The Communities Foundation of Texas has put together an incredible list for how we can help our neighbors affected by the tornado:

The Mass Care Task Force (MCTF) is a collaboration between the American Red Cross North Texas Region, the Salvation Army DFW Metroplex Command, the North Texas Food Bank, and VolunteerNow. The collaborative effort was established in 2006 to maximize the disaster-related services provided by the four nonprofit agencies. All agencies are working actively now to support local families in need, including running a temporary respite shelter:

Red Cross Respite Center Bachman Recreation Center
Respite Center Bachman Recreation Center
2750 Bachman Dr, Dallas, TX 75220

DONATE TO THE MASS CARE TASK FORCE

City of Dallas

The City of Dallas is not asking for donations of any goods/supplies at this time, and has established a list of resources for residents and businesses impacted by the tornado, which can be found on the City of Dallas’s website. 

City of Richardson

The City of Richardson has a list of resources and information for impacted residents on their website and has contracted with The Network of Community to provide food, clothing and other assistance to those impacted by the tornadoes. The Network of Community Ministries is requesting monetary and food donations and has volunteer opportunities for people wishing to donate time to stock food shelves or separate donated supplies. Additionally, the agency also has case managers who can assist individuals to find access to long-term support services. The Network of Community Ministries is located at 741 S Sherman St, Richardson, TX 75081, or at thenetwork.org 

 

Dallas Independent School District

Dallas ISD had multiple schools damaged by the storm, three of which will be closed for the remainder of the school year.  Dallas ISD is currently conducting a needs assessment of all the damage, and what will be needed to help in recovery. Additionally, Dallas ISD is also identifying families most in need of support, and is seeking donations of gift cards, preferably in $25–$30 increments.  The district is also accepting small boxes of new school supplies, which can be dropped off at the three following locations Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  1. Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy, 1700 E. Camp Wisdom Road
  2. Turney W. Leonard Training Center, 5151 Samuel Blvd
  3. One Center at Linus Wright Administration Building, 9400 N. Central Expressway, first floor

For questions about donations and where to send gift cards, please call (972) 925-5440.

Richardson Independent School District

Richardson ISD also had schools that experienced damaged, as well as many families who have been displaced by the storm.  Richardson ISD is collecting the following items that will be distributed to local schools for any impacted families:

  • Pajamas, sizes 10 and Up (for either boys or girls)
  • Jeans and pants, sizes 6, 7, 8 (boys and girls)
  • Boy’s husky jeans and pants, sizes 8, 10, 12
  • Kid’s toothpaste
  • Kid’s 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner
  • Sanitary pads
  • Target gift cards

Donations can be brought to the RISD Administration Building (400 S. Greenville Ave).

Resources:

National Disaster Distress Helpline

The national Disaster Distress Helpline (call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746) offers 24/7 emotional support for anyone impacted by the Dallas Tornado. For distress warning signs + coping resources, click here.

FEMA

Impacted residents and business owners can register with FEMA online, in person at a disaster recovery center, or by calling 800-621-3362. FEMA also offers help and information for dealing with natural disasters. Visit www.FEMA.gov for more information.

 

About CFT’s Relief and Recovery Approach

An effective response, regardless of where a crisis occurs, requires sustained involvement on behalf of donors, responding organizations and a myriad of other actors. The bulk of dollars in response to tragedy and disaster are often allocated during the emergency humanitarian relief phase (with a focus on emergency food, shelter, water, sanitation and health care). Emergency relief is vital. Still, experts agree that relief and recovery dollars are insufficient to meet the medium- and long-term needs of crisis-affected communities. CFT believes in supporting the complete timeline of management efforts: from immediate relief to recovery.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CFT’S APPROACH TO LONG-TERM RECOVERY EFFORTS