Hurricanes have battered Louisiana for generations, and for survivors, the recovery process can last long after the winds die down—when homes are destroyed, lives are uprooted, and hope is nearly lost.

Nestled within the Gulf Coast, Louisiana has a long history of hurricane damage. “According to NOAA’s database, 57 hurricanes have either made landfall in or have tracked over Louisiana as hurricanes from the mid-19th century through 2023. That’s an average of one such hurricane every three years,” reports Weather.com. 

While Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 were among the most catastrophic, more recent storms like Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Category 4 Hurricane Ida in 2020 and 2021 have devastated the state, displacing thousands and contributing to a sharp rise in homelessness. Families were left without essentials like shelter, transportation, employment, and utilities, making it difficult for many to rebuild their lives in the aftermath.

This is the story of one Louisiana resident’s journey from hopelessness to recovery after the storm.

“It Tore the Whole Roof Off…”

Pat is no stranger to adversity, having survived three hurricanes over the years, including Hurricane Rita, which she described as a particularly harrowing experience. “When Rita came, it tore the whole roof off,” she recalled. Despite the trauma of these storms, she remains grateful. “Through three hurricanes I’ve been through, I’m still here.”

Forced to leave her community after the storm, Pat spent seven months in a hotel in New Orleans, trying to navigate an uncertain future. “There were a lot of financial difficulties we went through,” she says, but her faith carried her through those dark times. “I prayed, and God kept me.”

After months of instability, Pat was approved to move into a FEMA trailer in Iowa, Louisiana, before being transferred to a hotel that was acting as a shelter in Lake Charles. Both temporary housing situations were a blessing, but Pat dreamed of a real home that she could bring her family into, and the stability that came with putting the storm behind her.

“I Don’t Mind Starting Over…”

It was during this time that she came across Endeavors, a national humanitarian organization dedicated to helping individuals in crisis. With a long history in both homelessness prevention and hurricane recovery, the organization deployed to the region in November 2023 to respond to the homelessness crisis caused by Hurricanes Delta, Laura, and Ida.

“This opportunity had come about, and I signed up,” she said. With Endeavors’ help, Pat secured an apartment and began to rebuild her life. “I have to start all over again, but I don’t mind starting over. At least I’m living.”

Looking ahead, Pat is determined to regain stability and pursue her long-term goals. “One of my goals is to own a home again,” she shared. She also dreamed of returning to college, so Endeavors provided her with resources to return to school and earn her degree as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

In reflecting on the support she has received from Endeavors, Pat expressed deep gratitude for the assistance provided by the organization. “Y’all helped us really good, and y’all have a great attitude,” she said, praising her case manager in particular. “She’s there, she listens to me, she listens to what I have to say.”

While Pat’s journey is far from over, her resilience and faith have kept her moving forward. With the support of Endeavors, she is confident that her life will continue to improve. “I thank you guys very much,” she said. 

And with her eyes set on the future, Pat is ready for whatever comes next.

A Helping Hand to Every Client, Every Time…

Endeavors is currently assisting hurricane survivors in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas. From safety shelters and evacuation efforts to home repairs, new furniture, and clothing, Endeavors works ceaselessly to help in any way we can. To learn more about our current recovery programs, and submit an application for assistance, visit our Disaster Relief page.

About Endeavors 

Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit endeavors.org. 

The post Louisiana Resident Rebuilds After Hurricanes and Homelessness appeared first on Endeavors®.

The Storms That Changed Everything

In 2020 and 2021, Lake Charles, Louisiana, faced a barrage of natural disasters that seemed almost biblical in their intensity. Two devastating hurricanes, a rare snowstorm, and a flood swept through the community, leaving destruction and heartache in their wake.

Years later, the marks of these calamities are evident everywhere. Fragile blue tarps cling to damaged roofs, businesses remain shuttered, and many residents are still without permanent homes, living in temporary shelters, trailers, or even their cars. The homelessness crisis triggered by these disasters has deeply scarred the community, making the road to recovery slow and fraught with challenges.

In 2023, the Endeavors team arrived in Lake Charles, armed with a grant to help Lake Charles disaster survivors rebuild their lives. 

Residents like Felicia.

An Unimaginable Loss

A resident of Lake Charles, Felicia was hit hard by the one-two punch of Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Before the storm, Felicia had spent half a lifetime building a career in elderly and disability care. She also cared for her mother and niece. She had a home, a community, and a stable career with purpose.

Then, within a single week, her home was struck by both storms. She and her family had evacuated to Texas before Laura hit, narrowly escaping the devastation of three massive trees crashing into their home.

When they returned, they found their home unlivable and everything they owned destroyed. Everything Felicia had worked for was gone.

The loss was more than material. In addition to navigating homelessness and unemployment, Felicia had to manage the emotional and physical well-being of her mother and niece. 

“Dealing with losing everything, including my mom’s health, was overwhelming. We didn’t know where to start over. It took a toll on me, and we had to return to Texas,” she recalls.

Amid the wreckage, Felicia turned to her faith for comfort and strength. “I fasted, prayed, and listened to the calm of His voice,” she says.

Struggling For Stability

Recovering from a natural disaster is a long and arduous journey. Felicia’s mother eventually moved back into her apartment, but Felicia had to move into a temporary FEMA trailer in a remote area. 

Despite the hardships, she expressed gratitude for having a place to stay. “I’m grateful I qualified for [that] program,” she says. She began working for a local charity supporting survivors of Hurricane Ida, slowly regaining her footing.

Living in the trailer was challenging. One day, as she was leaving her trailer to attend a local high school graduation, a car struck her trailer, throwing her 15 feet. “I didn’t know what happened. I couldn’t see. My unit was flipped over, and about three neighbors came out. All I could see was my door open, and I couldn’t see people. I could see their silhouettes.”

At the hospital, doctors confirmed that Felicia had suffered a severe concussion along with injuries to her shoulder, hip, knee, and Achilles tendon. For four months, she lived with ruptured tendons and almost no vision, unable to work, care for others, or make strides toward regaining a permanent home.

Overcoming Devastation With Hope

It wasn’t until Christmas 2022, twenty-seven months after Hurricanes Laura and Delta destroyed her home, that Felicia met Endeavors at an outreach event, marking a new chapter in her life. 

In Lake Charles, Endeavors provides disaster survivors with essential services like rental application assistance, job support, housing stabilization, intensive case management, and referrals to outside resources. 

These services are vital for residents like Felicia, facing homelessness due to Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida. After a brief intake session, Felicia was assigned a Case Manager, Harlie, who quickly found her a safer place to live.

