God, our Shelter,
Be a strong presence in the lives of neighbors who, having survived the winds and rains of the hurricanes, now face grief, uncertainty and weary days. May our generosity in prayer and in tangible signs of support overflow more than floodwaters, to sustain your work of healing and rebuilding and to bring comfort and strength to those who suffer. Amen.
PDA.PCUSA
These past weeks the US has been hit by two major hurricanes, Harvey and Irma. Harvey hit the gulf coast Aug. 25th. Irma hit the eastern Florida coast Sept. 10th. Both hurricanes have left a path of devastation.
Letter from Pastor Patrick McCoy
I have been researching the best way for volunteers to assist victims of Hurricane Harvey. After viewing the City of McKinney, Collin County, Dallas County and City of Dallas websites this appears to be the best information for how you can immediately get involved:
https://dallashelpforharvey.net/
Our short term mission team has contacted Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, but we don’t anticipate an immediate trip to Houston or to Florida. In fact, we are scheduled next to work in Oklahoma to continue the work that has been going on for more than a year to help those affected by the tornadoes. PDA will be involved with Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma restoration for at least the next five to ten years. We show up long after the news cycle has moved onto the next disaster. We still have teams working in Louisiana for work related to Katrina.
If the Dallas Mega Shelter for Harvey victims reaches its capacity and the call for churches in Collin County to provide shelter goes out, we will find a way to respond. Right now, however, much more comprehensive services are being provided in Dallas at the Mega Shelter. They are already set up to provide medical care, pharmacy support, transportation, and schooling for children. McKinney does not have public transportation or a public hospital.
Meanwhile, please let us know if you are providing housing for family and friends from Houston and surrounding areas or Florida. We would like to come alongside you in this effort.
Grace and Peace,
Patrick McCoy
Testimony
Testimony from Phil Darby, a TPC’s member and trained spiritual responder with the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance at the Dallas Mega Shelter.
“All of the help organizations – FEMA, Red Cross, motor vehicle, social security, USPS, etc are here and are doing their thing. We were visited by about 15 Santa’s and a few elves today and the children were thrilled. There was also a puppet show and of course the dogs are here. All in all it has been a positive shelter experience for the victims.”
Give Now
If you want to help the people affected by the hurricanes both in Texas and in Florida. Here is how you can help:
- Donate via Text: Go to texting area on your smartphone and enter 73256 for the number/recipient, then type TPCMCKINNEY PDA to give to the Disaster Relief Fund. Standard text messaging rates may apply. (Beware of auto correction, your phone will try to change tpcmckinney into a standard word.)
- Donate Online: You can donate on the Church Life App, or on The City by selecting Disaster Relief Fund from the Giving tab
- TPC Connect Me Disaster Relief Fund: (web portal for members) One time or recurring donations by EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer) from checking account or credit card.
- Mail: Paper check payable to TPC and write “PDA” in the memo line.
All donations will go to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
“You shall be… the restorer of streets to live in.” Isaiah 58:12
Resources:
To stay up to date on the news about the hurricanes, visit Presbyterian Disaster Assistance website and online resources below. For information on how to help a lost or distressed animal in the Gulf Coast area, contact the SPCA of Texas, Austin Pets Alive!, Dallas Animal Services or the San Antonio Humane Society.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance website
PDA Twitter page
PDA Facebook Page
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