OBI workers help clear debris from Camilla's home in preperation for rebuilding. Camilla is trying to get her home ready for her mother's return, who is recovering from a stroke.

BRIDGE CITY, Texas – Hurricane Ike destroyed more than Kathy's home and everything in it.

The storm not only forced her from her house, but it is also the reason she had to ultimately put her husband in a nursing home.

Her husband, who spent 29 years working as a firefighter, had to retire early because he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He is only 54, and Kathy was taking care of him in their home.

That was, until Ike showed up.

Since their home was destroyed and there were no other alternative places to live, Kathy was forced to move her husband into an assisted living facility. In addition, she still is caring for her two grandchildren, 22 months and 7 years.

Thanks to Operation Blessing disaster relief cleanup crews, Kathy's house is on the road to being repaired. Workers and volunteers helped gut her home of debris.

OBI volunteers and aid workers are also making it a priority to assist first responders as well as the elderly, disabled and sick. So far more than 400 work orders have been generated.

OBI is also helping Camilla, who has lived in Texas since 1995 and needed help clearing debris from her home where her son and elderly mother also reside. Her hopes are to get the house ready for her mother, who is currently recovering from a stroke at an assisted living facility.

In addition to helping local families, OBI volunteers and aid workers are also making it a priority to assist first responders as well as the elderly, disabled and sick. So far more than 400 work orders have been generated.

OBI is coordinating the volunteer efforts in Bridge City and housing and feeding volunteers at their headquarters at Cathedral of the Pines church in Beaumont, Texas. To volunteer in Texas or for future disasters, visit www.ob.org/volunteer.asp or e-mail volunteer@ob.org.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

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