5 Commercial Properties Opening Their Doors To Flood Evacuees

As millions of residents in the Houston area deal with the catastrophic effects of record-breaking flooding, some local business owners have opened their doors to those in need. 

Gallery Furniture 

Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale is welcoming evacuees in Gallery Furniture. The location off I-45 North between Tidwell and Parker is stocked with food, water and plenty of mattresses. 

"Houstonians have a safe, dry place to take shelter at Gallery Furniture so if they can get here they are welcome," McIngvale said. "We hope to give them some comfort in this incredibly difficult time."

The shelter is seeking any pet kennels or crates that can be spared. 

George R. Brown Convention Center

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner opened the city’s Downtown convention center to residents fleeing record flooding. The 1.9M SF prime location Downtown has been a gathering point for supplies and volunteers. In addition to GRBCC, the city has designated numerous multi-service centers throughout the city. The full list can be found here.

Sam Houston Race Park

Equine evacuees have a home at Sam Houston Race Park, which is stabling horses for free, as it has for past natural disasters. Click2Houston has more information on how to get horses into its facilities.

Pinkerton's BBQ

Pinkerton's proudly declared it would be selling barbecue come "hell or high water." The restaurant has kept its word, even keeping the bar open after it sold out of food on Sunday. Throughout the weekend Pinkerton's line was out the door as the staff and owner went above and beyond to feed hungry Houstonians. 

Waffle House

Waffle House is known for keeping things running. The famed restaurant with 16 Houston locations has "jump teams" in place to resume operations as soon as possible. In fact, Waffle House is so good at staying open, there is an entire disaster classification system based on its operation. Harvey may have battered Houston, but you can still can get waffles.