Support those affected by Hurricane Harvey through the Embrace Houston Fund

Sep. 1, 2017

City of Des Moines Encourages Support of Embrace Houston Fund through the Community Foundation

DES MOINES, IOWA – Friday, September 1, 2017 –  The City of Des Moines' first responders in police, fire, and public works, stand ready to respond to emergency and technical requests from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), Iowa Homeland Security or local emergency management agencies. These kinds of requests will be coordinated with officials in Texas and Louisiana over the next several weeks and months.  We remind everyone not to self-deploy in providing help to those in need. If you are interested in volunteering, first contact local organizations who have a formal relationship with the coordinated efforts in Texas and Louisiana, such as your local Red Cross. As you consider how you can help those impacted by this devastation, the  Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines has established the Embrace Houston Fund to coordinate local charitable support for a fund created by Houston mayor Sylvester Turner through the Greater Houston Community Foundation.

Over the past week, we’ve witnessed the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey as it has dropped a record-setting amount of rain and flooding. Thousands have been affected by this natural disaster and the road to recovery is sure to be long and faced with challenges. “We know the hardships that come along with a devastating natural disaster”, said Mayor Cownie.  “The greater Des Moines area is committed to helping coordinate response and recovery efforts through organizations like the Red Cross and the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.”

 

“It was the privilege of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines to facilitate the gifts that poured in from across the country when our state faced flooding challenges and we are proud of our community foundation friends in Houston for their commitment and leadership during this time of tremendous need,” shares Kristi Knous, Community Foundation president.

 

The Community Foundation has been a pillar in the Des Moines community for more than 48 years and is committed to bringing aid from Des Moines to benefit those impacted by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana. 100 % of proceeds will benefit the relief efforts. 

To help visit www.desmoinesfoundation.org/embracehouston.