FEMA status & evening meals

Today, we received the news that we have been waiting for:  FEMA will be available for residents to speak with them Tuesday, June 14th, 10:30am - 4pm at Simonton Community Church.  Even if you have registered online with FEMA, you should come to speak with them to check on your status. 

Note from the Simonton Mayor's office:  "We greatly appreciate all the work of the volunteers in helping our homeowners.  After the deconstruction though, homeowners must wait and receive approval for building permits before any construction can begin."

Progress:  Many families are completing the tiring process of taking out sheetrock and furniture.  Some who come to the evening meals are very tired and in the midst of deciding what to save.  Dinners at Simonton Church continue through Thursday.  6pm - 8pm.  Wednesday is pizza night.  Thanks to all the volunteers who serve at the meals and have helped with the houses.  You have given hope! 

"Life isn't measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." 

With Gratitude.
Dale Olson, Executive Director
Family Hope

That's what we are supposed to do

Friends of Family Hope, today has been a day to remember in the life of our communities.  Volunteers descended on both Fulshear and Simonton to lend a strong hand and support.  At Fulshear, we served nearly 400 people with fresh fruits and vegetables with almost 100 volunteers sharing their time.  Chic-Fil-A, with Cliff Parker, brought part of the breakfast with additional food from volunteers.  In Simonton, teams from all over Houston were taking out bad sheetrock, removing furniture and kitchen cabinets that were destroyed by the 3' and 4' of water in homes.  One fellow said to me:  "God has blessed me with a strong back and so we are helping others.  That's what we are suppose to do."  

...Dinners at Simonton Church continue each night through Thursday, June 16th, 6 - 8 pm.  
...For your convenience, County Social Services will be meeting with Flood Survivors at Simonton Community Church: Monday - Wednesday, June 13 - 15: 10 --4pm. Now is the time to apply for financial assistance!
...Special Fund Raiser for Flood Survivors:  Center Court Pizza (FM 1093), Thursday, June 16th.  10% of all sales to Flood Assistance Fund. 
...Special Thank you to John Boaz, our chef for all the evening meals at Simonton Church.  He is full-time ministry at Lord Send Me Ministries.  He and his brother have been amazing to cook and serve with joy!
...The word I leave you with before the Sabbath Day:  GRATITUDE.
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend." (Melody Beattie)

With Gratitude.
Dale Olson, Executive Director
Family Hope   

In disaster relief, there is no competition

Friends of Family Hope, I met a group of Mennonites who drove from Ohio and PA to come and give a helping hand to Simonton.  One man, a dairy farmer, left his five children at home with the oldest who is in charge at age 23 years old, and came with his wife to help people clean out their flooded homes.  What a heart of serving!  As one person said tonight, "In disaster relief, there is no competition."  

...Churches:  We have four days next week for dinners...Monday -- Thursday.  Would a church take an one evening to serve the meal? (Meals prepared by Lord Send Me Ministries.) 
...Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (June 13-15), County Social Services will begin taking information for Financial Assistance.  You need to meet with a case worker to begin the process.  10am -- 4pm at Simonton Church.
...YOU ARE INVITED to BREAKFAST & FOOD GIVE AWAY, this Saturday, June 11 at River Bend Church (27600 FM 1093, Fulshear).  9amBreakfast by Chic-Fil-A and area volunteers; 9:30 - 11am Food Give Away by Houston Food Bank & Kroger.  County Social Services will be available for FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE process.  Veterans Assistance by Red Cross will be present to help Veterans. 
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"  ...Erma Bombeck.

As one person said, "These volunteers are so amazing!"  Thanks!  

With Gratitude.
Dale Olson, Executive Director
Family Hope

Returning to Homes

Friends, the work of returning to the homes and taking out sheetrock and furniture has begun.  Although the stories are filled with sadness, the spirit is amazing.  As one person said tonight:  "We're blessed."  The groups of men who are helping the seniors and others have helped so many already.  Thanks to all the volunteers.  You're the best!

UPCOMING EVENTS:
...Fort Bend County Social Services will be available to meet at Simonton Church from 1 - 4 pm Thursday, June 9th.  Please use these services.  Many need to begin this process.  
...Dinners continue at Simonton Church, 6-8 pm all weekend, Friday --Sunday.  
...Saturday, June 11th, all affected by the flood waters are invited to River Bend Church (27600 FM 1093, Fulshear) for BREAKFAST...compliments of Chic-Fil-A and others.  Also, fresh fruits and vegetables given away.  County Social Services will be available for visits.  
...Greatest need now:  Give a cash donation or donate online
...Gift Cards are needed:  Home Depot and Walmart.

Words to live by:  "The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration but its donation."  (Corrie Ten Boom)

With Gratitude.
Dale Olson, Executive Director
Family Hope

Flood Assistance Progress

Simonton Flood Assistance
Most families are able returning to their homes.  I heard stories of houses with 3' and 4' of water.  One man after showing pictures of his flooded house, showed me a picture of his granddaughter and said, "I might have lost a lot of things today, but she is the reason to live along with my faith."  

...Dinners at Simonton Church continue, 6--8pm:  Tonight we served 150 people and Red Cross brought 300 prepared meals to Valley Lodge residents.  We need servers.  Needed: Desserts for meal.
...We continue to need cleaning supplies. Bring to Red Potato Market. 
...Need: Workers to lift furniture out of houses of seniors.  One senior said, "It is really hard for me to ask for help but I can't do this myself."  Also, needed...workers to clean up. 
...Fort Bend County Social Services will be at Simonton Church on Tuesday after 12:30pm to answer questions.  
...Anyone wishing to receive a food box, come and sign up for a box of non-perishables at the dinner at Simonton Church on Tuesday night.
...For updates:  Facebook...FamilyHopeFulshear
Thanks for the many generous hearts who are serving with joy!
Dale Olson, Executive Director

Family Hope