Hurricane Harvey Relief Challenge

The Cause

I have set up a GoFundMe page for Hurricance Harvey relief charities if you would like to donate and spread your much needed donations across the six local charities listed below.  You are free to donate directly with each organization if you desire (there are hyperlinks to each charity below).  I plan to invest every penny in these organizations as they seek to help the people so terribly affected by this catastrophic set of events.  I have kickstarted the donations and hope you can show your support in some way.  Recently, the actor Kevin Hart issued a #HurricaneHarveyReliefChallenge to other celebs and affluent people to donate $25,000 to charities to support the relief efforts.  While I am not expecting anyone I know to invest as much as say The Rock, I am hopeful to raise enough to make an impact for the charities I have selected.  #HurricaneHarveyReliefChallengeTX

The Backstory

Many of you may not be aware that I am currently in the heart of the devastation in SE Houston, TX.  Last Friday morning, I was preparing to return from Denver to Baltimore after a long and productive week of customer meetings when I learned about the severity of the storm about to hit SE Texas.  What once was deemed tropical storm had evolved into a major hurricane.  This concerned me greatly, not only for the people in this region; however, my wife's mother and father live in Seabrooke, TX, a city SE of Houston.  Unfortunately, my father-in-law is battling stage 4 cancer, requiring treatments and much needed care. 

Considering all the factors and the severity of the issue, God called an audible. #GraceBomb .  He spoke to me and through me, thus I immediately enacted a plan to change my flight home and travel to Houston.  I arrived just after noon on Friday, August 25th prior to Hurricane Harvey’s landfall.  I knew that my in-laws would need help and little did I know what I was getting myself into. (I have documented my story on Facebook).

Fortunately, I am writing this message to report that me and my in-laws are safe thus far (as of Monday, August 28th).  Thankfully my in-laws home is on slightly higher ground and we have not needed to evacuate.  Unfortunately, we are completely surrounded by communities and people flooded and under water.  Also, we are not in the clear just yet (it is forecast to rain for the next several days).  Watching the devastation and knowing those around you are experiencing life altering events is truly a humbling experience; however, this is where I ask all of you to rise up and help. #HurricaneHarveyReliefChallengeTX

First and foremost, your continued thoughts and prayers are very much needed for the people in SE Texas.  A good friend of mine always says, “you need the prayers and we need the practice.”  Amen to that!  Second, while there are many rescues continuing as situations here remain tumultuous, this region and people will shift into recovery mode in the coming days and weeks.  This is where you all come in. 

I am asking for all of you to join me (if you have not already done so) by donating to charities and causes that will help the hurricane and flooding victims.  There are quite a few charities; however, I have listed a handful below that I know are the best of the best for this region. 

The Charities & Non-Profits

The Texas Diaper Bank - Specializes in relief for children, older adults and those with disabilities in Texas.

Save the Children - Specializes in relief for children.

Portlight - Specializes in disaster relief for older adults and those with disabilities 

Food Bank of Houston – Specializes in domestic hunger relief.  Associated with Feeding America. 

Coalition for the Homeless - Specializes in homeless relief for Houston and Harris County.

Golden Acres Baptist Church – A local church and a 'Golden Beacon' to the community in SE Houston, TX who rose to the challenge to serve and provide relief for fellow Houstonians impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Thank you to all that have been so supportive to me and my family thus far.  I am deeply indebted to the team that is helping me focus on my family as I work to ensure their safety and well-being.  I miss you all and hope to return home in the next week or so.  Please continue to pray and let’s all do our part to support the millions affected.   

God Bless! 

Brian Shilling

#HurricaneHarveyReliefChallengeTX
#GraceBomb