Harlie found Felicia a safe, affordable apartment for Felicia and her niece in a well-looked-after neighborhood.

But they hit one more snag. Despite that her home had been deemed uninhabitable after the storm, Felicia’s electric company was still charging her, and she couldn’t put power in her name at her new apartment until the outstanding bill was paid. Not one to let funds stand in the way of finding a client housing, Harlie reached out to Endeavors’ community partners to fundraise the money and ensure Felicia could get power in her new home.

“I cried so much because I didn’t know what to expect,” Felicia shares. “When I got there, the light of the Lord met me there. My case manager, Miss Harlie, is very dedicated to people. She’s patient, professional, and on time.”

Thanks to these efforts, Felicia was able to pay her deposits, and today, she and her niece have a permanent residence they proudly call “home.” “I’m proud of Harlie,” Felicia says from her kitchen table, surrounded by her bustling family, decorating and arranging furniture. “Proud of all of y’all for showing up for us. I can breathe again. Just yesterday, we started turning this house into a home, and I’m forever grateful.”

How You Can Help Prevent Homelessness After A Natural Disaster

Felicia is one of 93 hurricane survivors who have recently recovered with assistance from the Louisiana Rapid Rehousing Program. If you are a landlord, consider partnering with the Louisiana Rapid Rehousing team. By providing housing to disaster survivors, you can play a crucial role in your community’s recovery process. To learn more about landlord incentives and how you can get involved, please contact us at LRR@endeavors.org or call (337) 240-9050.

Together, we can help more residents like Felicia turn their houses into homes, one day at a time. Let’s rebuild Lake Charles, not just with bricks and mortar, but with compassion, hope, and unwavering support.

About Endeavors

Endeavors is a national service organization that has been assisting vulnerable populations since 1969. Endeavors offers an array of services and programs supporting children, families, Veterans and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters or emergencies. Endeavors serves people in crisis with personalized services. For more information, visit endeavors.org.

The post Rapid Rehousing Proves Lifeline for Louisiana Hurricane Survivor appeared first on Endeavors®.

Natural disasters can strike when we least expect them, and for elderly parents who may have mobility or health limitations, being prepared is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore the steps you can take to ensure your elderly relatives are well-prepared to weather a hurricane or any other natural disaster. We sat down with disaster recovery expert Carlos Cubero, Director of Operations in Puerto Rico for Endeavors, who helped launch Endeavors’ disaster recovery program on the island after Hurricane Maria, and continues to oversee recovery efforts there. We asked him how family members can overcome common challenges faced by elderly individuals during and after a disaster.

First things first, Cubero says it’s critical to understand the vulnerability of elderly relatives when it comes to natural disasters. “Oftentimes, elderly clients don’t believe disasters will really happen or that they will really hit the area,” Cubero cautions. “But when it does, it can come by surprise.” 

As family members, it’s our responsibility to educate and empower them to prepare for the unexpected.

Creating An Emergency Preparedness Plan

The vast majority of disaster survivors served by Endeavors are elderly, and Cubero says there are four big things to consider when a storm is headed toward an elderly loved one’s home: 

1. Evaluate Their Living Situation: Start by assessing your elderly parents’ or relatives’ living conditions. Identify if their current residence is suitable to withstand a hurricane. If the foundation, windows, or roof are unstable, consider alternative accommodations.

2. Plan for Evacuation: Determine the safest evacuation routes and destinations for your elderly relatives. This could involve finding nearby shelters or identifying trusted friends or family members who can provide a safe haven during the disaster.

3. Recognize Cultural Barriers: It’s important to recognize and address any cultural barriers that might hinder disaster preparedness. Some elderly individuals may come from backgrounds where disaster preparation was not common, and they may need extra reassurance and education.

4. Maintain Communication: Ensure your elderly relatives have access to emergency communication. Gather and store emergency contact numbers, such as local patrols or the police, in a readily accessible location.

3 Hurricane Prep Tips for Elderly Residents

The best way to prepare for a hurricane is to assume one is coming, especially if you live in a hurricane zone. The first step to preparedness is to create an emergency preparedness plan. Then, identify a safe place for them to weather out potential storms and prepare first aid kits, essential supplies, and ample food and water.

1. Identify A Safe Place To Shelter

“You should evaluate their house and consider if there is a safer place for them to stay; we call that the bunker,” says Carlos Cubero. “Identify the safest place first. If the foundation of the home or the windows and roof are unstable for a strong storm, they should consider evacuating. Especially if they are in a flooding area.”

If staying in their home isn’t a safe option, research local shelters and community resources available during emergencies. Even if you don’t live locally and distance prevents you from providing immediate assistance to your elderly family members, you can help them identify where they will go if a storm hits. 

2. Secure Their Property

If your elderly relatives decide to stay at home during the storm, guide them to implement safety measures. This can include securing windows and doors, ensuring a supply of clean water, and having essential supplies like flashlights and first aid kits readily available.

3. Create An Emergency Contact List

Cubero also recommends creating an emergency contact list that includes local authorities, neighbors, and medical professionals, that your elderly relatives can easily access. Better yet – help them program these numbers directly into their phone. 

Community Support for Elderly Residents

In the absence of family nearby, communities must come together to support elderly individuals living alone. Cubero emphasizes the importance of community care and encourages neighbors who are able to extend a helping hand to elderly neighbors and friends. 

“Most elders are living on their own. They don’t have any relatives in the family, so the community becomes a family. So, as a community member, I ask others to make sure that everyone takes care of the elderly who are living alone,” he urges. “Please give them a space in your houses or please go and look after them.” 

Cubero says even lending a neighbor a small radio so they can hear storm updates and have some entertainment while they wait things out can make a big difference. 

“They’re human beings,” he says. “They’re human beings, and they’re alone. If families can’t look after them, the community has to become their family and their support. We saw that all around Puerto Rico: people living on their own, people who are sick, and the community has to become their family, their support, and look after them.”

After The Storm

As we’ve learned from disasters like Hurricanes Maria, Harvey, and Ida, surviving the storm is just the beginning. Your elderly loved ones will need your help navigating recovery after the winds die down and the floodwaters recede. Be prepared to help them gather documentation for insurance claims, and know that they may need to stay in a shelter, hotel, or family member’s home until their house is liveable gain. 

(Read more on how to start the hurricane recovery process.) 

We can’t prevent storms from hitting those we love, but by taking these proactive steps and fostering a sense of community care, you can ensure their safety and well-being during challenging times. Preparedness is the key to weathering the storm together, no matter how far apart you may be.

About Endeavors

Headquartered in San Antonio, Endeavors is a national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, natural disaster victims, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services and Emergency Services/Disaster Response.

