Here are the 4 Charities J.J. Watt is Sending $30 Million for Hurricane Harvey Relief

Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
By
Managing Editor

Even though most of the media cameras have moved on, the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey is still very real for greater Houston area residents.

Watt, the franchise star for the Houston Texans, initially took to Twitter and challenged his followers to raise $200,000 to help those impacted by the devastating storm. That goal was quickly passed, and within days, millions of dollars were coming in.

After everything was said and done, Watt had helped raise $30.15 million in an amazing demonstration of what the American public can do when united by a cause.

Watt released a statement today saying the money will be distributed among four nonprofit organizations with a specific focus on helping to rebuild damaged or lost homes, child-care centers, medical care, and also food assistance. It’s going to be a gradual process, with distribution expected to take approximately 18-24 months.

The four charities are as follows:

St. Bernard Project
Save the Children
Feeding America
Americares

Watt continues to be completely in awe of what the American people are capable of:

“I have said it many times over the course of the past few months, but it bears repeating again: The most difficult times seem to bring out the best in humanity,” Watt said. “I cannot thank everyone enough for their support and donations from across the country and around the world. You have truly shown what is possible when everyone bands together for one common cause.

“Houston will bounce back from this and we will rise up stronger than ever.”

While some tried their best to play politics with the tragedy, Faithwire focused on those bringing inspiration and uniting the country, as Watt mentioned. Like the 13-year-old teen hero who waded out into the floodwaters in the middle of the night on an air mattress, saving 17 of his neighbors in the process.
Image credit: KTRK-TV
Hero teen.
Or the man who had just lost everything, was walking down the street in the water with his young son, and when asked by a reporter why he was still grateful gave a beautiful answer.
Photo: Screenshot/Twitter
Man with incredible faith

And countless others, which you can read about here.

Watt promised to be continually evaluating what the most pressing needs are as time goes in during the recovery efforts, which some experts say could cost around $200 billion total.

Continued prayers for everyone impacted by the storm.