Navigating Resources After Winter Storm Uri

February 24, 2021

College Forward understands there are many different questions and needs related to Winter Storm Uri ranging from cleanup, water and food resources, mental health support, navigating classes, and more. There are many resources with varying answers to each of these questions, so it is hugely important to verify the information. Please utilize this document to find reliable resources, and if you know of any reliable resources that are not listed here, please share them with your coach to add them to this document. Other resources can be found on our Succeeding During COVID-19 page.

Government Resources

Navigating Disaster Assistance

City

Austin

Austin City Resources – Food, Water, Energy, Transportation
Austin Water – Operations, Updates, Report Leaks
Austin Energy – Outages

Conroe

Winter Weather Updates – Weather
Montgomery County Food Bank – Food

Houston

Winter Weather Recovery Resources – Weather, Updates, Basic Needs Assistance
Houston Food Bank – Food
Water Distribution – Water
More Resources – Food, Water, Energy, Transportation

Huntsville

Plumbing Waiver – Plumbing
Huntsville Food Pantry List – Food

Dallas

Dallas Winter Storm Resources – Food, Warming Stations
Dallas Food Bank – Food
Dallas Water Utilities – Water

College Station

Winter Repair Waivers – Repairs
Food Bank – Food

San Marcos

Winter Weather Recovery – Damage Assistance
Food Bank – Food

San Antonio

Food Bank – Food
Bottle Water Distribution Sites – Water

State

State Resources

Texas Department of Insurance – Water Damage coverage & claims
Public Utility Commission of Texas – Assistance paying your bill
Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) – Assistance paying your bill
211 Texas – Search tool for resources needed

Federal

Federal Resources

KXAN’s FEMA Application How-To – FEMA App Instructions
TRLA’s Tips for Applying for Disaster Assistance In a Pandemic – Disaster Assistance
US Department of Housing and Urban Development – TX Home Repair resources by city
Dealing with Weather Emergencies
Reporting Scams and Frauds

There is a SCAM going around with an 800 number saying FEMA will pay for hotel expenses but requests your SSN and other personal information. FEMA has confirmed that this is a scam.

Paying for and Attending College Post-Disaster

Frequently asked questions (Financial Aid) – (via StudentAid.gov)
Tips and Resources to Succeed in School & Work
How to Email Professors About the Winter Storm

Mutual Aid

Mutual Aid resources are resources funded by, and for, community members to help each other. As members of shared communities, these resources are gathered at the grassroots level and usually have less strict documentation or situational requirements compared to government funds.

They can also arrive quicker in times of need. These resources can be especially helpful to people who are undocumented or have an immediate need. We suggest reaching out directly to the mutual aid resource that fits your needs with your situation as soon as possible.

Mutual Aid List