By Alexis Gonzalez
As Hurricane Beryl passed through the Gulf Coast, it left people without power and needing places to keep cool during the day. When disaster strikes, communities come together, such as the partnership between the American Red Cross and the National Spiritual Council Coalition (NSCC).
In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, the Red Cross and NSCC have come together to provide water and snacks to distribute to the affected communities in Houston through six church locations.
"I'm excited to be partnering with the Red Cross. We need help in the heart of the hit communities." Reverend Gerald Shanks of Mary Olive Missionary Baptist Church, who opened his doors as a cooling center, shared as the Red Cross team unloaded supplies to deliver to his church. "It's easier to set up at a large facility where folks can come and receive provisions. But it's even better when you can take those provisions directly into the heart of these communities."
Bishop Kenneth Murray of Mary Olive Missionary Baptist Church started collaborating with the Red Cross weeks in advance as the predictions for Hurricane Beryl came through.
The six Houston area pastors also agreed to open their churches as cooling centers and hubs to distribute relief supplies in their affected neighborhoods. This new partnership is helping Houstonians in need and will likely prove useful as the Gulf Coast faces additional severe weather-related disasters.
"We are thankful for an organization that is willing to partner with us to assist folks that are hurting in these communities," said Bishop Murray. "We are so appreciative of you all being a resource for us. For me, it is wonderful to see a plan come alive. We are here to complement one another. We can be the light that heaven has called us to be as we work in harmony to care for our communities."
Pastor Craig Carter, of Williams Temple Church of God, a lifelong member and lead pastor at the Houston location since 2017, agrees with his fellow pastors on putting the community first.
"We're here to offer any relief we can to our communities affected by the storms," said Pastor Carter. "Thank you to the Red Cross for bringing us these supplies that we can pass on to our neighbors. Disaster breathes community. Whenever there is a disaster, the community comes together, and we will do what we need to do to take care of each other."
Bishop Bill Hines, senior pastor at New Covenant Christian Church, welcomes opening the church doors as a cooling center. Before their doors opened, Bishop Hines shared how his church also operates as a food pantry for the community. One hour before the Red Cross delivered supplies to New Covenant Christian Church, the church had about 100 families come through to receive food.
"Thank God for the partnership that we have with the Red Cross. Together, we'll be able to meet the needs of our communities," said Bishop Hines.
Dr. Max A Miller Jr., senior pastor at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, opened a cooling center at the J J Robertson Family Life Center and shared with gratitude, "We do what we do. We're here to not only help the community but to help the neighborhood. We are hyena-happy and peacock-proud that we can partner with the Red Cross. We are here for the needs of the people. The best is yet to come."
For those interested in supporting great partnerships in service like this, please consider making a donation at redcross.org. Would the Red Cross be a good partner for your organization? Please visit our website and find a chapter near you to learn how best to partner with us.
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