As Houston and the rest of Texas continues to thaw out from the historic Arctic blast that wreaked so much havoc this week, the cold will soon be a distant memory, but it's already clear that Houstonians are going to be grappling with other issues related to the storm. However, Houston is a town you can count on when the going gets tough, and that includes services, charities, and nonprofits that are here to help out our most vulnerable Houstonians. The city, as always, is on it. 

"I have seen since I've been mayor that the storms come and the storms go, but for people who are already on the margins of life it takes them a lot longer—a lot longer—to recover," Mayor Sylvester Turner said on Friday, as he announced the Houston Relief Fund would soon be back up and taking donations. "The reality is that until the least of the people in our city recover, we are still not yet full recovered." 

In the meantime, there are plenty of other organizations that could use some assistance, and there's plenty of things people may need, so if you want to be of service, or are in need of help yourself, you might hit up these nonprofits and local charities:

American Red Cross: The national organization is already on hand here and has set up warming centers and shelters across town. You can donate to them at redcross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast.

CrowdSource Rescue: A neighbor-to-neighbor volunteer organization that sprang up after Hurricane Harvey. They're still at it so go to crowdsourcerescue.com for more information. 

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center: The blood supply is low, so here's a way you can help even if you don't have the funds to spare. Find a spot to donate at giveblood.org.

Houston Area Women's Center: This org offers shelter and support for domestic violence victims; you can learn more about what it does and how to donate at hawc.org.

Houston Food Bank: As we've already noted, the largest food bank in the United States needs a hand right now. Go to houstonfoodbank.org to find out more. 

Interfaith Ministries: This is an organization that runs Meals on Wheels and a plethora of other services to our community. Go to imgh.org for more information. 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Many may be struggling with this added level of stress, but this organization is here. Call 800-273-8255 for English and 888-628-9454 for Spanish.

Star of Hope: This homeless shelter is taking donations of toiletries such as lotion, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and hair brushes, plus diapers (size 0) and pull-ups (size 4T and 5T); underwear for men and women; towels; washcloths; and twin sheets and blankets. Go to sohmission.org for more information. 

Email [email protected] if you would like your organization to be added to this ongoing list.