Agencies begin recovery in East Harris

Local areas designated for recovery relief.
Local areas designated for recovery relief.

CROSBY – Harris County has begun the process of recovery for some of the hardest hit by Hurricane Harvey and at the Crosby Community Center last Thursday many agencies that aid in the recovery of those hurt by the storm were in attendance.

The impacts of Harvey are fully known to authorities: millions of gallons of untreated sewage overflows, doctors reporting increases of stomach issues and skin infections are documented, flooded refineries and superfund sites commercial and industrial facilities were swept into the general communities with flood water, 90 incidents were reported in Greater Houston-Galveston involving 700,000 gallons of pollutants and more than 38,000 pounds of air pollutants were released, mold in homes is an ongoing danger. All of these dangers may seem abstractions however if one finds oneself homeless, losing their home or left in an emotional state too despondent to keep up the fight to survive.

On hand that day were federal agents with FEMA. Harris County Community Services Department, Resource Navigators social workers were there, and various workers with Harris County Government. Lone Star Legal Aid had representative present. Texans Crisis Counseling Program had therapists in attendance.

The best news for many attending is that if one were flooded as a result of the Spring Floods of 2016 or Harvey a recovery program yet to be announced may be available. Those interested should visit www.csd.hctx.net and fill out the online survey or call (832) 927-4961, leave a message and wait for a return call.

Harris County even admits that social services navigation is confusing. Those having trouble with finding their way through the system are invited to call (713) 696-1998 or send an e-mail to: navigator @csd.hctx.net.

A homelessness prevention program can be accessed by calling (832) 927-4961 or viewed at www.harrisrecovery.org or rebuildharris@csd.hctx.net.

Also the federal government, through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) helps fund affordable housing programs for those who cannot afford to rent or buy a home, they invite one to visit www.hud.gov.

Crisis Counseling can help with resource referrals, building skills for a better workplace, survivors can be assisted on identifying stress reactions following a traumatic event. Counseling can help building awareness about normal reactions to disaster.

Health and Human Services Benefits Hotline includes 211 as a hotline and 1-800-252-8263 for human services and 1(877) 541-7905 for non-emergencies.

The FEMA number is listed as 1-800-462-7585. The Office of Social Services for Harris County distributed lots of material and can be reached at (713) 696-7900. They help with crisis management like single issue utility bills and helping people maintain independence.