Houston’s Community Comes Together in Times of Need
Houston is no stranger to natural disasters, with catastrophes occurring on a seemingly annual basis. However, in the face of adversity, the city has perfected the skill of supporting each other in their darkest moments.
Heroes in the Community
The city is home to many heroes who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors in need. For example, Shayda Habib, a Sugar Land-based Pizza Hut owner, delivered hot pizzas to hungry neighbors trapped in their homes by floodwaters after Hurricane Harvey. Along with her husband and a few employees, she loaded up some kayaks and brought much-needed food to those affected by the disaster.
Volunteer Efforts
Other notable volunteer efforts include the Houston chapters of Black Lives Matter and the Democratic Socialists of America, who helped muck and gut houses damaged during Harvey. This backbreaking work involved cleaning out severely flooded homes to make sure they were ready for renovations and repairs. Erica Quinzel, a Bat World Sanctuary volunteer, also played a crucial role in rescuing bats after Harvey, which helped to prevent the spread of diseases such as West Nile.
Community Support During the Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a Facebook group called Woodlands Area Foodies organized a fundraiser to support local restaurant workers who were struggling to pay their bills while in quarantine. Organizer Albert Nurick raised thousands of dollars and responded to hundreds of aid requests. Chef Chris Williams of Lucille’s also launched the nonprofit Lucille’s 1913, which allowed his staff to keep working while feeding homebound individuals who faced food insecurity during the lockdowns.
Acts of Kindness
The city has also seen numerous acts of kindness and generosity in the face of disaster. For example, members of the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation volunteered in Fifth Ward, Kashmere Gardens, Spring Branch, and Denver Harbor after a derecho in May 2024, removing trees, repairing broken pipes, and helping residents get their lives back on track. Tomball resident Veronica Marin rescued Bryan Pederson from his smashed SUV after a tree fell on it during the worst of the derecho winds, and Pederson later set up a fundraiser to buy a new home for Marin and her three kids after her home was destroyed.
Community Resources
In the aftermath of disasters, community resources have played a vital role in supporting those in need. Brazos Bookstore set up a makeshift "internet café" equipped with charging stations and air-conditioning after Hurricane Beryl knocked out electricity for nearly 3 million people. Doula Sierra McClain organized the #WeGotUs campaign, partnering with Project Row Houses’ All Real Radio and Soul Food Vegan to distribute over 3,000 diapers and baby supplies to Third Ward mothers unable to access necessities.
Ongoing Support
Organizations such as CrowdSource Rescue have also provided ongoing support to those affected by disasters. For months after Hurricane Beryl, they continued to provide free tree removals and other essential services, such as food, toiletries, and even insulin.
Conclusion
In the face of natural disasters and other challenges, Houston’s community has consistently come together to support each other. From volunteer efforts to acts of kindness and community resources, the city has shown that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope and always help available. As the city continues to face new challenges, it is clear that the spirit of community and resilience that defines Houston will only continue to grow stronger.