The post 4 Ways to Help Your Elderly Loved Ones Prepare for a Natural Disaster appeared first on Endeavors®.

Cada verano, algo increíble sucede para nuestro equipo en Puerto Rico: Distintas personas viajan a nuestra isla desde todo el continente de los Estados Unidos, Canadá y desde América Central para ayudarnos a limpiar, reparar y reconstruir casas afectadas por huracanes pasados.

El motor que impulsa esta operación es una organización de servicio llamada Thirst Missions, una organización de servicio que lidera viajes de misiones de corto plazo en Puerto Rico, Alaska, Apalaches y Belice. Este verano, y muchos veranos antes de esto, Thirst Missions ha ayudado a Endeavors con su esfuerzo de recuperación de huracanes al enviar docenas de voluntarios a reparar hogares en nuestra comunidad.

Nos sentamos con Duane Lanza, director de operaciones de Thirst Missions en Puerto Rico, para aprender más sobre el trabajo que Thirst Missions hace con Endeavors. “Me gusta ayudar a la gente, y sé que aquí en Puerto Rico, tenemos mucho trabajo por hacer”.

Recuperación de huracanes en Puerto Rico

Poco después de que el Huracán María devastara la isla en 2017, Endeavors obtuvo una subvención a través de FEMA Disaster Case Management y estableció una oficina en San Juan. En los años siguientes, hemos podido ayudar a reparar y reconstruir más de 9,000 viviendas. A pesar de que la subvención de FEMA ha terminado desde entonces, el Director de Operaciones Carlos Cubero y su equipo de Manejadores de Casos de Desastres continúan reconstruyendo hogares con la ayuda de organizaciones religiosas como Thirst Missions que ofrecen su tiempo y experiencia para venir a Puerto Rico para continuar con el esfuerzo de recuperación.

Hemos hecho un progreso tremendo en Puerto Rico; sin embargo, la isla está constantemente en riesgo de desastres naturales, lo que significa que debemos ayudar a la isla a recuperarse completamente y prepararnos para la próxima tormenta que puede estar a la vuelta de la esquina.

“Han pasado casi 3-4 años desde que comenzamos nuestra colaboracion con Thirst Missions”, señala el Oficial Adjunto de Desarrollo de Endeavors, Angel Cartagena.

El impacto que Thirst Missions y sus voluntarios tienen en nuestra comunidad en Puerto Rico no puede ser subestimado. Casi todas las personas que Endeavors sirve a través de su programa de Recuperación de Desastres son de bajos recursos para hacer reparaciones en sus hogares.A menudo nuestros clientes también son ancianos y discapacitados. Muchos han estado viviendo con toldos azules, un pobre sustituto de un techo real, desde que el huracán María azotó la isla en 2017. Endeavors trabaja duro para asegurar fondos y materiales donados para las reparaciones, pero el trabajo, el tiempo y la compasión que los voluntarios de Thirst Missions aportan al esfuerzo son verdaderamente valiosos. De hecho, es un cambio de vida.

Reparaciones de techos y más allá

Un día en la vida de un voluntario de Thirst Mission que trabaja con Endeavors es mucho trabajo duro.

“Hacemos un montón de reparaciones de techo!” dice Lanza. “Lavado a presión, limpieza, reparación de las grietas en el techo. Con las donaciones que Endeavors proporciona, hemos puesto sellador de techos en muchos techos. Uno de los otros servicios que hacemos es raspar y pintar casas, limpiar casas y trabajar en el patio”. Incluso hacen trabajos de construcción ligeros como reparar pisos y paredes para hacer que un hogar sea más seguro y cómodo.

Los voluntarios de Thirst Missions no tienen que ser expertos en trabajos de mantenimiento o construcción. Cada año, la organización coordina varios grupos de trabajadores  y comerciantes para ofrecer voluntariamente su talento en Puerto Rico, pero la mayoría de los voluntarios son jóvenes y grupos de la iglesia que aprenden nuevas habilidades en el trabajo.

“Están aquí para ayudar, pero también tratamos de enseñarles lo que implica el trabajo”, explica Lanza. “Es muy empoderador para ellos aprender algo nuevo”. ¡Sin embargo, no todo es trabajo! Queremos que cada voluntario tenga una experiencia inolvidable en Puerto Rico, por lo que el viaje siempre incluye enfrentamientos épicos de voleibol y al menos un viaje a la playa.

Salvando las barreras lingüísticas con esperanza

Mientras que casi todos nuestros empleados en Endeavors Puerto Rico nacieron y crecieron en la isla, muchos de los voluntarios no hablan español, y ver cómo las relaciones se desarrollan y forman sin idioma es profundamente conmovedor para todos en Endeavors y Thirst Missions.

“La mayoría de las personas a las que los voluntarios van a ayudar son personas mayores y solo quieren hablar”, explica Ángel Cartegena. “Es una locura porque nadie habla inglés pero quieren hablar. Así que utilizan el lenguaje de señas. Ellos hacen la señal de “amor” y usan sus ojos, manos y cuerpo para decir su aprecio y gratitud… para decir gracias por todo el trabajo que hacen. No tengo palabras para decir cómo eso llena mi corazón y me da toda la energía que necesito para realizar todos los deberes que tenemos aquí en Endeavor. Estamos agradecidos por Duane y por todos los voluntarios de Thirst Missions”.

¿Cómo están haciendo un impacto los voluntarios?

“Después de cada desastre, ya sea una tormenta o una pandemia”,dice Lanza, “hay personas que están en depresión, que necesitan amor en sus vidas”.

Para algunos, eso significa orar y estar más cerca de Dios. Para otros, es aceptar la ayuda de un extraño y saber que te cuidan, que nadie te va a dejar atrás o dejarte caer por las grietas. Para los jóvenes y adultos que se ofrecen como voluntarios en Thirst Missions, dice: “Ellos tienen una nueva perspectiva de la vida y de la obra de Dios: Mirar a los demás como seres humanos. Eso es lo que estamos dispuestos a hacer”.

Nuestra capacidad para empoderar e impactar positivamente a las personas que han sobrevivido a desastres pero que aún viven con la carga de los restos se duplica cuando nos asociamos con otras organizaciones de servicio y entidades comunitarias. Endeavors ha sido bendecido al trabajar con el personal y los voluntarios en Thirst Missions.

“No solo están reconstruyendo una casa”, dice Carlos Cubero, Director de Operaciones de Endeavors Puerto Rico. “No solo están arreglando el techo. Están impactando las vidas de las personas. Vivimos seis meses al año en la temporada de huracanes, y Thirst Missions dejan a las personas más fuertes y resistentes. Y es más que un techo. Se trata de algo más que escombros o lavado a presión. Se trata de la esperanza y de hacer que este mundo sea mejor. Esta es una obra de amor”.

