In addition to managing all of the other disasters that have happened since Hurricane Harvey, we haven’t forgotten the vulnerable families in Texas, who had little before the storm, and even less now. Yesterday, we distributed $75,000 in cash cards for immediate food, fuel and life’s necessities to help families to regain their dignity and buy food and other necessary items on their own. There is great dignity in buying one’s own food and soap after a disaster. The cash cards will be distributed through the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Rockport and the Diocese of Corpus Christi to those who need it most in Rockport, Texas.

Together, with the generosity of our supporters, we are healing lives together. As Malteser International Americas Board President, Major General (Ret.) Thomas A. Wessels, KMOb said:

“Our relief efforts here in Rockport are real extensions of our own hands and those of our donors to devastated families, and by working together with these faith-based organizations we are making the greatest impact and helping those who need it most.”

The food cards are helping people like Bradley and Carol Steiner to recover. Bradley is a Veteran with a pacemaker, who needs oxygen around the clock to live, and Carol suffers with severe pain of a bad hip surgery and can barely walk. Each month, they struggle to get by on his $500 Social Security check and her minimal income from Walmart.

We also presented another check. To help the community rebuild and continue to help devastated families recover, the Salt Lake Church Relief Center, a grassroots relief center in Rockport, also received $2,500 in support from Malteser International Americas. The money will go towards repairs after Hurricane Harvey ripped the roof off and crumbled the walls. Not much more than a shell, the church serves as a relief and warm meal distribution center and is run by a group of devoted local volunteers from the community.

Read the full press release here.

PROJECT GALLERY

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