The estimates of the impact of Hurricane Harvey in Texas are staggering. There has been loss of life and devastating destruction of homes and businesses from the flooding. Many thousands have been or will yet be displaced. Shelters are opening outside the immediate impact zone of the storm in Dallas and elsewhere.
We are working with NNYM state coordinator, Mark Whittaker, as well as our Houston area coordinator, John Butler, to find ways that adult youth leaders (initially) and youth groups (later) might be involved in helping and compassionately representing the body of Christ to help people cope with the disaster, and recover their lives.
Some of the needs are immediate, while others will open up in the weeks and months to come.
Here are a few initial ideas about how to help.
- Help as a volunteer in a shelter. Fleets of buses are waiting to shuttle people from Houston to shelters out of the storm area, as soon as roads are passable. We understand that adults in the Dallas area can volunteer to help with the shelter at through this website: www.dallashelpforharvey.net. You many want to explore this as a leader, and discern how to involved others from your church or ministry.
- You can pre-register to be a volunteer in Dallas at the "mega-shelter" as needs arise by following the steps HERE.
- Donate
- There are specific items listed on the www.dallashelpforharvey.net website.
- You can make a donation to the American Red Cross through that page.
- Donate to the Salvation Army Houston relief effort.
- Somebody Cares International is a Christian relief ministry that is headquartered in Houston and actively participating in helping, even during the storm. Consider getting involved through their website.
- Above ALL - PRAY. Please pray for the needs you see on the news. Ask God to show you how your church or ministry can get involved.
- Plan to get involved with families after the storm is passed. We will post opportunities as we become aware of them on our NNYM Facebook page. Coordinate with Mark Whittaker (mwhittaker@nnym.org) regarding future opportunities. Groups will be needed to serve as work teams and minister to families.
Better Together,
Doug Clark
National Field Director