After Hurricane Harvey ravaged the Coastal Bend in 2017, the region struck back with a massive rebuild that’s only recently wound down. The Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group, as part of the Unmet Needs Roundtable Coalition, had a large hand in those efforts.
The Disaster Recovery Group, along with its network of businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, public sector agencies, and private entities:
- rebuilt 124 homes;
- replaced 147 manufactured homes;
- and completed 367 major home repairs.
The work, totaling $22.5 million, affected about 708 families. To maximize its donation funds, The group relied chiefly on volunteer labor for construction and repair work. According to the organization, 180,000 volunteer hours worked represent a savings of $3.5 million.
In addition, individual donations to the group's disaster response resulted in:
- 81 homes rebuilt;
- 79 manufactured homes replaced;
- and 181 major homes repaired.
The Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group was created in 2015 to address the needs of Coastal Bend residents impacted by disasters. It was formed to coordinate disaster recovery efforts in an area that includes Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, San Patricio, and Refugio counties.
Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 storm, was the first major hurricane to hit the Coastal Bend in 47 years when it struck in August 2017. Damage to all affected regions totaled $125 billion.
For additional information about the Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group, visit its website at coastalbenddrg.org.
chuck@thepicayune.com
