Volunteers needed to help
storm victims in Mexico

A coalition of church and community leaders is asking for volunteer work teams to help repair or rebuild homes in northern Mexico damaged by July storms.
Some 100 homes need repairs or rebuilding because of wind and water damage from Hurricane Emily or Tropical Storm Gert, said Susan Hellums, mission coordinator for the Methodist Border Friendship Commission. The relief coalition has prioritized the list of homes that need work.
In addition, Faith Communities for Disaster Recovery, a United Methodist-supported interfaith group assessing damage in Texas, reported 14 more homes of low-income families destroyed or with major damage.
Emily, a Category 3 hurricane, drenched northern Mexico July 20-21. Tropical Storm Gert brought more heavy rains to some of the same areas July 24.
Even if a church can’t send a work team, Hellums said, monetary donations would be appreciated. Purchasing items in Mexico is easier than trying to take them across the border.
Gifts can be made to the Southwest Texas Conference Disaster Response Fund (Advance 2050) through any local congregation or directly to the conference treasurer.
Methodist representatives from Southwest Texas and Mexico outlined plans Aug. 2 for helping Mexican towns flooded following the storms, Hellums said.
The week before, three trucks filled with 45 tons of relief supplies crossed the Texas-Mexico border. Two trucks were loaded with relief supplies, and one was outfitted as a medical clinic.
A donation from the McAllen District and volunteers coordinated through First UMC, McAllen, made possible the loading of rice, beans, blankets, candles and personal items.