(February 26, 2021) – The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston is working to coordinate a community response to last week’s winter storm through fundraising to provide direct support and by connecting individuals and families to available services.
While the complete impact of the storm is still being assessed, the Federation is accepting donations to its Disaster Fund and will allocate resources as it has for past disasters to help individuals, families, and Jewish institutions recover.
“The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston is here in this crisis just as we were for Hurricane Harvey and through the COVID-19 pandemic to help support the individuals and institutions in our community as we navigate this challenge,” said Federation spokesperson Taryn Baranowski.
This week, 70 volunteers from New York and Texas including individuals representing J-Teen, UJA, Kehillah High, and Teen Israel Ambassadors, made calls to check in on 700 members of our community over 80 years of age to find out what resources they need.
The Federation also sent text messages to our community members under 80 years of age to check in and inform them of the resources available.
Visit the Federation website at www.houstonjewish.org/winter-storm-resources for a list of local disaster relief efforts and additional winter storm resources or to make a donation to the Disaster Fund.
On Saturday, Feb. 27 at 3 pm, and Tuesday, March 2, at 7:30 pm, the Texas Jewish Federations are hosting a webinar with national recovery nonprofit SBP on tools and training to help impacted residents navigate complex recovery processes, avoid common obstacles, and maximize available resources for a faster recovery.
Topics covered include navigating Federal Assistance (FEMA/SBA), working with insurance, cleanup and mold remediation, and working with contractors/avoiding fraud. Visit houstonjewish.org to register.
Federation partner agency Jewish Family Service of Houston has been providing immediate assistance for help with groceries, pipe repairs, and other urgent needs.
Those who need help with storm recovery are encouraged to reach out to JFS for management services, assistance with navigating FEMA and insurance paperwork, emergency financial assistance (groceries, rent, and mortgage payments), and mental health services.
To access services, visit www.jfshouston.org and complete the JFS intake form or call 713-986-7844 to leave a message.