Chrissy Mann, Sierra Club
This week, Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas and Louisiana with its catastrophic winds, storm surge, and flooding. Hundreds of thousands have evacuated from their homes, with many losing everything. Millions were affected by damage and losses from the storm. The destruction and heartbreak caused by this hurricane will be found in the days, weeks, months, and years to come, but as Texans, we know it will not break the bonds of this community.
Our most impacted communities are not only affected by the flooding but also by the nearby refineries spilling dangerous chemicals into the air and water as we speak. Residents are reporting toxic smells, headaches, and nausea. A flooded chemical plant is going to explode soon and there’s no way to stop it.
It is a tragedy of epic proportions. And we need to respond with all the tools we have to provide immediate relief and begin the long road toward a just recovery. One that takes into account the hardest hit and most vulnerable communities. One that recognizes that this is an intersection of social, economic, and environmental justice issues -- and that if we don’t hold our principles of equity and justice at the center of this work, injustices will increase many times over.
Many deep-rooted, powerful community groups are already serving these neighborhoods and small towns across the Gulf Coast that are bearing the brunt of the hurricane and its aftermath. These are the people who will lead the recovery long after the waters have receded.
This is why the Sierra Club has chosen to focus our efforts on behalf of those most impacted by this tragedy. And why we will ensure that 100% of all money donated will go directly back to these most affected communities.
The Sierra Club will partner with a community-controlled fund to ensure that 100% of the money raised reaches communities directly impacted by the storm. By using the Jemez principles we have signed onto, and by partnering with other organizations and groups that adhere to the same principles, we seek to establish a just distribution of funds. We will also encourage other organizations use similar principles.
Transparency is key to a just distribution of money. We will ensure that every dollar is accounted for and is being spent to directly support frontline communities and establish a report of this accounting. Furthermore, we will not take any money raised through the hurricane effort for our own administrative purposes, and we will contribute directly to the fund from emergency funding available to us.
Decisions as to which groups will receive money and how this money is distributed are not the job of the Sierra Club or any other national organization. Instead we will be using our relationships with partner organizations to lead with Jemez principles and work together in mutuality and solidarity, and build just relationships among all groups involved.
If you prefer to donate directly to relief and recovery efforts on the ground and know what organization you want to give to, we encourage you to do so. If you don’t know which organizations, this fund is a way to ensure your gift will help those who need it most.
There is still much unknown about how this recovery will evolve. But we believe and know from experience that centering our values of equity and justice is critical to the recovery effort. It is the only way to build trust in our communities, to heal the wounds of the past, and to build toward a better society for all.