“Comenzamos una relación basada en tratar de servir a los demás y nos hemos fortalecido en cada proyecto”, dice Lanza. “Estoy deseando seguir trabajando con Endeavors durante muchos años más. Estamos aquí para quedarnos”.

¡Y nosotros también! Endeavors da la bienvenida a voluntarios durante todo el año (especialmente aquellos que no tienen miedo de una pequeña competencia amistosa en la cancha de voleibol!). Para obtener más información sobre las oportunidades de voluntariado en Puerto Rico, envíe un correo electrónico a acartagena@endeavors.org.

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Sobre Endeavors

Con oficinas en San Juan y en todo el territorio continental de los Estados Unidos, Endeavors es una organización nacional sin fines de lucro que ofrece una variedad de programas y servicios en apoyo de niños, familias, veteranos, víctimas de desastres naturales y aquellos que luchan con enfermedades mentales y otras discapacidades. Endeavors sirve a las personas vulnerables en crisis a través de servicios personalizados innovadores y Servicios de Emergencia/Respuesta a Desastres.

The post El voluntariado en Puerto Rico es “un trabajo de amor” appeared first on Endeavors®.

When we asked former Disaster Case Management Program Manager Alicia Toups why she has has dedicated her life to helping Louisianans impacted by natural disaster, she said: “No one—I don’t care who you are, what you’ve done before, where you come from, what language you speak—no one should have to live days without knowing if their loved ones are alive, while at the same time going without electricity, hot water, or a hot meal.” 

In Summer 2022, Endeavors’ Emergency Services team established offices in Gretna and Baton Rouge to provide free Disaster Case Management to low-income Hurricane Ida survivors. We are currently offering Disaster Case Management (DCM) services across five Louisiana counties—or parishes, as they’re called in the Pelican State. 

The Louisiana DCM program is not Endeavors’ first time helping hard-hit areas rebuild after a natural disaster. We responded to Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Irma in 2017, Hurricane Florence in 2018, Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019, and the Mayfield Candle Factory Tornado in Kentucky in 2021. 

In our experience, many disaster survivors are simply unaware of the resources available to them. So our Endeavors Disaster Case Management (DCM) services connect Hurricane Ida survivors to vital services and funding that can help them recover. Endeavors has been visiting each of the five parishes within our purview—St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Iberville, Assumption, St. James, and Jefferson— to connect residents impacted by the storm and with recovery resources and services.

Experienced Disaster Case Managers Who Care

Endeavors’ Disaster Case Managers have made a name for themselves as compassionate members of the community dedicated to helping their neighbors rebuild and recover. It was important to us that every member of the Endeavors Louisiana team has a personal connection to Louisiana, and therefore a personal interest in seeing the people of their communities thrive. 

All of the Endeavors staffers working on the ground in Louisiana are Louisianans themselves. Take operational Program Coordinator Dekethia Thiboreaux, for example. Dekethia is a member of the original guard of Louisiana Disaster Case Management. When Katrina devastated the region in 2007, she and her family evacuated to Texas. She vividly remembers the frantic rush to leave, as well as the pain of leaving loved ones behind. 

“I had 10 minutes to get stuff together, get the kids together, leave,” she remembers. “My mom had to stay because she was a nurse. My dad had to stay because he worked for a company with people on offshore rigs, and he couldn’t leave until all of his people were safe. I went a week and a half without knowing if my parents were alive or dead.” 

When it was safe, Dekethia returned to her hometown to work in the state’s first DCM program, where she was trained by 9/11 Case Managers from New York. She and the other DCMs had to learn how to implement a recovery program designed terrorism survivors into an area stunned by a hurricane. Unlike the victims of the twin towers crash, the hurricane survivors didn’t have houses to go home to. 

Fifteen years later, Louisiana has become an expert in emergency preparedness, and while she’s witnessed first hand the unimaginable way that Louisiana proves its resilience again and again, she also sees the way that resilience can become dangerous when the outside world starts to think, They’re used to it. They know how to recover. 

“Yes, we have a recovery routine,” she says. “But that doesn’t stop the storm from being devastating.” After Katrina, numerous insurance companies dropped the region entirely, leaving thousands left to choose between policies they couldn’t afford, or risking the loss of their home and property to the next storm that would inevitably come their way.

Dedicated Advocates for Louisiana

Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana in August of 2021, and since then various areas of our nation have been struck by additional disasters such as Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and Ian in Florida. “We’re 15 months past the disaster, and people are still living in tents and cars, or with family members. I can show you areas where you wouldn’t know if a storm hit a year ago or yesterday—they remain untouched,” said Thiboreaux. 

In the aftermath, Endeavors seeks to support those who are most impacted by the storm:low-income residents, uninsured or underinsured, survivors with disabilities, workers who lost their jobs in the aftermath, etc. 

“We do a lot of work with residents for whom English is a second language,” Program Manager Alicia Toups shares. Before joining Endeavors, she worked in Public Health for the State, working in schools to prevent drug and alcohol among minors, and on the ground to assemble emergency shelters for residents with physical and mental disabilities. When she goes into the field to assist survivors of Hurricane Ida, she sees many families living in uninhabitable conditions, finding shelter in trailer parks where the floors and roofs of the dwellings have been rotted away by the rains and the floods. 

The lengthy recovery progress and the ease with which low-income survivors can fall between the cracks is exactly why Endeavors establishes programs after the initial rounds of government funding and disaster relief have been executed. Endeavors is here for the long-term recovery: rebuilding homes, addressing persistently unmet needs, and helping folks who might otherwise get left behind regain their footing and their future. 

We may not be able to prevent disasters from hitting our shores and our homes, but we can ensure that we work as hard as possible to help our neighbors recover after the storm. 

About Endeavors

Endeavors is a national service organization that has been assisting vulnerable populations since 1969. Endeavors offers an array of services and programs supporting children, families, Veterans and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters or emergencies. Endeavors serves people in crisis with personalized services. For more information, visit www.endeavors.org

The post Locals Helping Locals: Hurricane Ida Recovery Ramps Up In Louisiana appeared first on Endeavors®.

Every summer, something incredible happens for our team in Puerto Rico: complete strangers fly out to our island from across the continental United States, from Canada, and from Central America to help us clean, repair, and rebuild homes damaged by past hurricanes. 

