Hurricane Laura Information: Assistance & Resources
If you are a family or an adult with autism seeking assistance after Hurricane Laura: If you have phone or internet service, please contact the organizations below for support.
Red Cross:
Texas 211
Provides a voluntary registry for people who need assistance and evacuation in the case of a hurricane or natural disaster. The public may register year-round. Registry information will be forwarded to local Offices of Emergency Management (OEMs). Local OEMs have the responsibility for coordinating evacuations.
FEMA
See link to Disability Rights Texas below with tips to apply for FEMA assistance.
READY.GOV
Hurricane Guide For Families (Sesame Street): SupportAfterEmergency_Printable_Hurricane_FamilyGuide
Disaster Distress Hotline:
The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a–year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
(https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline)
Houston & East Texas Shelters:
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2020/08/25/list-texas-shelters-open-to-evacuees-ahead-of-hurricane-laura/
Austin Shelters:
List of shelters for evacuees, residents seeking shelter
Austin Disaster Relief (aid throughout Texas, not just Austin)
Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies
Phone: (800) 626-4959
Website: https://disasterstrategies.org/
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (The Partnership) is the only U.S. disability-led organization with a focused mission on equal access, disability rights and full inclusion of people with disabilities, older adults, and people with access and functional needs before, during, and after disasters and emergencies.
Disability Rights Texas
How to register for FEMA assistance & resources to help you with your registration:
https://tinyurl.com/DRTXHurricane
You can also call our office (512) 479-4199, ext 6 or the national office (1-800-3-Autism or 1-800- 328-8476) for autism navigational or emotional support, or email support@texasautismsociety.org.
AAC Disaster Relief
The AAC Disaster Relief Committee (subcommittee organized by the United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication) works to help anyone who has lost their communication system due to natural disasters. The systems are being replaced free of charge to families through financial support. Please visit their website for more information, or to volunteer for the organization: