Hurricane Harvey Relief

Hurricane Harvey has caused severe damage and historically high flooding in all of Southeast Texas.  As the rain continues to fall, we can anticipate seeing more devastation and rescue efforts in this area. We know that many of you have family and friends in the areas that have been hardest hit. We will stay in contact with first responders, those offering shelter and those preparing for the days ahead. As soon as we know of specific needs, we will let you know through emails titled Waves of Grace. In-kind donations are not helpful until we know specific needs.

At this time, here is what you can do:

God is fully present in the midst of the storms offering strength, comfort and hope. Pray for First Responders who are working tirelessly to rescue and assist those in need. Pray for those who have evacuated leaving their homes and uncertain of their future. Pray for those watching the rising waters fearful they will need to be rescued. And pray for friends and family who are feeling helpless to do anything for those that they love. Prayers connect us across the miles with God’s grace flowing deeper and faster than the flood waters we see rising.

Make a contribution through Grace Avenue. We will see to it that your donation goes to supporting the relief efforts. You can make your contribution through the link below, or via check. Make sure your checks are clearly marked “Hurricane Harvey”.

Make can also make a contribution directly to UMCOR (The United Methodist Committee on Relief).

Individuals, families and groups of volunteers are urged assemble Flood buckets and health kits. Please bring completed kits to Grace Avenue for distribution to UMCOR.

The cleanup and rebuilding from this event will require months and months of effort.  If you are a certified member of the Grace Avenue Early Response Team, please know that we will be putting together teams to go into the affected areas as soon as we are allowed.

If you would like to be trained to be part of our Early Response Team, or be a part of the long-term rebuilding efforts for this or other natural disasters, please contact our Missions Minister, Mary Martin at Mary@graceavenue.org.

NOTE: ERT Trainings have been scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 16th at Christ UMC in Plano and on Saturday, Sept. 23rd at FUMC of Coppell. 

More than 1,800 people took refuge from the storms Saturday night in 34 Red Cross and community shelters in Texas, and one shelter in Louisiana. They have enough shelter supplies in Texas to support 28,000 people and supplies for an additional 22,000 people are being sent in now. In addition, tractor trailer loads of ready-to-eat meals, comfort kits, kitchen supplies and cleaning supplies are on the ground in Texas. Nearly half of the Red Cross’s emergency response fleet – more than 150 vehicles – have been mobilized. Shelters are now being set up in convention centers in Houston and Dallas.

Blood banks always have lower supplies in the summer. Donating bloods is always a way to save a life. There is a Carter Blood Center located between the church and the Tollway at 4350 Main St Ste 105, Frisco, TX 75033. Phone is (214) 217-5690.