That is definitey the topic of conversation and yes, we should all do as much as we possibly can to help! I agree with Lyn Sims there are some excellent choices other than those who have such high over-head so that more of our money goes to help. Jeff Pearl shared some great options in another Q&A post.

A lot of us who have lived in Charlotte over the past several decades are reminiscing about Hurricane Hugo, which hit in 1989, and the way that the community and those from far and wide came to assist us here. The city was ripped apart but, we suffered nothing as devastating as those in Houston are suffering. I know how bad it was for us during and following Hugo and cannot even begin to imagine what Texans are going through right now.

The 29 year old without medical expertise that organized a shelter was an amazing young man.

I think it is conversation being held across the country and perhaps the world.   It's still going on and it's likely going to be "with us" for many years to come.  

Indeed thinking about it. I just found some information I will be posting...

Our brokerage has already sent out an e-mail asking for monetary donations that will go the Red Cross, as has our community asking for donations of supplies and cleaning products and personal items, that will go to World Care Anna Banana Kruchten,CRS,CRB,GRI.  I, too, cannot imagine being flooded out, let alone losing all of my possessions - both the unreplaceable ones and the replaceable ones . . .  and it moves my heart to see how generous and brave and beyond helpful people are to others.  They are truly giving of themselves, and they are saving lives.  People are 'seeing' people that have an immediate need for help and survival and they are acting as we all would or hope that we would, in a similar situation.  So, more proof that there are angels among us . . .   

It's a true testiment to the good in people who will do what they can to help others. Such an inspiration. And there are so many in need!

I am watching up here too Anna and it is amazing watching all those people risk their own lives to save others. They really are hero's.

It is amazing what people are doing and how their attitudes are so upbeat. It is an inspiration.

My heart goes out to the people in Houston for sure.

There are a lot of amazing people

People can and will rise when the see the need. So many in my area know all to well what they are going through in Texas. It was only 6-7 months ago when so many were flooded out of their homes. They are still rebuilding. What Texas is undergoing is 10-20X in magnitude. 

News reports indicate that only about 20% have flood insurance.

And, they allowed construction in flood zones...poor planning or no planning.

Anna,

I think this speaks of the values and fundamental nature of our nation.  It was what we experienced in the 94 earthquake in Los Angeles.  A

Being located 200 miles north of Houstn and having family and friends there you bet.

 Phoenix flooded in 1977 and again in 1978.  Much of Interstate 10 was washed out.  It was pretty dramatic.  What was amazing was the carpet of flowers that appeared in the desert a few days after the water ran off.

We get those conversations in hurricane season here, but Charlotte has been hit since 1982, so it's not a frequent event. Our grandson and his wife, who fortunately remained dry in their apartment in Houston, were finally able to venture out yesterday to volunteer.   

KW has a built in charity effort to assist in times like this

True character under fire, the cream rises to the surface.  Texas community standing tall, a nice change from all the bad news we get blasted with.

I called my relatives there. One in oil service industry is house bound. He tried to get bottle water-not on the shelf. Gas stations aren't selling gas. His Sugarland neighborhood has storm water retention ponds. He owns a 19 ft soar ceiling home and can always stay on the roof too high to get rescued. He expected to be home trapped through labor day.  Another one owns a strip mall has his commercial brokerage with no signs or address to avoid investors. It is probably flooded. His website is down. He is the kind of broker who does not know how many commercial listings he has. Often 50-80 listings with a couple of helpers. I imagine all these monster signs are flipped over or floating somewhere in west Houston. I will donate cash.

There are so many people that didn't plan for this at all. Most of them will have no insurance to help recoup or recover.

We also talked about not giving money to the Red Cross - there are better more worthy ways to help. Investigate if you don't think so.

Well, there is so many ways to help others, no need to wait for the disaster. There is plenty of charity, find-raising, volunteering opportunities in every community. If you can brighten someone's day, do it, even if it is a smile(free!) or friendly support. 

I admire people that can just go and help those in need. I can't even imagine having to go through something like that. 

Alot of people are all having those talks here too Anna Banana Kruchten,CRS,CRB,GRI . On both ends what if it happened to me and what if it was close, and i could go help. 

The flooding concept is not new just new to those that it affects first time out. I live next to a well-developed Riverbank that was reinforced that serves as a natural wildlife corridor but also as a 100 year flood channel i.e. to offset the once in a 100 year storm should it come. It is designed to handle run-off from the mountains etc.  Prior to it being modified and put firmly into place, anyone who lived at the borders of these flooding zones would risk getting flooded and knew it too. Today, it can handle anything thrown at it. Without some pro-activity, prevention or insurance, we remain at the mercy of these things as this current disaster clearly demonstrates. For a more chilling thought, we have no earthquake defense

So much to do, such time constraints! So sad! So many doing so much!

These are heroes who we should blog about !

We're having that conversation in Wyoming! We are too far away to lend a hand but have found other ways to assist.

there are many different disasters depending on where you live....we have winter blizzards like the one in '78.... many were trapped in their homes... 

No, the organizations tend to be very well funded at this time.  Supplies are more critical (food, water, clothing).  Several groups in Texas (Dallas Cowboys, Marcus Luttrell's (Lone Survivor) "Team Never Quit" and many veteran groups are a few that come to mind) are all organizing supply drops into the area.

Having experienced a flooded home decades ago, I just dealth with it. The fire department did show up to help pump out my basement. These people  affectd by the flooding deserve all we can spare.

Yes, we've had them as well.

It is inspiring

Anna Banana Kruchten,CRS,CRB,GRI - this definitely is a topic - or should be, at the meetups...

I was caught up in the flood in Rapid City, S. D.  Can happen to any of us.