. It started with a 75-thousand dollar goal but has raised well over $400,000 so far. The organization also has a Venmo account for donations @austinmutualaid
MutualAid Houston tweeted its followers saying the response on Venmo and the Cash App has been overwhelming and future donations should go through its GoFundMe page.
Feed the People Dallas is also accepting donations through Venmo at @feedthepeopledallas
Another Mutual Aid organization, Para Mi Gente announced on its Instagram page that due to an influx of donations their Venmo account has been blocked. Organizers ask that any future donations be made using the Cash App at $pmgmutualaid instead.
You can also search Twitter and Facebook for #lovethyneighbortx to find other organizations needing assistance in helping people with shelter, food, and clothing.
There are other opportunities you can find by searching for the hashtag “Love thy Neighbor TX” on Facebook and Twitter.