The engine propelling this operation is a service organization called Thirst Missions, a service organization that leads short-term missions trips in Puerto Rico, Alaska, Appalachia, and Belize. This summer, and many summers before this, Thirst Missions has helped Endeavors with its hurricane recovery effort by sending dozens of volunteers to repair homes in our community. 

We sat down with Duane Lanza, Director of Thirst Missions’ operations in Puerto Rico, to learn more about the work Thirst Missions does with Endeavors. “I enjoy helping people, and I know that here in Puerto Rico, we have a lot of work to do.” 

Hurricane Recovery In Puerto Rico

Shortly after Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017, Endeavors secured a grant through FEMA Disaster Case Management and established an office in San Juan. In the subsequent years, we have been able to help repair and rebuild over 9,000 homes. Even though the FEMA grant has since ended, Director of Operations Carlos Cubero and his team of Disaster Case Managers continue to rebuild homes with the help of faith-based organizations like Thirst Missions who volunteer their time and expertise to come to Puerto Rico to continue the recovery effort. 

We’ve made tremendous progress in Puerto Rico; however, the island is constantly at risk of natural disasters, which means that we must both help the island fully recover and prepare for the next storm that may be around the corner. 

“It’s been almost 3-4 years since we started our partnership with Thirst Missions,” Endeavors Deputy Development Officer Angel Cartegena notes.

The impact that Thirst Missions and its volunteers have on our community in Puerto Rico can’t be understated. Nearly all of the people Endeavors serves through its Disaster Recovery program are low-income with minimal means to make repairs on their homes. Oftentimes our clients are also elderly and disabled. Many have been living with blue tarps—a poor substitute for a real roof—since Hurricane Maria hit the island in 2017. Endeavors works hard to secure donated funds and materials for repairs, but the labor, time, and compassion that Thirst Missions volunteers bring to the effort are truly invaluable. In fact, it’s life-changing.

Roof Repairs and Beyond 

A day-in-the-life of a Thirst Mission volunteer working with Endeavors is a lot of hard work.

“We do lots of roof repairs!” says Lanza. “Pressure washing, cleaning, repairing the cracks on the roof. With the donations that Endeavors provides, we’ve put roof sealer down on a lot of roofs. One of the other services we do is scraping and painting houses, cleaning houses, and yard work.” They even do light construction work like repairing flooring and walls to make a home safer and more comfortable. 

Thirst Missions volunteers don’t have to be skilled in handyman works or construction. Each year, the organization coordinates several groups of skilled laborers and tradesmen to volunteer their talent in Puerto Rico, but the majority of volunteers are youth and church groups who learn new skills on the job. 

“They’re here to help, but also we try to teach them what the job entails,” Lanza explains. “It’s very empowering for them to learn something new.” It’s not all work, though! We want every volunteer to have an unforgettable experience in Puerto Rico, so the trip always includes epic volleyball showdowns and at least one trip to the beach. 

Bridging Language Barriers with Hope

While nearly all of our employees at Endeavors Puerto Rico were born and raised on the island, many of the volunteers do not speak Spanish, and seeing how relationships develop and form without language is deeply moving for everyone at both Endeavors and Thirst Missions. 

“Most of the people that the volunteers go to help are elderly and they just want to talk,” Angel Cartegena explains. “It’s crazy because nobody speaks English but they want to speak. So they use sign language. They make the sign for “love” and use their eyes and hands and body to tell their appreciation and their gratitude…to say thank you for all the work that they do. I don’t have words to say how that fills my heart and gives me all the energy that I need to perform all the duties that we have here at Endeavors. We are grateful for Duane and for all the Thirst Missions volunteers.” 

How Are Volunteers Making An Impact?

“After every disaster, whether it’s a storm or a pandemic,” says Lanza, “there are people who are in depression, who need love in their lives.”

For some, he says, that means praying and becoming closer to God. For others, it’s accepting help from a stranger and knowing that you are cared for—that no one is going to leave you behind or let you fall through the cracks. For the youth and adults who volunteer with Thirst Missions, he says, “They get a new perspective into life and into God’s work: looking out for other people as human beings. That’s what we’re hardwired to do.”

Our ability to positively empower and impact people who have survived disasters but still live with the burden of the wreckage doubles when we partner with other service organizations and community entities. Endeavors has been blessed to work with the staff and volunteers at Thirst Missions. 

“They’re not just rebuilding a house,” says Endeavors Puerto Rico Director of Operations Carlos Cubero. “They’re not just fixing the roof. They’re fixing people’s lives. We live six months out of the year in hurricane season, and Thirst Missions leaves people stronger and more resilient. And it’s about more than a roof. It’s about more than debris or pressure washing. It’s about hope and making this world better. This is a work of love.” 

“We started a relationship based on trying to serve others and we’ve grown stronger every project,” says Lanza. “I’m looking forward to continuing working with Endeavors for many more years to come. We’re here to stay.” 

And so are we! Endeavors welcomes volunteers year-round (especially those who aren’t afraid of a little friendly competition on the volleyball court!). To learn more about volunteer opportunities in Puerto Rico, email acartagena@endeavors.org. 

About Endeavors

With offices in San Juan and across the continental United States, Endeavors is a national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, natural disaster victims, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services and Emergency Services/Disaster Response.

The post Volunteering In Puerto Rico Is “A Work Of Love” appeared first on Endeavors®.

Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30. In 2021 alone, the United States experienced 21 major storms, including hurricanes. The safest way to approach hurricane season is to expect a hurricane. If you live in a hurricane zone, knowing how to prepare for a hurricane is key for minimizing potential damage and loss.

UNDERSTAND THE THREAT LEVEL

When do you need to keep an eye on the news, and when do you need to act? Let’s break down what you need to do when you’re under Hurricane Advisory, Hurricane Watch, and Hurricane Warning.

PREPARING FOR A HURRICANE

1. Know Your Zone

If you live near the Gulf or Atlantic Coast, you might be located in a Hurricane Evacuation Zone. Visit your state’s disaster or emergency preparedness website to see if your address falls within a designated evacuation zone. 

2. Build an Emergency Prep Kit

When a hurricane hits, residents can be cut off by floods or damaged roads and stranded for days until the water recedes or emergency responders can reach them. You need to be prepared for prolonged isolation without running water or electricity. What do I include in my emergency prep kit? Great question—everyone’s needs will be slightly different based on location and household. 

In addition to the items listed above, make sure you stock up on medications and pet food. Generators, portable cell phone chargers, and extra clothing are also a great idea. Collect these items now. Once a hurricane advisory or warning is announced, the stores will be swamped and critical supplies will sell out immediately. 

