Austin real estate professional Cord Shiflet has launched a new Facebook group designed to connect families recovering from the devastating Texas floods directly with people offering furniture, appliances, tools, building materials and other necessities.
The group, called “Cord’s Corner,” provides a centralized place where people can offer useful items at no cost and flood survivors can find the things they need to begin rebuilding their homes and lives.
Shiflet, a longtime Austin Realtor and community fundraiser, said the idea grew out of the extraordinary response he has received while helping with flood recovery efforts. When Shiflet posts about a specific need, friends and other community members frequently read the post and immediately step forward to meet it.
In recent weeks, he said, neighbors have contacted him offering couches, refrigerators, recreational vehicles, beds, clothing, tools and construction materials.
“The generosity has been awesome,” Shiflet wrote in announcing the group. “The problem isn’t finding people who want to help. The problem is connecting those generous people with the families who actually need these items.”
Cord’s Corner is intended to make those connections without requiring Shiflet to personally coordinate every donation.
People with items that could help a family recover can post them in the group. Flood survivors can join, review what is available and communicate directly with donors. Everything offered through the page must be free.
“No buying. No selling. No trading. Just neighbors helping neighbors,” Shiflet wrote.
Shiflet said donors and recipients will be responsible for arranging pickups and deliveries. He also urged people giving away valuable items to use good judgment because disasters can attract people seeking to take advantage of charitable efforts.
For significant donations, Shiflet suggested asking recipients for simple documentation showing that they were affected by the floods. That could include a driver’s license showing an address in an affected area, a recent utility bill or insurance paperwork.
“It only takes a minute and helps make sure your generosity reaches the people it’s intended for,” he wrote.
Shiflet has been a licensed Realtor since 1997 and has long been active in Austin-area charitable and civic organizations. His latest project builds on the network of friends, clients and community members who have responded to his flood-relief posts by donating money, supplies and labor.
“My hope is simply that Cord’s Corner becomes a place where generosity finds the people who need it most,” Shiflet wrote.
People who have something to donate or know someone rebuilding after the floods can join Cord’s Corner at:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/192JkLESCp/
The group’s motto is: “Come and Take It. Helping Neighbors Get Home Again.”
Texas Reporter 