January 27, 2009 – With the onset of a new year, Somebody Cares has shifted its Hurricane Ike focus from relief to long-term recovery and restoration of lives.

While partner sites continue to distribute hot meals, groceries, household items, and clothing, all sites are ready to begin facilitating skilled construction teams in addition to general clean-up teams. Thousands of dollars in construction supplies—including doors, countertops, flooring, lighting and bathroom fixtures—has already been distributed from Somebody Cares to construction teams working in Orange TX, Beaumont, Galveston, Oak Island, and other locations.

“Somebody Cares is always committed to empowering the local churches and ministries,” says Doug Stringer. “The local churches are still around serving their communities when the bigger agencies leave.”

On Saturday, February 21, Somebody Cares will be hosting a “Home Fair” in conjunction with Oak Island Baptist Church in Oak Island. The main purpose will be to survey residents’ homes for construction grant applications. There will also be informative sessions and demonstrations for the many individuals who are doing their own repairs.

“We will be hosting a town hall meeting with Chambers County officials and local builders to assist residents in the process of beginning again after Hurricane Ike,” says Vickie Dalton, Somebody Cares Outreach Coordinator.

This summer, Somebody Cares and our ministry partners will coordinate over 1400 volunteers who will be coming to the area as part of Group Magazine’s Summer “Work Camps.” Teams from other states, as well, are scheduled to assist during the next few months. Times Square Church in New York City is sending their third work-team over Easter weekend and local churches—including Lakewood Church—continue providing teams as well.

“Much work remains to done,” Doug says. “But we are so thankful for all of those who have partnered with us through prayer, finances, in-kind donations, and manpower as we equip, empower, and encourage the local churches to rebuild homes and more importantly, rebuild lives.”

Please join the critical work of Somebody Cares and rebuild a life! Donate Now!