Celebrities are sending their love to Texas, where thousands of residents and businesses remain without power amid a brutal winter storm that has brought freezing weather to the South.
CBS News reports that the state’s inability to weather many power generating facilities exacerbated the crisis and caused millions of homes and businesses to lose electricity. According to the news outlet, notices were issued to boil water in some areas, as the lack of power paralyzed water plants and also caused pipes to break in many homes. Exposure to cold temperatures and lack of power has also led to an increase in 911 calls and hospitalizations.
Matthew McConaughey, who hails from Uvalde, Texas, was one of the first to share his support, tweeting: “I am sending prayers of resilience and humanity hand in hand to all Texans who are fighting the freeze.”
“I reached out to help @mealsonwheels, @AAULTX, @BGCAustin,” added the actor. “To learn more about resources, how you can help, or donate, tap the links above.”
James Van Der Beek, who moved to the state last year, took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday to let fans know that he and his family were “now without water.” First dawson’s stream Star also urged her followers to donate to food banks and reach out to anyone they know in Texas.
“I’m really sending a lot of good vibes to everyone who is without electricity, without water,” he explained in a series of videos. “It’s a very serious situation, so if you know someone in Texas and there is some way you can support, please reach out. [and] ask how they are doing. Texas is not used to this and is not really ready for it. “
“Local food banks are always a great donation,” he continued. “They take and supply more than just food. And a phone call can go a long way.”
Meanwhile, Thursday TodayTexas native Jenna Bush Hager told co-host Hoda Kotb that the last few days have been “really, really difficult.”
“I have been able to speak with some family and friends who are there,” he shared. “I think people are easy to make jokes, like, ‘Well, Texans, they can’t deal with two inches of snow’ or whatever. They’re not prepared for weather like this. The houses, the pipes weren’t [for it]. And I know this sounds silly, but people don’t have warm clothes like we do here. [in New York]. “
“It’s been 14-degree weather. It’s getting warmer, it’s on a warming trend, thank God, but it’s very, very bad.” “There are so many ways we can help, and people are helping in huge ways. And that’s the beauty of it. There’s this #LoveThyNeighbor hashtag. Even by putting that hashtag on your Instagram, you raise money to get food to the people in need. that.”
Various members of the cast of The Real Housewives of Dallas They have also spoken and shared their experiences through social networks. Stephanie Hollman said in her Instagram Stories Thursday that she and her family finally regained power after three days without him.
“I know many of you are cold, scared and just trying to keep your family warm,” he added in a post shared on his feed. “I send you my love and my prayers. Check with your friends and neighbors, especially the elderly who may not be able to ask for help. All my love to you ❤️.”
On her own page, Hollman’s co-star Dr. Tiffany Moon shared a photo of the great damage to The Family Place shelter as a result of the storm. The shelter is the largest family violence agency in Texas that allows victims to be survivors.
“We have more than 100 women and children who have been displaced from our shelter due to a broken pipeline. They are fine and in temporary housing, but we have to find a solution, as the repair will take WEEKS,” Moon explained. “I’ve been reaching out to all of our hotel connections, but if anyone has ANY leads on the housing of 120 women and children for 4-6 weeks, please message me privately. We need all the help we can get. Thanks to everyone and please stay safe. “
See more celebrity reactions below:
CBS News reported Wednesday that nearly 3 million homes in Texas were without power. Texas is the only state that has its own electrical grid, one that is not regulated by the federal government. Governor Greg Abbott said at the time that he signed an order that will prevent companies from selling natural gas out of state and instead require that the fuel be sold to state power generators.
“I understand that people are angry that this has happened,” Executive Director Bill Magness of ERCOT, the power company that supplies most of Texas, told CBS News. “Let’s re-ignite.”
CBS News has also put together a list of how you can help Texas residents in need. Look down:
- Donate to a mutual aid fund, such as Mutual aid Houston, Austin mutual aid, or Feed the people of Dallas. All three groups are working to provide housing, food and other support systems to those in need.
- Donate to a food bank in Texas. Feeding Texas has a comprehensive list of food banks across the state, searchable by zip code.
- Donate to national organizations, such as the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross in North texas, Central and South Texas, and the Gulf Coast Region from Texas.
- Donate or volunteer with disaster relief organizations such as Crowdsource rescue, which has been activated to help Texans.
- Help animals in need by donating to organizations like Austin Pets Alive!, Texas SPCA, Y Operation Goodness. Be aware that some facilities, such as Operation Kindness in North Texas, may be affected by power outages.
- Support local journalists in their response to the crisis and spread the word donate to GoFundMe for the Austin American-Statesman, the Dallas Morning News, and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
- Do you live in or near Texas? Participate in AirBnB “Open Homes” Program either by opening your free space to those in need or by donating. NoirBnB offers a similar service, asking users to open their homes if they can. You can reach NoirBnB by email at [email protected]
- Conserve energy if you are in Texas following this handy guide of the Austin American-Statesman.
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