FAITH MISSION’S CANNERY KITCHEN FEEDS FIRST RESPONDERS

  

This (Monday) morning some 120 First Responders gathered for breakfast at the Cannery Kitchen. Many had worked all night and others were about to begin their shift. Approximately 25 volunteers, including many community leaders, were there to serve them breakfast and wish them well for the day.

Faith Mission, which operates the Cannery Kitchen is the designated Emergency Volunteer Coordination organization for the City of Brenham and Washington County.  The Cannery Kitchen becomes the center for First Responder services and volunteer activities.  During a disaster event the Cannery Kitchen is opened 24 hours a day to assist First Responders as they work through emergencies in the County.

Brenham is still designated as a pass through city for Hurricane evacuees.  At this time Faith Mission is not housing evacuees here, but they are prepared to do so if that designation changes.  Faith Mission has set up Hurricane Relief funds at Brenham National Bank, Citizens State Bank, and Bank of Brenham if residents would like to give towards the local effort. (Photos courtesy of Faith Mission)

From Faith Mission CEO J.D. Young:

"Their are some people asking why Faith Mission does not have an official shelter site open in Brenham. This is a combined planning decision that starts at the State level.  They have a very detailed plan that moves in stages depending on the specific conditions in any County.  Sites are always established in those areas where people are actually being displaced (immediate local need). Additional sites (for evacuees) are designated in areas far enough away from the storm to reduce the possibility of a second evacuation of the same people.  Those counties that are still at risk of the storm (but do not have high damage) are designated as pass-through counties which moves people on to less risky areas.  Washington County has been under the pass-through designation since the storm came on shore. This could change quickly depending on circumstances.  But, as of now, the disaster planners do not want people stopping in pass-through counties.  Our local decision makers are properly following the plan set out by the state and limit the risk to those needing shelter. "