I’m sure you can agree, this last week felt never-ending. What started out as a fun snow day, turned into loss and tragedy for so many Texans and Houstonians.

In my home, we lost power and water on the coldest night of the storm. There was a moment when it was 12 degrees outside, with absolutely no heat indoors, where the inescapable cold had me wondering whether our boys and puppy (in bed with us) would be able to survive these low temperatures.

This was and still is such a strange and surreal experience that has hit hard and affected so many in our Village Antiques & Amitha Verma family including you, our clients, our staff and more.

Even after getting power and water back on, many are suffering without food and water due to empty grocery stores and busted pipes. Some are even facing structural damage in their homes from ceilings collapsing and walls cracking from the defrost. My heart goes out to every Houstonian, Texan, and those in other Southern states who have also faced difficulty from this event.

If there’s anything my team and I can do to help you and your family, please let us know.

It’s in times like this that my team and I must use our platform to be a voice of help and contribute actionable change to our community and beyond in the best way we can.

To begin, Village Antiques and myself have made a monetary donation to the Houston Food Bank which will provide more than 1000+ meals to those in need.

Several natural disasters have struck my home over the years, so much like the many that are hurting right now, my family and I are all too familiar with the feeling of losing everything.

That’s why it is so important that we educate ourselves on how we can help others.

If you would like to assist us here are some great ways that you can help:

Houston Food Bank

Houston Food Bank, affiliated with Feeding America, is addressing the need for 18 southeast Texas counties affected by the storm, providing food to warming centers and restocking hundreds of food pantries.

Houston Children’s Charity

This charity provides twin mattresses to children who have lost them in a natural disaster. Click here to learn how to donate.

American Red Cross, Greater Houston Chapter

The national nonprofit’s Houston chapter is supporting 36 of the city’s warming centers with cots, blankets and other basic necessities. Click here to learn how to donate or volunteer.

Houston SPCA

For those who want to help our furry friends, the leading animal rescue is working with law enforcement to save animals left out in the cold. Click here to donate.

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Even small acts can make a big difference in the lives of those who are still suffering through the effects that Winter Storm Uri has left them with. Your help can be something as simple as giving to local food and water drives, lending a helping hand, or opening your home to a friend or family member in need.

Again, if me or my team can help you, hit reply or call the store and let me know.

We are in this together and will be stronger for it.

Village Antiques is open, and we’re here for you once you’ve settled back in.

In friendship,

Amitha

P.S. We are open today. If you want to visit our retail location, Village Antiques in Houston, we are open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. You can also reach us at (713) 468 – 3931. Stop on by!

P.P.S. If you are eager and ready to get back into a home project, please head over to our Youtube Channel. After you’ve hit the Subscribe Button, you will be able to enjoy hours of project inspiration. Click here to go to our channel.