Praying for Texas

by Pete Sessions on September 5, 2017 at 3:37 PM

As Hurricane Harvey swept through the southern part of our state, we have seen the images of the devastation and the destruction brought upon by this horrific storm. However, with these horrific images, we have also seen neighbors helping neighbors, strangers caring for strangers, and an outpouring of love, prayers, and support from Texans across the state and Americans across the country. While it will take time to rebuild the communities that have been torn apart by possibly the worst natural catastrophe in our nation’s history, I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress and the Administration to ensure that Texas families have the resources they need to get back on their feet.

There has been an immense effort here in Dallas to help our neighbors impacted by this catastrophe. I had the opportunity to visit one of the four shelters that we have opened in Dallas and receive an update on how many evacuees can be housed there as well as the resources and volunteer services that they need. If you would like to help those impacted by the hurricane please read below for more information. As we continue to navigate the impacts of this devastating storm, I join my fellow Texans in offering all that I can to support our Texas family. #TexasStrong

How Can You Help?

The compassion of the American people is already evident in their response to the destruction the storm has caused. People can help by donating or volunteering with the voluntary or charitable organization of their choice, many of which are already in south Texas supporting survivors, even as the rain and wind continue. Visit www.nvoad.org and https://txvoad.communityos.org to learn more.
For those who have been able to return to their homes and found damages call your insurance company if you have coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program is authorizing advance payments of NFIP claims to expedite recovery.
Registering online, at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, is the quickest way to register for FEMA assistance since the event will last several days and the full scope of damages may not be evident until the storm has passed.
To report a missing child, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-866-908-9570. Anyone who finds an unaccompanied child who may have been separated from their parents or caregivers should contact the local police, or enter basic information and/or a photo into the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's Unaccompanied Minors Registry or call 1-866-908-9570, If your missing child has a disability or access and functional need, please let the Registry know when you can contact them.
Family and friends of those in the affected areas are urged to check social network sites like Facebook or Twitter for information about your loved ones, or use the American Red Cross’s Safe and Well program, to let family members know they are safe, or looking for loved ones.

Life Safety

To find friends and family or to register yourself as safe, visit: https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/Anyone needing help (not a life-threatening emergency): 211
To find a shelter, visit www.Redcross.org/shelter or call 800-RED-CROSS
To report a missing child, contact the National Emergency Child Locator Center: 866-908-9570
To talk to a professional who can help you cope with emotional distress from the storm, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, visit https://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov, or text TalkWithUs to 66746.

HARRIS COUNTY specific