SALVATION ARMY SUPPORTS WASHINGTON COUNTY STORM VICTIMS
Two weeks ago today Washington County experienced the worst flood in its history, and as our local 1st responder teams did heroic work, there was a non-local group that stepped in right on time. During the course of sixteen hours torrential rain and flooding throughout the night, six shelters were set-up. As dawning of Friday took place many areas of our county was without power and water. After spending the night at Fireman’s Training Center with over thirty people rescued from the storm, Rev. Randy Wells, received a phone call on Friday morning at 7:00am from LuVenia Owen, Salvation Army Texas Division Region Service Extension Representative Region 1. Mrs. Owens said “I’ve heard about the devastation in Washington County and what do you need to do the help.” With 105 and FM 50 nearly impassable with 4 hours Salvation Army sent a semi-truck filled with water, cleaning supplies, sleeping cots, and other supplies. Faith Mission has served as the Service Unit for Salvation Army Washington County for the thirty years of its existence. They provide local resources for fire victims and other forms of assistance for resident of our county as administered by Faith Mission. The Tyler and Julie Renken family annual serve as the honorary chairs for the Bell Ringing Campaign at Walmart during the Christmas holidays. As District Attorney Julie Renken is annually quoted as saying, “It is such a pleasure for Tyler, Gabby, and Moriah to serving during the bell ringing campaign knowing all the resources remain in Washington County to help local people.
In addition to sending a semi-truck full of supplies, Mrs. Owens and her boss Melisa Smith Director Service Extension for Salvation Army came to Washington County this past Sunday to provide additional monetary assistance to Washington County. Rev. Wells, Executive Director of Faith Mission says, “Our local people always step up to help our neighbors, and Salvation Army has that same spirit. Other organization have provided assistance and arrived after the immediate disaster but Salvation Army was here day 1 with “real tangible resources to help our people heal.” Faith Mission has been running the Disaster Services Center providing a wide array of service, helping people register with FEMA, as well as access other services regional and nation. Rev. Wells states, “Almost none of our local residents had flood insurance, therefore all of them are in need of total recovery, housing, clothes, food, etc., this recovery is not going to be a sprint but a marathon. To assist financially there have been “Storm Center” bank accounts set-up at Bank of Brenham, Brenham National Bank, and Citizen’s State Bank, or Salvation Army as well. Mr. Smith for Salvation Army stated, “I want to thank Faith Mission and Washington County community for all you have done to help the people need, and we are proud to continue to partner with such a wonderful organization. The Faith Mission Disaster Storm Service Center is open Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00 pm.
Story and photos courtesy of: Rev. Randy Wells