3. Protect Your Property

Bring your patio furniture, plants, and bikes inside. Trim your larger trees and shrubs to minimize damage if they fall. Move your cars to higher ground or park them in the garage. Secure indoor wall hangings, and move furniture and other valuables to the second floor. If you live in a single-story home, elevate your belongings with cinder blocks. Board up windows with plywood, and purchase a few large blue tarps to have on hand in the event of roof leaks. Once the storm hits, you won’t be able to get to the store for last-minute supplies (and even then, they’ll likely be sold out). 

4. Photograph and Video Your Home

Take pictures or video of your home and property before a potential storm hits. If you need to make insurance or FEMA claims after the storm passes, this visual documentation will be crucial. Your phone will capture the date and time the photos and videos were taken, which you can offer as proof to your insurance company. 

5. Review Insurance Policies

Not all homeowner’s insurance automatically covers hurricane damage! Make sure you are closely reviewing your insurance policies regularly to know what you will and won’t be able to claim. To fully cover your home for hurricane damage, you will likely need flood insurance in addition to homeowner’s insurance. And depending on your location, you may also need a separate windstorm policy.

6. Identify Nearby Shelter Locations

If you’re ordered to evacuate before a hurricane, or forced to leave home after the storm hits, you may need to find a nearby shelter. But emergency shelters are not all-size-fits-all. Some are very specific about the residents they will accept (ie. some shelters specialize in caring for people with disabilities.) This interactive tool from the American Red Cross shows emergency shelters operated by them and their partner agencies. 

7. Enable Weather Alerts on Your Phone

Whether you have an iOS or Android phone, you can set your phone to notify you with emergency weather alerts so that you know whether you need to shelter in place or evacuate. Here are some ways to get emergency weather alerts:

• Go into your Weather app and enable notifications. Make sure to toggle on your location. 
• Sign up for email weather alerts from the National Hurricane Center
• Download the FEMA Weather App 

8. Plan for Your Pets

If you have a pet, make sure you know how you’ll care for them in an emergency. Your emergency preparedness kit should include pet food and care supplies:

If it’s not safe for you to stay in your home during a storm, it’s not safe for your pet, either. If you can’t take your pet with you, plan ahead and evacuate them before the storm hits. Consider fostering or boarding until the storm threat passes. Many hotels and shelters do not accept pets unless they are certified service animals. 

9. Make an Emergency Binder for Vital Documents

Collect and organize all identifying documents, deeds, and insurance paperwork in a binder that you can store in your Emergency Preparedness Kit. This includes:

10. Write a Family Emergency Plan

Plan ahead and write it down. Where will you evacuate to? How will you evacuate if your family is not together when the storm hits? Where will pets go? Are your emergency supplies up-to-date, or are they expired? Who will be responsible for each hurricane prep task? 

Use this Ready.gov Family Emergency Communication Plan form, print it out, and put it in the front of your home binder for easy reference. 

WHAT TO DO AFTER A HURRICANE

Tend to Your Mental Health

A natural disaster can be a traumatic event for people of all ages and backgrounds. After a storm, be cognizant of your family’s mental wellbeing and consider counseling, a support group, or non-talk therapy wellness activities. 

Beware Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Generators are great to have on-hand during a hurricane or natural disaster, but they can also be dangerous. Remember that all fuel-generating appliances release carbon monoxide, which is toxic (and can be deadly) to humans and pets. Carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless, and invisible. Never use a generator indoors, and pay attention to flu-like symptoms. If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, move outside immediately and call 911. 

Build a Recovery Plan

Assess your property damage thoroughly. Document everything with photos and detailed notes, and submit insurance claims and FEMA emergency assistance applications.

For more #HurricanePreparedness tips, follow Endeavors on Facebook (@EndeavorsTexas, @EndeavorsFlorida, @EndeavorsPuertoRico), Instagram (@endeavorsorg), or Twitter (@Endeavorsorg).  

About Endeavors 

Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit www.endeavors.org. 

The post How Do You Prepare For A Hurricane? 9 Vital Steps appeared first on Endeavors®.

As hurricane season approaches, communities along the Eastern and Gulf Coasts are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. From Hurricane Harvey in Texas to Hurricane Irma in Florida and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, our Disaster Case Managers have seen a thing or two. We also just launched hurricane recovery efforts in Louisiana, helping residents across five parishes get the resources they need to rebuild and recover. 

In order to help communities minimize the devastation of potential storms, we’re sharing 5 expert tips for social workers, city offices, local nonprofits, emergency services professionals, and community volunteers so that your whole community can be prepared to weather whatever storms come your way. 

5 Ways to Prepare Your Community for a Natural Disaster

With Endeavors Regional Director of Disaster Recovery Dominique Stephenson

A lifelong social work professional and community advocate, Dominique Stephenson leads Endeavors’ Disaster Relief and Recovery teams across the United States currently including  Kentucky, Texas, Florida, and Louisiana. “If we do the outreach in our blue sky days, then we’ll see a better response from the citizens across the board,” she said. “They’ll be more prepared, and that makes it easier for the city, county, and state level to respond.” 

So, what does that outreach and preparation look like in real, actionable terms? 

1. Partner with other organizations. 

Collaboration is key for fast and effective emergency services. At Endeavors, we have seen how the most effective disaster recovery plans leverage partnerships between nonprofits, local and federal government offices, and faith-based organizations to help people as fully and quickly as possible. We are stronger when we pool resources, put heads together, and hit the ground running. 

Stephenson says the same approach can be applied to outreach. If a consortium of  organizations work together to provide consistent emergency information and best practices across the state, we can efficiently reach more people, streamline services while providing clear and concise information.  

2. Host in-person informational sessions.

In emergencies, residents are lucky if they have cell service, let alone internet access. And on top of that, many of the most vulnerable residents may not have access to computers, or have computer literacy. This is why in-person emergency preparedness outreach is just as important to leverage as online spaces like websites and social media. 

Assisting residents with their aid applications is also crucial. “When residents complete applications for federal or any available assistance, if they’re not familiar with certain terminology, they might complete the application incorrectly and be denied,” Stephenson says. 

3. Reach out to rural communities and underserved populations.

Getting information to underserved populations like the elderly, rural low-income communities, and non-English speakers is also crucial. Furthermore, Stephenson says that when a disaster strikes, it can be challenging to gather data from rural communities quickly and efficiently, but these areas need to be a priority. If the reality of the disaster’s impact isn’t fully communicated in the county’s data, they may not meet the threshold to qualify for certain state and federal declarations/assistance.  

4. Help families develop emergency plans.

Most people don’t think about how they’ll respond to a hurricane until it strikes. But a clear, thought-out plan can make all the difference between safety and homelessness, life and death. 

