Send Money, Not 'Stuff', for Harvey Victims

Conferences Report Damage to Many Churches

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United Methodists have long had a heart for helping people in need. The urge to help victims of Hurricane Harvey in South Texas rose dramatically as horrific reports from flooding rolled in, but disaster response experts say don't jump in with assistance yet.

For one thing, as of Monday, Aug. 28, the disaster was still unfolding. Although downgraded to a tropical storm, Harvey stalled over Houston, the USA's fourth largest city, and was predicted to drop as much as 50 inches of rain over the region through Thursday. It may take months to fully assess Harvey's damage, according to weather, insurance and government experts.

Meanwhile, flooding victims who have been rescued are still trying to find longer-term shelter. Many have lost most possessions and are suffering from the shock of being dispossessed.

The Houston-based Texas Annual Conference posted this plea on its Facebook page:

"According to our TAC Disaster Response team, the best way to help victims of Hurricane Harvey are as follows.

"Monetary donations: These can be made directly to UMCOR Domestic Disaster Response, Advance #901670, at www.umcor.org If churches receive monetary donations for disaster relief, please send these to the conference treasurer's office marked "Disaster Relief." We will utilize the contributions accordingly.

"Assembling Cleaning Kits: Also known as Flood Buckets ... A list of kit supplies can be found at http://www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Relief-Supplies/Relief-Supply-Kits/Cleaning. [A video explains how to assemble the kits, which should be sent to UMCOR's Sager-Brown warehouse in Louisiana at the address on UMCOR's website]."

The San Antonio-based Rio Texas Conference includes Corpus Christi and Port Aransas where Harvey made landfall. The conference website has posted photos of some of the churches reported damaged thus far.

Rio Texas also has set up a web page devoted to updates on Harvey, including how to donate to relief efforts. The conference posted this request:

"Hurricane Harvey continues to cause widespread damage throughout Rio Texas.  We anticipate needing response teams this week, so now is the time to get prepared.  Disaster response needs/call outs will be communicated via email and on the Disaster Response Facebook page. If you are ERT Certified, now is the time to sign up as an individual or a team."

The Fort Worth-based Central Texas Conference, which extends as far as Temple, Texas, south of Austin, urged "Prayers and Patience Remain the Best Course of Action" in Monday post on its Hurricane Harvey web page.

"Hurricane Harvey continues to devastate coastal Texas with unprecedented rain and record flooding. The situation is evolving and the crisis is not expected to pass for several more days. We will see more evacuees and property loss as the rain continues. The primary focus right now is on preventing loss of life. 

"Authorities estimate that at least 30,000 people will need shelter in the next day or two, and we have already seen some of those folks come into our conference seeking refuge. We have learned that Killeen FUMC is currently hosting seven people and is prepared to help as many as 100 at a time."

The Louisiana Annual Conference suffered fewer effects from Harvey thus far. Recalling its experience with Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Louisiana posted a message of support on its Facebook page: "Stay Strong, Texas. We Are With You." Bishop Cynthia Harvey urged Louisiana United Methodists to pray for hurricane victims and to contribute to UMCOR.

United Methodist Insight will monitor Hurricane Harvey's impact on Texas churches as the disaster continues to unfold. For more information on flood damage to Houston churches, see "Harvey Floods Hit Houston Churches" by Sam Hodges on United Methodist News Service.

Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.