In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Texans like Rosalina*, who is elderly and living with a disability, also faced the devastating impacts of Hurricane Hanna recovery. Moving inland from the Gulf of Mexico with sustained winds of 93 mph and approximately 12 inches of rainfall, Hurricane Hanna damaged homes, tore through roofs and walls, and downed tree limbs and power poles.
In the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) partnered with local organizations to help families rebuild their lives after the storm. Through Hurricane Hanna recovery efforts, homeowners like Rosalina received support, practical assistance, and renewed hope as they worked to recover from disaster.
Rebuilding a Home and Restoring Hope
When Hurricane Hanna made landfall, Rosalina sheltered in her home with her caregiver. Strong winds created holes in the walls, and standing water that remained for months afterward resulted in mould growth. Several sections of the ceiling and walls required repairs, and one hallway was left without drywall or a ceiling.
Rosalina felt stuck, unsure of how to solve the problems Hurricane Hanna left with her.
When DRS volunteers received an assignment to work on Rosalina’s home through Rio Grande Valley Faith Communities for Disaster Recovery, she was filled with anticipation. The volunteers explained that they travel to disaster-impacted communities to help rebuild homes and restore hope.
For two weeks, volunteers transformed Rosalina’s house while she stayed with her caregiver. They rebuilt the main bedrooms, drywall, and closets. They installed new lighting, patched concrete walls, painted the concrete floor, and repaired and painted the walls and ceilings.
Suddenly, not only the home withstood Hurricane Hanna, but also Rosalina’s heart.
A Lasting Transformation
While volunteers worked diligently to restore her home, Rosalina was grateful for the lasting impact of their efforts. Before completing the project, the team invited Rosalina to participate in a last nail ceremony. Together, they celebrated her restored home as she tapped in the final nail and received a quilt and Spanish Bible as gifts.
Thanks to your support of Hurricane Hanna recovery efforts, Rosalina can now live safely and securely in her restored home with hope instead of worry. Through disaster recovery programs like DRS, World Renew helps equip homeowners and communities to recover from the challenges that follow major storms and other disasters.
We’re grateful for the withstanding transformation people like Rosalina can experience because of your generosity.
How You Can Make a Difference
Stories like Rosalina’s demonstrate the importance of disaster recovery long after media attention has moved on. Across North America, families continue to face the difficult process of repairing homes, replacing belongings, and rebuilding their lives after hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and other disasters.
You can be part of that transformation. Learn more about World Renew’s North American Disaster Response work and how communities are rebuilding with the support of dedicated volunteers and compassionate donors.
If you’re ready to make a hands-on impact, consider joining a volunteer team. Volunteers play a vital role in helping homeowners recover and move forward after disaster strikes. Explore volunteer opportunities today.
*Name changed for privacy reasons.
