Hope and Challenges Remain One-Year After Hurricane Harvey Devastates the Coastal Bend
Area communities recognize and commemorate the storm as long-term recovery continues
SINTON, Texas, Aug. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- One year ago on Aug. 25, Category Four Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Texas Gulf Coast. The last major hurricane to hit the region was Hurricane Celia in August of 1970. The eye of Hurricane Harvey first made landfall around 10:00 p.m. in the Rockport-Fulton area, which caused an estimated $125 billion in damage according to the National Hurricane Center. The affected Coastal Bend counties include: Aransas, Bee, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio. Federal Emergency Management Agency reported 738,000 people across the State have registered for assistance. One year following the aftermath of this devastating storm, Coastal Bend residents are still in the midst of recovery. The Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group (CBDRG) along with a number of other nonprofit and volunteer groups in the area are helping disaster survivors with their unmet needs. With an estimated 2,000 regional cases still needing assistance, an estimated $30 million is the projected total required to fund these unmet needs in the Coastal Bend region.
"Successful long-term recovery will take a sustained effort for a significant time in the future," said CBDRG president, Rev. Beth Tatum. "This is achieved through sustainability of collaboration and partnerships, additional funding opportunities and the continued donation of labor and materials."
"Everyone has a role, community-led recovery starts and finishes locally with neighbors helping neighbors return to their homes," Tatum continued. "Volunteers and skilled laborers are needed to complete on-going home repair and reconstruction projects and begin numerous pending projects already identified." For more information on how to fulfill needed labor gaps, please visit the Volunteer page at www.coastalbenddrg.org.
"We recognize the challenges ahead on the road to recovery and are committed to staying focused on the vulnerable families who still have significant unmet needs resulting from the hurricane and are unable to recover on their own," said CBDRG executive director, Warren Phipps. "Each success is the product of so many – from our generous private donors, to disaster case management organizations, and the numerous faith-based organizations providing the legions of volunteers."
The ability to sustain this effort is best achieved through collaborative partnerships, full cooperation and the unfettered spirit of "Texas Strong," shared Phipps.
"Though the tasks that lie ahead may seem insurmountable, there are glimmers of hope all around as the Coastal Bend continues to recover," said Tatum. "It is important to honor every milestone and keep moving forward in a positive direction."
Several communities and organizations are planning unique events including: fence decorating at the Texas Maritime Museum in Rockport and Charlotte Plummer's in Fulton, a First Responders' program and a Harvey reflection event in Aransas County, a First Responders' Appreciation Night at a Corpus Christi Hooks game sponsored by Texans Recovering Together, a region-wide moment of silence at 8:03 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 24 and a community prayer is being offered to all area churches to be read at Sunday services. A full calendar of events will be provided by sending a request by email.
ABOUT COASTAL BEND DISASTER RECOVERY GROUP
The Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group (CBDRG) is a volunteer-based coalition created to address the unmet needs of Coastal Bend area residents affected by disaster. CBDRG is a State/FEMA recognized long-term recovery organization, and is registered with the State of Texas as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation as authorized by the IRS. Established in 2015, CBDRG was formed to continuously coordinate long-term disaster recovery within the eleven county region of the Texas Coastal Bend (Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, San Patricio, and Refugio) for current and future disasters.
Volunteer Groups and individuals can sign up to join our efforts at our website www.coastalbenddrg.org or email [email protected].
Media Contact:
Kara Rivas
Phone: 361.884.1518
Email: [email protected]
Related Images
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Volunteer building a ramp for manufactured home
Christian Public Services volunteers build a new ramp for a manufactured home replacement.
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Volunteer cuts plywood for home rebuild
Christian Public Services volunteer measures and cuts wood for a home rebuild
rebuild-home-in-refugio-texas.jpg
Rebuild home in Refugio, Texas close to completion
cbdrg-board-president-beth-tatum.jpg
CBDRG Board President, Beth Tatum, hands over keys to completed rebuilt home in Refugio resident
Related Links
Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group
SOURCE Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group
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