“We need to show people how to apply for aid,” Stephenson said. “What documents to keep on hand, why they need to keep their home insurance active. What resources are available. Help them develop family emergency plans. If you have to evacuate, where do you go?”

(ICYMI: 5 Resources To Help Your Kids Prepare For An Emergency) 

5. Be proactive about emergency services, not just reactive.

If the outreach was done in our blue sky days and the informational sessions were done then I think across the board we’ll see a better response from the citizens. They’ll be more prepared, and that makes it easier for the city, county, and state level to respond. 

“Texas does a great job of assessing how we’ve handled a storm previously, and adjusting accordingly,” Stephenson explained. “It’s a leader in emergency services. The winter storm in 2021, for example: We had never experienced a winter storm before. However, because we had navigated Hurricane Harvey in 2017, we had learned so much and we could get shelters up quickly, and our nonprofits all work really well together. Everything fell in place really quickly to minimize the death tolls from the winter storm.”

Applying for Federal Disaster Response Aid

Disasters come in many forms: hurricane, tornado, sub-freezing temps, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, pandemic, drought, fire, flood, explosion…

The good news is: the process for applying for Federal Disaster Response Aid remains the same for all of these disasters. Here’s a quick summary of how it works:

1. Cities survey the damage and then submit the collected data to the state.
2. State assesses the data and submits an application for federal aid that lists all the cities that will receive funding if the federal aid application is approved. (Make sure to check FEMA’s specific application requirements here.)
3. If the State’s request is approved, the federal government can grant up to three types of Disaster Assistance: Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation Assistance. (Disaster Relief and Recovery through Endeavors is an example of Individual Assistance.)
4. The Federal Government will provide a timeline for how long these funds are available after declaration. (Contractor organizations typically have 8-12 months to assist as many people as possible with the funding.)

A successful application boils down to three things: Preparation, Communication, and Documentation. Preparing your community and gathering your disaster data efficiently will help minimize the time it takes for your community to receive government assistance, and maximize the help that disaster response contractors like Endeavors can provide. 

Get more details on Federal Disaster Response Aid at fema.gov. 

Get Involved! 

We encourage everyone to be proactive about their individual, family, and community emergency preparedness. Learn more about how Endeavors helps communities recover from federally-declared natural disasters, public health crises, and city-specific inclement weather by visiting our blog. If you’d like to support our mission, make a monetary or goods donation to our programs, or sign up to volunteer with us! 

About Endeavors

Headquartered in San Antonio, Endeavors is a national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, natural disaster victims, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services and Emergency Services/Disaster Response.

The post Emergency Services: 5 Ways to Prepare Your Community for a Natural Disaster appeared first on Endeavors®.

From Hurricane Harvey in Texas to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, Endeavors has been providing Disaster Case Management services to thousands of natural disaster survivors since 2012. We know that disasters hit everyone differently, which is why we tailor our recovery plans to the individual and their needs. 

Last year, we met a disabled Veteran struggling to rebuild his home and his life after being hit by not one, not two, but three severe storms. This is his story. 

A Disabled Veteran Living in Dangerous Conditions

In Texas, Mr. White was an elderly disabled Veteran whose home had sustained severe damage from multiple disasters: Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019, and Severe Winter Storm Uri in 2021. A huge chunk of his floor had fallen through, and what remained was so unstable and rocky, he was afraid to walk across his house with his walker. To make matters worse, Mr. White’s plumbing had burst in the winter, and he didn’t have the financial means to repair it. 

Resource Coordinator Annie Derry has been working to assist Mr. White since 2021. “This is a disabled Veteran who has served us,” she recalls. “He was living in a situation you would not believe.” 

Because of his low-income status, Mr. White was forced to band-aid the plumbing problem by turning the water on and off at the shutoff valve outside the house. However, accessing the valve was a nearly Herculean effort. He had a walker and no ramp, and so every day he crawled down the steps of his house to go outside, turn his water on at the source, catch the water in a bucket, and then crawl back up the steps to his home. 

Derry was certain she could help Mr. White recover from the storm damage, but the repair process has not been without its challenges.

A Surprising Legal Obstacle 

Unfortunately, Mr. White’s recovery story came with a surprising plot twist. What held up Mr. White’s hurricane recovery process was not lack of funding or resources, but paperwork. A lawyer had previously advised Mr. White to list his heirs on the deed to his house; he listed eight siblings and family members on the deed, not knowing that the State would then require him to secure their collective consent for future decisions regarding the property. 

“We’ve run into this issue before,” says Derry, “as well as other issues with deeds, even to the point where you have a widow or widower who can’t have repairs done to the home because the deceased spouse is still listed on the deed. They still have to go to the courthouse, register the death certificate, and get that person taken off of the deed.”

Many of our clients at Endeavors are elderly and disabled, and navigating the complex legalities of disaster recovery assistance can be an immense challenge. Endeavors Case Managers like Derry have years of experience helping disaster survivors collect and submit all the necessary paperwork for permits and recovery assistance. But in this case, Derry went a step further and helped Mr. White begin the long process of obtaining written consent for the home repairs from all eight of his heirs. 

“At first he thought he wasn’t gonna be able to do anything,” Derry remembers. Mr. White thought that was the end of the line—he’d had to continue living in his derelict house, or face displacement. But Derry refused to accept that Mr. White’s home could not be repaired, and she acted as his advocate and his cheerleader from day one. 

A Dedicated Advocate 

Derry spent hours tracking down contact information for Mr. White’s heirs, writing letters to each of them, and mailing out the paperwork for consent. “We got four responses. And then I was able to find the obituary for one of the heirs and submit that.” 

Slowly but surely, they received enough consent to take care of the smaller but no less essential repairs on the home. 

“[At Endeavors,] we don’t see people as a number or as a job done,” Derry explains. “I try to think: What would I want someone to do for my great grandmother or my mother or brother or sister? And so it’s not like I’m working for an unknown because I put my parents or my family member in that situation and say, This is what I would want the case manager to do for my family member.”

Derry obtained a Lowe’s Reconstruction Grant through the National VOAD to purchase supplies and partnered with Samaritan’s Purse and Hope Disaster Recovery to stabilize the flooring inside, repair the walls and countertops, remove debris inside the home and in the yard, and have a handicap ramp built for him. When she told Hope Disaster Recovery that Mr. White was a disabled Veteran, they donated further supplies and labor to fix his plumbing problems. After all the repairs were done, the home was completely revived with fresh caulk and paint. 

“We were even able to get all the caulking and everything done to the outside,” Derry said. “We replaced some of the wood on the outside, and then the volunteers painted it. So it doesn’t look anything like it did before. Most importantly, he’s able to walk through his home without fear falling through the floor.”

