As Hurricane Harvey weakens into a tropical depression, a $5,000 HEART (Humanitarian Emergency Aid for Rebuilding Tomorrow) Fund grant from national Woman’s Missionary Union and the WMU Foundation will assist hurricane victims.
“There are thousands of people in Texas and surrounding areas who are hurting,” said David George, president of the WMU Foundation. “This grant will help storm victims with some of their immediate needs.”
At least 28 people have died as a result of the storm, and more rain is expected as Harvey continues to move inland. Texas authorities are reporting more than 32,000 residents are staying in shelters right now, and thousands more have property damage.
The $5,000 HEART Fund grant will help WMU of Texas provide gift cards to those who have been impacted by the storm.
“We are so grateful that this grant will allow us to respond in Jesus’ name to the very real and urgent needs that are all around us right now,” said Carolyn Porterfield, interim executive director of WMU of Texas.
National WMU and the WMU Foundation expect to make additional grants as relief efforts continue and rebuilding begins.
“Our prayer is this initial grant will provide some necessities for people who are hurting right now,” said Sandy Wisdom-Martin, executive director-treasurer of national WMU. “We will continue to work with the WMU Foundation and WMU of Texas during clean-up and rebuilding, and we will pray for, support, and love our neighbors as they recover and rebuild.”
“It’s human nature to forget about the victims once the worst is over and it’s no longer on the news every day, but we will not forget,” George added. “In the days, weeks, and months ahead, we will continue to look for ways to help. As the body of Christ, we will be there for our neighbors as they rebuild their homes and lives.”
The HEART Fund was created in response to Sept. 11, 2001. Since that time, the WMU Foundation has granted more than $473,000 from the HEART Fund to disaster victims in the United States and around the world.
The WMU Foundation is accepting gifts to the HEART Fund for disaster relief victims online or by mail to WMU Foundation HEART Fund, 100 Missionary Ridge, Birmingham, AL 35242.