Following information is a collection of links and sites that may be useful to those dealing with the impact of Hurricane Harvey in the Greater Houston area.   If there is something that you think we should add to the list, please add a comment to this page and we will review the suggestion for inclusion.

Important Government Links

1. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

   1. FEMA main website: https://www.fema.gov/
   2. FEMA website for affected persons to register for disaster assistance – https://www.disasterassistance.gov – Has excellent information about their application for assistance. They can also call FEMA (1-800-621-FEMA) for answers about their application for assistance.
   3. FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program – http://www.femaevachotels.com/ –  Has listing of hotels where those affected could find a place to stay.

2. Local County Emergency Management sites

   1. Harris County’s Emergency Management site – http://www.readyharris.org/
   2. Fort Bend County’s Office of Emergency Management –
      • Emergency Shelters for Fort Bend County Residents – http://fbcoem.org/emergency-shelters-in-fort-bend-county/
        

Other Agencies Links and Contact information:

1. American Red Cross site – http://www.redcross.org
   1. Hurricane Relief – www.redcross.org/Disaster-Relief/Hurricane‎
   2. Find a Red Cross Shelter call 1 (800) 733-2767
   3. Give Blood – http://www.redcross.org/give-blood

United Methodist Links

1. United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) – http://www.umcor.org/ -The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to alleviating human suffering around the globe. UMCOR’s work includes programs and projects in disaster response, health, sustainable agriculture, food security, relief supplies, and more.
2. Volunteering After a Flood  – Director of Missional Excellence Rev. Scott Moore shares important steps and safety tips for cleaning out a flooded home for volunteers.  Download the forms (Debris Removal, Participant Liability, and Property Access) referenced in the video: http://bit.ly/2wsx0IA

Information for Homeowners

1. Check out this Red Cross publication – Repairing Your Flooded Home
2. Register with FEMA for Disaster Assistance.
3. Check with your Insurance Company about coverage.
4. PROTECT YOUR HEALTH
5. Take lots of pictures of your damaged areas of your property
6. Don’t start restoration until FEMA / Insurance Company Adjusters are able to review your property.
   1. Temporary repairs ok to prevent further damage which would include removing wet carpeting, drywall, insulation.
   2. Be sure to save representative samples of the damaged flooring so the adjuster can properly calculate the loss.
   3. Start drying out your house once it is safe using floor fans.
7. Don’t do business with solicitors at the door. Give NO ONE money without first verifying their credentials, license to work in Texas, and performance bond (insurance). Check references before hiring.
8. Mold Cleanup Information for Homeowners and Renters – English version and Spanish version

Donation information/ideas

1. Monetary Donations – These can be made directly to UMCOR Domestic Disaster Response, Advance #901670, at www.umcor.org or by send a check to Misson Bend UMC with a note indicating it is for UMCOR – Hurricane Harvery.
2. Make Flood Buckets (Cleaning Kits) – these can be delivered to the Mission Center in Conroe beginning Monday. A list of kit supplies can be found at http://www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Relief-Supplies/Relief-Supply-Kits/Cleaning,    Watch video about assembling the kits: http://vimeo.com/39782409
3. Mission Bells Food Pantry
4. West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM)
5. Donatfle Blood via the Red Cross

Volunteer Opportunities – “Ministry of Presence”

1. Check out our Mission Bulletin Board. – http://mbumc.org/category/service/missions-bulletin-board/
2. National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters – https://www.nvoad.org/hurricane-harvey/volunteer/  – register as a volunteer

Need to Talk?

1. Call the Church Office or use the Contact Us link on the website
2. Tip for talking/helping Kids and Youth cope with Disaster/Traumatic events – flyer 
3. The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a–year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
4. National Suicide Prevention Hotline – flyer