RHF sends $27K for winter storm relief

Another $27,000 is available to help United Church of Christ churches in the South with repair and recovery. Many are still putting things right after a deadly ice storm almost brought down the power grid and damaged the water system in Texas when it struck the week of Feb. 14.

After Disaster Ministries launched an emergency appeal help with long-term recovery, primarily in the South Central Conference, Retirement Housing Foundation responded with a campaign to match donations sent to its office through April 30.

As a result, RHS, one of the country’s largest non-profit housing providers, just sent $27,386.80 to Disaster Ministries.

“I am grateful to the Retirement Housing Foundation for partnering in the response to February’s winter storm,” said the Rev. Josh Baird, team leader of Global H.O.P.E., which encompasses Disaster Ministries. “Their promotion of the appeal and their generous matching gift have greatly increased the capacity of the Church to offer compassion to those affected by this disaster.”

Solidarity grants

The winter weather left dozens dead, paralyzed cities, made roads impassable and cut power to millions of Texans. At one point, half of the state’s population had water issues.

Baird said the Global H.O.P.E. team has already sent $24,000 in solidarity grants to the Conference and several churches for early response.

“As the focus of work turns to long-term recovery, Disaster Ministries will continue working closely with the South Central Conference and other mission partners to match support with long-term needs for both materials and volunteer labor,” Baird said.

History of helping

RHF has often joined the UCC in helping those throughout the country who have been affected by natural disasters.

In 2017, a generous $100,000 gift to the UCC’s Hurricane Relief fund from RHF residents, team members and friends helped push disaster donations earmarked to assist people affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria over the $2 million mark.  

“Retirement Housing Foundation has a long history of partnering with the UCC in responding to disasters throughout our country,” said Stuart Hartman, president and CEO. “Working together, our impact on the problem can be so much greater.”