Sewa International volunteers have participated in relief efforts throughout Houston in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall on the Texas coast on July 8 and killed eight, affected two million people, and caused an estimated 3.3 billion in damages.
Sewa and seven other organizations organized and distributed over 1,000 hot meals to individuals in Channelview, Texas, at Praise Christian Church during the most recent food drive on July 14.
Sewa volunteers have served 200 meals donated by Maharaja Bhog, a restaurant and food vendor in Houston to a senior living community in Hollyoaks, Harris County, TX. They have also served meals to over 150 graduate students of the University of Houston living in an apartment complex in Houston who lost power due to the hurricane. Additionally, volunteers delivered more than 120 gallons of water to Rosharon in Brazoria County, Texas. The community was unable to access clean drinking water and lacked power.
Arun Kankani, Houston-resident and president of Sewa International said, "We began our efforts a day before the storm by sharing non-emergency phone lines with the community. We gathered emergency supplies and prepared families to ensure their vehicles and homes were ready for the storm. During the storm, we alerted residents to evacuate, avoid damaged buildings and power lines, and consume safe water and food.”
"Sewa volunteers are working on reaching out to families without power, delivering ice to cope with the heat, and sharing information on roofing contractors and cooling shelters. I thank the many Sewa volunteers who are helping others despite facing challenges at their homes like power outages and roof leaks," Kankani said.
Community members receiving help have commended Sewa for their assistance. “I never thought I will be in this situation. God does things in a miraculous way and as a human being, we do not have any clue. Please let me know how I can help Sewa,” said one recipient, and another said, after receiving food, “A hot dinner after four days hit the spot! Thanks to all the volunteers and Sewa team for coming forward in any crisis.”
"Sewa has been serving people worldwide during disasters and many Houston residents remember our relief efforts and rebuilding work during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Beryl, a category one hurricane, has caused extensive damage, and I appeal to people to donate to Sewa’s ‘Together for Texas’ campaign, to help Houston recover,” said Kankani.
“There is a lot more work to be done, and a lot more people to be reached, and any support from the community will be appreciated,” said Kankani as he urged donors to join the Facebook fundraising campaign by Sewa, as well as the donors'’ ability to contribute through the Sewa website.
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