Storms to Weather

“I’d rather have patience ...” is a philosophy of life that helped guide a special neighbor for over a year– a philosophy that we can all learn from."

Saint Vincent de Paul

On August 25, 2017, a father and mother of four children, two girls and two boys ages 9-14, were the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Their rented home was flooded and furniture, clothes, and car were lost. The trauma of the hurricane caused the parents to separate leaving the father to care for four children. Before Harvey, the father owned a repair business and worked a part-time job. The business flooded but fortunately he was able to get full-time work on the formerly part-time job. In addition, a friend loaned the father a temporary car, which on occasion doubled as a place to sleep. The well-behaved children had to travel frequently with dad in the car everywhere he went. FEMA paid for hotels until July 2018 when the funding ran out. At that point the father applied for and paid fees and rent for a 2 bedroom apartment. They were about to move in when his application was denied by the corporate entity, in part, because of the fire code. Subsequently, the application was approved but for a larger, more expensive 3 bedroom apartment. However, repairs were required in the apartment and the move in date was moved from August 1 to August 8. As a Harvey victim, the father learned about many Harvey resources including the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, so he inquired at the SVdP church office in late July. He had $85 in his pocket, needed $1,390.65 in additional fees for the 3-bedroom apartment, did not receive Food Stamps, and had no family or friends who could assist him because they too were Harvey victims. The first step our Society of St. Vincent de Paul Parish Conference took to help the family was to pay for an additional 5 days at the motel where they were staying until their apartment was ready August 8. During this waiting time, Dad was resourceful and contacted Bread of Life and the Christian Community Service Center to obtain pledges totaling $727.65. Then the SSVdP pledged $663 so that dad could pay the $1,390.65 for the 3-bedroom apartment on August 8 and move in. Next day, August 9, the SSVdP visited the family in the new apartment, totally bare of furniture, to complete a Hurricane Harvey Furniture application for needed beds, dressers, tables and chairs. The request was received at the SSVdP Headquarters and forwarded to Gallery Furniture to be filled. In preparation for school, clothing vouchers for the SVdP Thrift store were given so that the children could get clothing for school. A week and two days later, the father notified our SSVdP conference that none of the furniture had been delivered and that they were still sleeping on the floor. A check with the SSVdP headquarters indicated that the family was on the list at Gallery Furniture but there was a backlog due to workers being on summer vacation. Delivery date was now reported as being the week of August 20. The father was relieved that his name was in fact on the list, but delivery was delayed. His comment was, “Oh that’s good news! I just wanted to be sure I didn't drop the ball somewhere. I’d rather have patience than regrets.” In the meantime, the SSVdP stepped in and provided inflatable mattresses and linens for 5 twin sized mattresses. Needless to say, the father was very grateful, relieved that furniture was coming and is a terrific role model for his children. August 24, Gallery furniture delivered 5 beds, 5 dressers, table and chairs, a sofa and armchair. In addition a $300 Bed Bath & Beyond gift card was given to the father to obtain bedding and towels. The father has also found a second temporary job doing irrigation work to supplement his income. Everything seems well with this family right now as they are just beginning a new life of hope.