Help Texas Recover after Hurricane Harvey

We are so pleased to deliver another exciting update to you about our active programs in Texas! Due to the generosity of our donors, and the added support of GlobalGiving's Hurricane Harvey funds, All Hands and Hearts has completed work on 79 homes between both of our programs, and are still in various stages of rebuild on 10 homes. We just welcomed a new group of AmeriCorps CitySquare members at each program last month, who have already proven to be assets to our team. They have expanded their knowledge of various phases of the rebuild process, such as drywall, flooring, and framing. This small yet consistent group is steadily building a strong skill-set and is evolving informally into an additional mentoring/leadership resource for our shorter-term volunteers (which will help sustain this incredible momentum). This means even more families moving back into their homes!

Since our last report, we have expanded on several of our local partnerships. All Hands and Hearts was selected for the University of Houston's Day of Service, and we successfully hosted 15 students. We are also working with the marketing team to build out continued engagement with the Center for Student Involvement. We also participated in East Harris County Empowerment Councils Harvey Recovery Tour, a public outreach tour, which facilitated connections between partner organizations and outward to those needing assistance.

Also during this quarter, we finished the pilot home for resilient design in tandem with other long-term recovery groups across Houston, and continue to implement these techniques in future rebuilds. We recognize that homeowners in Texas coastal regions are especially vulnerable to future storms, and we mobilize our repair process as an opportunity to empower homeowner resilience. Our strategy focuses on using water-resistant or waterproof products, addressing existing safety issues that may pose hazards, and distributing educational materials that will allow homeowners to be more prepared for any future disasters. We are continually discussing and developing these techniques with local partners to ensure that our strategy contributes to the larger vision of resilience in Coastal Bend and across Texas.

Thank you for all that you have helped us accomplish. Because of the generosity of GlobalGiving and donors like you, All Hands and Hearts has been able to help so many families who otherwise might not have been able to receive assistance. Amy, the owner of a recently finished house, expressed her gratitude: "For two years I was hoping and praying. Just to have your organization come and help us was like a miracle on earth. I feel like I don't deserve this, because so many other people need help too. A million thank you's are not enough."