Six weeks after Hurricane Harvey hit, on a humid evening in early October, mold was growing up the sides of houses. Workers had stripped the town hall down to its studs, tossing out the soaked paper, ruined electronics, wet drywall, and warped boards. Outside, bottles and bottles of water were stacked near gallons of soap and lotion. Inside, Mayor Bonnie Stephenson surveyed the empty shell of the municipal building, leaning on a post where the court verdicts used to be given out.

In the wake of the storm, NGOs and government officials have descended on Texas’ Golden Triangle region, helping to strip down and muck out houses and businesses, rehome families, and distribute hot meals. Donated goods arrived from around the United States, too: pallets of water from churches, bags and bags and bags from office clothing drives, groceries and cleaning supplies from businesses—all a testament to American generosity and an acknowledgement of the extraordinary need Harvey created.

The idea is that money is more flexible and low-overhead than goods are, easier for organizations to handle, and more valuable to afflicted individuals. Money lets aid groups and families buy what they need, when they need it, with as little hassle as possible. It also lets them address the needs that they see as most urgent.

Read the full article by Annie Lowrey about Hurricane Harvey recovery from The Atlantic