The state’s leading family violence and sexual assault organizations have collaborated on a direct relief project called “After the Storm” to support the full and rapid recovery of rape crisis centers and family violence service providers in the wake of Winter Storm Uri. As of March 8, 14 programs around the state have reported a total of $1.7M needed for repairs due to facility damages directly related to the extreme cold and power outages.
The project was announced today by the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault and the Texas Council on Family Violence.
“After the Storm” hopes to aid centers dealing with unexpected expenses from power outages, busted pipes, and flooding by allowing donors anywhere to connect and give directly to individual organizations. Because the storm hit Texas rape crisis centers and family violence service providers in communities where emergency disaster response was already strained, the project aims to close the gap that leaves survivors of violence exponentially vulnerable in the aftermath of disa sters.
“During the storm and in the days that followed, we heard from so many partners and out-of-state organizations asking how they could help,” said Rose Luna, chief executive officer of TAASA. “This project is a direct result of those inquiries.”
While some centers seek to raise a few thousand dollars for a busted pipe or broken heater, others face hundreds of thousands in facilities repairs and temporary housing for approximately 200 displaced clients.
“In the days since the storm, TCFV has been able to assess the immediate needs of service providers, and what we are seeing across the state is that the need is great and varied.” said Gloria Aguilera Terry, Chief Executive Officer of TCFV. “After the Storm offers donors a chance to directly support the needs of each program so that funds are available immediately to aid in their recovery efforts.”
If interested in assisting family violence service providers and rape crisis centers, visit texasafterthestorm.org. For more information, visit tcfv.org or contact Laura Hoke at (512) 689-7393.
