So much has changed for so many in just a week.

One week ago, a couple was moving back into their home, on Tuesday, after Harvey had flooded them. On Thursday, they were flooded again.

Another couple moved back into their home just two weeks prior to Imelda dropping in on us.

Another record storm with record amounts of rain. These are not the records we want to be known for in this area. This is Friday Night Football area, after all, and we are watching those Mighty Mustangs.

The western side of our county was struck hard by this storm and once again searching for the strength to pick up, rebuild and grow stronger. Schools were damaged, again. Students returned to their campus in May after Harvey, are again being relocated to other campuses to continue the school year. 

Families are struggling to move forward as they deal with the loss of everything, again.

While you may have been fortunate to miss the devastation this go around, remember those who were not as fortunate.

If you are looking for ways to pay it forward for the help you received after Rita, Ike or Harvey, consider volunteering with Orange County Disaster Rebuild. Orange County Disaster Rebuild is a long-term recovery team serving Orange County following a disaster. To donate or to volunteer, visit https://www.ocdisasterrebuild.com/

Nehemiah’s Vision has partnered with First Baptist Church Vidor to take applications for those in need of mud-out assistance. They will prioritize for those most in need that do not have other resources to assist them. If you know someone in need of mud-out assistance, they will be set up in the church office located at 350 N Main St in Vidor or you can call either office or apply at https://www.nehemiahsvisionrecovery.org/ under the tab “Get HELP”. Or call, Nehemiah’s Vision office (409) 617-1038 or First Baptist Church Vidor office (409) 769-2418.

Nehemiah’s Vision is a 501(c)(3) organization.  Since 2005 they have repaired over 1200 homes, with 100 homes being built from the ground up, according to its website.

Together, we stand strong as we rebuild a better Orange County.

 

 Dawn Burleigh is editor of The Orange Leader. She can be reached at dawn.burleigh@orangeleader.com