Listen to a personal message from OBI's U.S. director of disaster relief.

OBI calling for disaster relief
  volunteers

About Hurricane Ike
On September 13, Hurricane Ike made landfall on the Texas coast as a Category 2 storm bearing down with 110 mph winds and storm surges up to 15 feet. Ike caused widespread damage, leaving in its wake: downed trees and power lines, flooded homes and streets, and battered businesses. Thousands still remain without power, food, and water, and many families are still stranded in shelters across the state unsure of when or if they will be able to return home. After previously evacuating for Hurricane Gustav, the people of Texas are feeling the financial strain on top of the burdens associated with the loss of personal property and belongings. Ongoing power outages are adding to the food shortage and forcing grocery stores to remain closed in some communities and with very limited operations in others.

Our Efforts
Operation Blessing’s Disaster Relief Team is currently deployed in Beaumont, Texas, and is working throughout Orange and Bridge City, Texas. Our mobile kitchen unit has been providing thousands of meals for first responders such as National Guard and State Police. Our work crews have been installing blue tarps on roofs, removing trees from homes, doing chainsaw work and debris removal, as well as gutting and removing sheetrock from flooded homes.

Volunteer Accommodations
Separate sleeping quarters will be provided for men and women. Cots are available, but volunteers are responsible for bringing blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, and towels for showers. Meals will be provided by Operation Blessing.

What You Will Be Doing
Volunteer teams will conduct labor-intensive efforts to help hurricane victims remove debris, cut out molded sheetrock, and clean out mud from flooded homes. All work will be supervised by an Operation Blessing Foreman. Volunteer workers will be provided all the necessary tools and personal protection equipment needed. Volunteers will also be involved in meal preparation under the supervision of our mobile kitchen chefs.