Quiet Heroes - Voluntary Agencies
Release Date: July 3, 2001
Release Number: 1379-53
» More Information on Texas Severe Storms & Flooding
Houston, TX -- At the root of every disaster, there are people who rise to the occasion and move into action immediately. These special people - volunteers - give their time and energy unselfishly.
For days, Tropical Storm Allison flooded Southeast Texas with several feet of rain. Even before government agencies were able to mobilize relief efforts, volunteer agencies opened their hearts, their warehouses and their purses.
The waters have receded. Rainbows of volunteers and volunteer agencies have spread across regions where Allison showed her wrath. Working together with local, state and federal agencies, voluntary agencies are helping Texans find the path to the road of recovery.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Division of Emergency Management (DEM), Texas Department of Public Safety, praise the sacrifices and efforts of those who responded to the needs of flood victims affected by Tropical Storm Allison.
Volunteer agencies are also coordinating and teaming up with local and national corporate partners to serve those affected by Allison. Many volunteers stand ready and willing to help by putting up signs and distributing flyers, helping residents fill out forms, providing counseling, locating and speaking with apartment managers, and walking door-to-door to provide information and assessments of needs.
Volunteer groups are the eyes and ears for critical disaster information, the voices of sympathy and the shoulders for many to cry on. They are the helping hands. Although these credible organizations are formed to help victims in a time of tragedy, there are some individuals or groups who take advantage of those in distress. It is important to remember to look toward credible, long-standing agencies for help or referrals.
The goal of volunteer agencies is to ease the suffering of others. As immediate needs were met, volunteers ensured the well being of flood-affected Texans. Their efforts remain ongoing during the recovery process. Because of the tireless efforts of these quiet heroes, the quality of life has been improved for every person touched by these unsung heroes.
The following information illustrates some of the valiant efforts of volunteer agencies at work because of Allison. Website addresses are also included for many of the agencies. Many of these agencies are continuing with their relief efforts.
Adventist Community Services- Distributed clothing and personal care kits via mobile units.
American Red Cross- Provided shelter, food and emergency assistance to families. www.redcross.org
Associated Catholic Charities- Offered refuge and immigration services, as well as counseling. Parish churches collected and distributed food, clothing and hygiene products. www.catholiccharities.org
Atascocita Community Church- Provided cleanup and food by coordinating with local churches. www.atascocita.org
Building Lives Offering Community (B.L.O.C.K.)- Provided food and clothing.
Boston Piano Religious Trust- Provided grants to damaged or destroyed churches.
Church World Service- Consulted to provide guidance for interfaith development.
Episcopal Diocese of Texas- Activated their mobile medical van to provide tetanus shots for workers throughout the affected area. Also, continues to provide volunteers for cleanup home repair and rebuilding. www.sleh.com/sleh
Goodwill- Provided clothing vouchers. www.goodwill.org
Houston Food Bank- Provided donated food and cleaning supplies to member agencies. www.secondharvest.com
Iglesia Jesucristo La Roca- Provided members with clothes, food and transportation.
Interfaith of the Woodlands- Provided food, clothing and cleanup supplies in the Woodlands area and will be involved in long-term recovery. www.woodlandsinterfaith.org
Jewish, American Jewish Committee- collected and distributed plus size clothing. Provided funds to the Interfaith for long-term recovery. www.houstonjewish.org
Kid Care, Inc.- Delivered meals to children and provided healthcare and clothing. www.kid-care.com
Lakewood Church- Coordinated Mayor Brown's "Adopt a Family" Program and collected and distributed donated goods.
Lutheran Social Services of the South- Provided counseling and cleanup volunteers and will repair and rebuild homes.
Mennonite Disaster Service- Will repair and rebuild homes by referral from Red Cross and Interfaith.
Methodist, 1st UMC Pasadena- Served as a distribution site for flood buckets.
Methodist, Springwoods UMC- Collected and distributed food and assisted with cleanup.
Methodist, UMCOR- Conducted flooded home cleanup and distributed flood buckets. Will repair and rebuild homes. www.methodists.net
Neighborhood Centers- Offered cleanup of flooded homes of senior citizens. www.neighborhoodcenters.org
New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church- Collected and distributed food, clothing and cleaning supplies.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance- Will repair and help construct homes.
Presbyterian, Grace Presbyterian Church- Participated in cleanup and delivery of hot meals in conjunction with Texas Baptist Men.
Project Noah- Provided babysitting during cleanup, curriculum for home schooling and lawn care
Reach Out America, International- Offered warehouses, forklifts and trucks for distribution.
Stephen Ministries- Provided pastoral care.
Texas Baptist Men- Prepared hot food for American Red Cross and developed "mud out" crews.
The Salvation Army- Supplied food, clothing, cleaning supplies and vouchers. www.salvationarmyusa.org
United Way of Texas Gulf Coast - Participated in long-term recovery. www.uwtgc.org
Valentine Foundation- Will give away used vehicles to those who lost their automobiles in the flooding.
Volunteer Houston- Provided volunteers to agencies. www.volunteerhouston.org
Volunteer Interfaith Caregivers- Provided transportation and emergency home repairs.
Volunteers of America- Provided clothing, household items and furniture. www.voatx.org
Week of Compassion- Provided donations, labor and food.
Last Modified: Friday, 17-Oct-2003 16:16:40