Best Post-Winter Storm Aid

Locals Helping Locals

The winter storm which swept through Texas last week left many Austinites without the basic necessities. With many in need of help, these local establishments have stepped up to provide a variety of resources.

Austin Disaster Relief Network is offering free showers and laundry to those who do not have access to hot water. For locations and to register, visit adrn.org.

With the help of donations from locals and a whole truckload of Meal Simple Meals from H-E-B, the Central Texas Food Bank is ready to distribute fresh meals to locals. Check online for distribution times and locations.

In partnership with Austin Food & Wine Alliance and Whole Foods, free meals will be distributed Tuesday, February 23 for those who still need food. Veracruz All Natural has 400 tacos to distribute from 2-4pm at their Line Hotel location, 111 E Cesar Chavez Street. Juliet Italian Kitchen has vegetarian options only and will be distributing from 2-6pm at 1500 Barton Springs Road. Juan in a Million has tacos available from 8am until sold out. East Side King and Asador will be serving the community with gluten free and veggie options starting at 11am for East side King (1618 E. Sixth St.) and 4-8pm for Asador (80 Rainey St.).

Lazarus Brewing is open and helping those in need in a variety of ways. The brewery is providing free clean water to anyone who brings their own container. They have also set up a Go Fund Me to help provide food, water, and repairs for Eastside residents. 100% of funds raised will go to help families in need and local charitable organizations which specialize in disaster recover.
1902 E 6th St.

Fill up a jug of distilled water for free while waiting for a sandwich at Rebel Cheese. The local shop has said it will provide clean water until there is no longer a need.
2200 Aldrich St., Ste 120

Batch Craft Beer and Kolaches has plenty of clean water to share and is offering to fill containers for free. Make sure to pick up a couple of kolaches or beer to go while there.
3220 Manor Rd.

Prep to Your Door is distributing free water fill ups at its location in East Austin. The company also took note of the grocery stores being overloaded, understocked or still closed. In response, it set up a Go Fund Me to raise money to provide fresh meals to those in need.  
507 Calles St. #100

Though it is operating with a limited menu, Meanwhile Brewing Company is offering up to five gallons of clean water per household. Water is available until the brewery runs out.
3901 Promontory Point Dr.

Red Beans & Ricely Yours understands the need for a home-cooked meal so it is offering a sign-up sheet to register for food. Meals are delivered each Sunday afternoon. Because there are so many in need currently, they are asking that families do not sign up two weeks in a row for assistance.

Salt and Time has prepared and delivered over 1,000 meals to members throughout the community and expects to double the amount within the next several days.
1912 E 7th St.

Honorable Mentions

Many additional businesses have offered aid to residents, shelters and hospitals throughout the week. While they may not currently be offering additional assistance to the public, they have helped their neighbors during a time of need.

IDEA Public Schools Child Nutrition Program served nearly 280,000 free meals last week for families affected by the winter storm in Texas and southern Louisiana.

Hopdoddy’s, Home Slice Pizza, and Sala & Betty prepared meals for first responders, shelters, and hospitals in need.

Frida Friday ATX began delivering meals when they noticed a strong need. With the help of volunteers, Pueblo Viejo Traila and Tamale House and more, the company has provided over 1,000 meals to homes across the Austin area.

Ciscos, Discada, Buenos Aires Cafe, and many others worked tirelessly through the melting ice and snow to serve the hungry community last week and even through the weekend.

We are so proud of how this community (without hesitation) stepped up to care for one another during this trying time. It truly is through simple acts of kindness, generosity and service that we will survive and build an even stonier community. 

If you know of a business not listed which is currently still providing assistance, please leave a comment below.