houston harvey disaster relief

On August 26, 2017 Hurricane Harvey stalled over Texas and devastated much of our area. It is estimated that over 800,000 homes and over 1 million cars were flooded. More than 80 people lost their lives. It is estimated that it will take more than 3 years to rebuild and recover from this catastrophic flooding. 


At Lakewood UMC, there was an immediate response to the call for help. As the rain poured down, our doors were opened to our friends and neighbors. The Lakewood UMC community welcomed the wet and hungry with open arms and hot meals. As friends and neighbors came in our doors for help, the donations and the volunteers also flooded in. There were thousands of items donated — clothing, food, cases of water, pet supplies, cleaning products, and more. 


Thanks to the generosity of our members and local community, Lakewood UMC was not only able to help those within our building, but also to send donations throughout the city to help families in need. Lakewood’s generosity in prayers, presence, service and witness have made a huge impact on the lives of many in our community.

We are in it for the long haul

MOVING FORWARD IN 2018


In 2018, we are moving forward into the rebuilding phase from the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. We are working with UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) and The Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. We are also continuing to receive and screen benevolence requests from the local community thanks to our Pastors, church staff and our Harvey Benevolence team. In addition, we have hosted two Disaster teams so far — one from Marysville, Washington and another from Mt. Zion UMC in Afton, Tennessee. We plan to host an out of state team for one week per month in 2018.


Lakewood UMC Harvey Disaster Recovery Team

If you would like to volunteer to assist homeowners with rebuilding, Lakewood UMC is hosting workdays each month, and on various days throughout the month on an as-needed basis. You can join the Lakewood UMC Harvey Disaster Recovery Team by contacting LUMCHarveyRecovery@gmail.com or by signing up on our website at this link: 

http://lakewoodumc.org/home/flood-recovery


The Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church

We will be working with UMCOR and our conference around Houston to begin the homeowner rebuilding process in 2018. You can find out more about the Conference response here: http://www.txcumc.org/texasrecovers. The website includes important information about mold and safety equipment.


Please continue to keep our community and affected families in your prayers. We anticipate the rebuilding effort in our community to be 2-3 years, with longer recovery in more heavily affected areas such as Bear Creek and along the coast from Beaumont to Rockport, Texas.


Here are other ways that you can continue to help:

- Donate to the LUMC Harvey Disaster Relief Fund

- Continue to respond to requests via social media or email for materials, food, or supplies as needs arise. 

- Commit to pray for 1) the community, 2) families in recovery and 3) the Church for wisdom, guidance and resources to effectively respond in Christ.


If you have questions, or know of someone in need, please contact LUMCHarveyRecovery@gmail.com.


"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2