Black people throughout Texas are melting snow to collect water and boiling tap water – if the water’s even on. They’re seeking warmth in cars or with wood fires, since the power has been off for days in below freezing temperatures. They’re going hungry, sometimes cooking with candles – while nothing is open! This is an epic disaster.
This “once-in-a-lifetime” storm brought deadly cold to a state without the infrastructure to handle it. Texas officials knew it was coming, but did little to nothing to prepare their independent power grid – which then failed the entire state. Conditions have become nightmarish.
People are struggling to meet basic needs, as officials tell them they’re on their own. Texas senator Ted Cruz even escaped to Cancún while people suffer and die! There aren’t many options for people, and needs have to be met quickly.
It’s mutual aid that’s saving the day for many, as our communities are hit the hardest. Community organizations, organizers, and activists have come together to pick up the slack as the state leaves people abandoned. Now these organizations need our help.
We can support groups like Austin Mutual Aid (www.linktr.ee/austinmutualaid), Black Mamas ATX (www.blackmamasatx.com), Feed The People Dallas (www.linktr.ee/feedthepeopledallas), and Crowdsource Rescue in Houston (www.crowdsourcerescue.com/donate). For an exhaustive list of resources and ways to help, you can visit www.bit.ly/texas-resources!