Mr. White was overcome, and he told Derry, “If you knew where I was living and you drove by, you would miss it now because it looks like a new house.”

A Disaster Survivor on the Road to Recovery

Even though Endeavors’ contract for Imelda recovery has come to an end, Mr. White’s story is not over. Derry continues to work with the Texas General Land Office, who has the funds to help us complete Mr. White’s home repairs. Mr. White gave his consent for Derry to continue advocating for him, to speak on his behalf, and to submit documents for his case. She also continues to reach out to the remaining three heirs who need to consent to the final repairs.

“Our mission is to make sure that [the client is] safe, secure and in sanitary conditions,” shares Derry. “We could not in good faith walk away from them when that’s not the situation in which they’re living.”

She remembers what Mr. White said to her after his plumbing was fixed and the safety ramp installed in his home. “He said to me, I thank God for Endeavors, because if they had not come to my rescue, I don’t know where I would be.”

The post Mr. White Is Alright: An Elderly And Disabled Veteran Recovers From Tropical Storm Imelda appeared first on Endeavors®.

In 2019, Tropical Storm Imelda spent 2.5 days ravaging counties across Texas. 

In just sixty hours, the storm did enough damage to leave communities picking up the pieces for over three years. 

Today, Endeavors continues to offer a hand to individuals, families, and communities knocked down by the storm. Slowly, with the help of community partners and generous donors, they are beginning to reimagine “life after Imelda.” 

A Young Family In Crisis

In Harris County, Texas, Rocio and Gonzalo Delgado were struggling to pick up the pieces after Imelda damaged their home. When the storm hit, six inches of water flooded their house, soaking their furniture and belongings. The young couple (two months pregnant with their first child) found themselves devastated, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn for help. 

The couple tried to find the funds to have the repairs made themselves, but without flood insurance, they couldn’t afford the repairs. They couldn’t afford to move, and they felt trapped in a home that was becoming increasingly unsafe to live in.

In addition to damaging the drywall, doors, and flooring, the water from the storm had seeped into the walls and festered in mold. Every day, the young mother-to-be was breathing in harmful toxins. And when Rocio gave birth to their baby, they had nowhere to bring their little girl but into a storm-ravaged home. 

Proving There Is Always Hope

This is why Endeavors Disaster Case Management is designed to assist disaster survivors not with immediate disaster relief, but with long-term recovery. Not everyone qualifies for assistance from every relief organization, and Endeavors is here to step in when all other resources have run out. Endeavors offers Disaster Case Management services for federally declared disasters, connecting clients to local resources based on their verified needs.

When Endeavors connected with this young family in September of 2020, they were still living in their Harris County home, raising their then six-month-old in an environment that was unsafe to live in. Upon visiting the home, our Disaster Case Manager, Angeline Richardson, immediately saw that the home was in dire need of repairs and didn’t waste any time interviewing the family for the intake process. 

Both Rocio and Gonzalo were Spanish-speakers, so Richardson brought in Alvaro Hernandez, a Disaster Case Management Supervisor fluent in Spanish. Together, Richardson and Hernandez reassured the family that they still had options and that Endeavors would work ceaselessly to help them rebuild their lives. 

Creating A Path To Hurricane Recovery

When it comes to clients like the Delgados, Endeavors’ Disaster Case Management is there to help those with persistent recovery needs after other aid resources have been exhausted. 

DCM Richardson persisted and was able to connect the family with Endeavors’ long-time partner, Team Rubicon, a national nonprofit organization specializing in disaster response. 

Team Rubicon’s amazing volunteers quickly and thoroughly made over $19,000 worth of life-changing repairs to the family’s home. They eradicated the mold from the flood, repaired interior ceilings and walls, replaced the roof, and installed new elevated doors that would protect the family from being flooded in the event of another catastrophic storm. 

Even with pandemic restrictions, home visits were not a good idea, so Richardson and Hernandez called the family every single week to provide updates on applications, materials, and repairs. 

“Angeline developed a wonderful relationship with the family,” Hernandez remembers. “She followed up every week, provided updates, and made sure the client felt supported every step of the way.”

Once the final coats of paint were dry and all the door hinges tightened, DCM Richardson worked with Endeavors’ contacts at the Salvation Army to have over $500 in furniture delivered to the family. Finally…they had a solid roof over their heads, and dry beds to sleep in. 

Today, this beautiful family has a safe forever home to raise their baby, and a chance to write a new chapter. 

Rebuilding Homes, Rebuilding Lives

Many people impacted by disasters like Tropical Storm Imelda are relatively unaffected in the immediate aftermath of the storm. They are safe, they have a home, and they have food and electricity. But in the months after, the scars left behind by the storm reveal themselves. Water damage. Mold growth. Leaks in the roof. Suddenly the home they were thankful survived the storm proves to not have survived as well as they initially thought. 

This is why communities cannot rely on Disaster Response alone. Disaster Response is an immediate deployment of assistance to shelter those displaced by natural disasters and meet their essential needs – shelter, food, medical attention. Disaster Case Management is a long-term recovery service that evaluates the specific needs of individuals families and clients, and executes customized recovery plans that might include: 

• Home rebuilds or repairs
• Furniture or appliance replacements
• Rebuilding community bridges and roads
• Restoring connection to utilities like electricity or running water
• Acquiring battery-powered medical equipment for families cut off from power
• Installing water cisterns for a town with no running water
• Finding local counselors for mental health services

(Read: “10 Inspiring Stories that Prove Disaster Case Management Matters”)

Connecting Disaster Survivors With Recovery Resources

While many natural disaster survivors qualify for financial assistance and resources from nonprofit or state organizations like the Red Cross or Salvation Army, every organization has its own paperwork to complete and submit. This process can be lengthy and overwhelming, especially for people who have just lost their homes or are living in tenuous situations, like our clients in Harris County. Endeavors Disaster Case Managers are committed to easing that burden for our clients. We are experts in navigating these assistance programs, we problem-solve under pressure, and we always advocate for our clients to ensure they receive the recovery aid they need to reclaim lives of stability and dignity. 

If you or a loved one are in need of disaster assistance or disaster case management, we would love to connect with you. We are passionate about serving vulnerable people in crisis, improving their quality of life in innovative, personal ways. Click here to connect with someone from our team and learn more about the many ways Endeavors® can help! 

In addition to providing Disaster Case Management and Emergency Services, we also help connect military families to clinics, provide emergency staffing services, create long-term recovery plans, and far more.

The post A Tropical Storm, a Young Family, and an Unlikely Story of Hope appeared first on Endeavors®.