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.
$20 MILLION!https://t.co/SR6DmnNbyM pic.twitter.com/JVQUlLKUsU
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) September 5, 2017
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.”
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.