SCA Harvey Relief Update: Sunday, August 27, 2017
Somebody Cares America’s ministry network is rallying to respond to the widespread and unprecedented destruction from Hurricane Harvey. Assessments are coming in from communities spreading from Corpus Christi to Victoria to Rockport and Houston, as far as Beaumont and Jasper/Newton Counties. Officials estimate that at least ½ of Texas’ 25+ million residents have been impacted by the storm. Extensive flooding, damage from high winds as well as tornados have left millions feeling Harvey’s brutal impact.
Somebody Cares has been fielding and responding to calls for help throughout the region: helping connect those stranded by rising waters with rescue teams; assessing needs in shelters to mobilize resources; identifying staging areas for feeding and distribution stations; communicating important safety notices through our community network, as well as situational updates to network partners nationwide; and facilitating the collaboration of numerous churches and ministries to begin bringing in aid.
A small glimpse of Harvey’s destruction in Rockport
SCA’s initial base is located in Rockport, a city where 130 mph winds ripped off roofs and decimated buildings. Working in partnership with the County Judge and area churches, SCA with partners Somebody Cares San Antonio and Mercy Chefs, will begin serving hot meals to first responders and residents tomorrow, Monday. A second site is expected to open by mid-week in or near Pearland, a suburb of Houston that has experienced widespread flooding and power outages. Once the sites are ready to receive truckloads of supplies, appropriate resources will be directed to each location for distribution in the community. Crisis chaplains will also be available at each site. We will establish additional sites as pockets of need are located and resources allow.
Product like hygiene items, cleaning supplies, baby supplies, drinks and non-perishable food items are being sourced from across the country; with several truckloads, already on their way to the disaster zone.
The needs are massive and only the Church united can begin to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs that we are just beginning to find. Please pray that Harvey moves off the coast and dies offshore, or additional flooding and misery is imminent. Please also pray for the safety of first responders, those waiting for rescue, and relief teams traveling from across the country to be a tangible expression of God’s love to the hurting.
SCA can only undertake this massive response with the help of hundreds and thousands of caring friends and partner churches praying, volunteering and donating. Please consider making a generous financial gift today!