In Houston, Zakat Foundation Volunteers Initiate Relief Efforts

For more than 15 years, Zakat Foundation of America has emphasized three aspects of emergency disaster relief: response, rescue, and recover. That is exactly what Zakat Foundation of America is currently doing in Texas following the disastrous effects of Hurricane Harvey.

Even before the storm touched the mainland, Zakat Foundation of America representatives monitored the hurricane to properly assess its impact. However, similar to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, government and humanitarian agencies could not predict the scale of the storm’s devastating impact.

As a humanitarian organization, we are operating around the world, but we would never neglect our duties to our own people here at home,” said Halil Demir, Executive Director of Zakat Foundation of America. “It is imperative that every American opens their heart to victims of Hurricane Harvey, and rush to aid.”

Fortunately, Zakat Foundation of America already has an established network of volunteers in the Houston area. As soon as they were able to come out of their homes, Zakat Foundation of America volunteers initiated the cleanup process in their neighborhoods.

Many homes are owned by senior citizens who are unable to clean up their homes by themselves. Zakat Foundation of America volunteers did not hesitate to lend a hand and immediately started removing damaged items to the curbside. The elderly couples were very grateful for the assistance.

There are many flooded houses everywhere,” said Abdulkadir Yasar, one of the youth volunteers participating in relief efforts. “We try to help as much as possible. Definitely more volunteers are needed.”

In the coming days, Zakat Foundation of America will start distributing much-needed items to affected communities. This includes:

• Water

• Hygiene kits

• Sanitary Napkins

• Toilet Paper

• Diapers /Wipes

• Plastic Forks, Spoons, Knives, Sporks

• Batteries /Flashlights

• Baby Formula

• Non-perishable Food Items (i.e. granola bars, crackers)

If you would like to reach our Zakat Foundation of America colleagues in Houston, please email us at [email protected].