2017 Hurricane Relief Effort: Texas
DID YOU KNOW?
Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas on Aug. 25, 2017.
When asked about her 45-day stint as a FEMA volunteer, Jolene Wise of the SEC’s Chicago Regional Office says: “I would do it again in a heartbeat!” Assigned to work the night shift at a call center in Denton, Texas, she often spoke to people who had lost everything. “There were countless sad situations and it is impossible to imagine what the survivors are experiencing but I did my very best to find some way to help, to patiently listen, to let them know someone cared,” she says.
“My first impressions were: this is going to be very hot. Most days were in the 90s with lots of humidity. You were sweating as soon as you got there."
– Fred Block, Division of Enforcement | Deployed to Texas
I helped callers navigate the FEMA assistance process, but even if I couldn’t directly solve their problem most were grateful for the opportunity to explain and be heard. I found the experience rewarding.
– Benjamin Ristau, Office of Administrative Law Judges | Deployed to Texas
Here are some photos of the volunteers in action.
Modified: June 4, 2018