Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is The Burmese American Association Of Texas?

The Burmese American Association of Texas is a non-partisan, cultural and social organization. We have served the Burmese community throughout Texas for over 25 years. We work to educate the wider Texas community about the beauty of all things Burmese. For more information about BAAT and its Cyclone Relief efforts, please go to www.baatx.org.

Why Is There A Need For Relief?

Tsunami-like storm surge with extreme winds destroyed an est. 95% of housing in the Irrawaddy delta. According to the UN, about 1.5 million people are on the verge of facing a public health disaster. Burmese doctors struggle to keep up with the needs and say that famine and disease are just around the corner. Death toll exceeded 100,000 and UN Depart of Humanitarian Affairs states over 200K are missing. Acute environmental issues pose an immediate risk to human life and health. Thousands of families lost all of their farming assets and foods stored for the rest of the year.

Will Donations Go Directly To The People?

The Houston Burmese community is lucky in that there are professionals with strong ties to development and aid organizations that have the experience and ability to work creatively to meet the peoples needs inside the country. Through our contacts, BAAT will ensure that funds donated will be distributed directly to affected areas outside official channels and go directly to the people impacted.

Are You Or Anyone In The Process Taking Any Fees?

There are NO fees for cash or check donations.There is a small percentage fee through credit card via pay pal.BAAT members are all volunteers.

Who are BAAT partners?

We have decided to work with CARE, Charity Alliance of Burmese Americans and through local reputable faith based charities, including the Theravada Dhamma Society of America which has been conducting non governmental philanthropic work for over 3 decades.

How Can I Donate?

  1. Donations by cash/check, please mail to:

    Burmese American Association of Texas (BAAT)
    P.O. Box 3359
    Sugar Land, Tx 77487

    Pay To: BAAT
    Memo: Myanmar Cyclone Relief Fund (MCRF)

  2. Donations by Credit Cards, please follow the link to AAFS
  1. Donations by phone, please call AAFS at 713-339-3688
  1. Donations by Credit Cards directly to CARE, please follow this link.

What Can I Do Besides Donate?

Stay informed. Work with the local Burmese community to help us step up our advocacy efforts. If anyone from the community would like to get more involved in our efforts, they can go to our website www.baatx.org and email us. We would like to appeal to the public to support our efforts and also to assist us in reaching other Texans through their existing networks.
Stay tuned to fundraising events on this website in the up-coming months. BAAT will need volunteers for these events. If you wish to volunteer with us, please email us.
There are many websites, including the United Nations Office of Humanitarian Aide and well respect relief agencies such as CARE, where you can find the latest news on the situation.

Are There People Living In Houston Directly Impacted by the Cyclone?

At this time we cannot determine the extent of the loss of life. Some have had contact and some have been contacting and havent received word. Unfortunately we are all affected by this storm since most of us still have family back home.

Who Are The Organizers?

We are people originated from Burma. We now live overseas working or studying. We are under the umbrella of Burmese American Association of Texas. We wish to assist the people with a desire to help victims of the cyclone in Burma. This is not about usthis is about victims and we do this work without any compensation.

How Are The Donations Going To Be Used Exactly?

Since the BAAT is non-biased, non-political association, none of the donations will go to the government or political parties or their associates.

  1. We will send funds to CABA until  $100,000 matching limit is reached.
    1. We are confident that the money sent to CABA will go directly to the families affected the most in Burma. 
    2. We are able to do this due to the close ties CABA  already has deep within the affected areas.  
    3. With the 1 to 1 dollar matching from B.K. Kee foundation, 200% of your money donated will be put to use where the needs are most urgent. (up to 100K)
    4. We will do our very best to update the donors when $100k matching is met and begin working with the other organizations
  1. We will distribute funds to TDSA, where the Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw has been aiding the victims within the Sitagu monastery in the affected areas
  2. We will distribute donations to CARE international organization.
  3. We may also distribute other private NGOs operating inside Burma with the best efficiency.

Does BAAT Issue Receipts For Donations? Is This Tax-Deductable?

YES. The organizations we use will send receipts directly to the donor.

I Think I Can Help You And I Want To Help, How Can I Do So?

Please email us or call us. Every cent of help will be appreciated.

I Still Have Few Questions, Can You Answer Me?

Please drop us an email, we will be happy to answer your questions.

CONTACTS:

Mr. Myo Aye Thane President 281-221-6255
Ms. Aye Khaine Member 832-563-4827