A Transformation That Withstands

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19)

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Texans like *Rosalina, who is disabled and elderly, also faced Hurricane Hanna and the damage it did in their communities. Coming from the Gulf of Mexico with sustained winds of 93 mph and 12 inches of rainfall, Hanna wrecked homes, tore through roofs and walls, and downed tree limbs and power poles.

Last year, World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) worked in Rio Grande Valley, Texas, helping people rebuild their lives and sharing hope with homeowners like Rosalina who were struggling to recover from the storm.

When Hurricane Hanna touched down, Rosalina fearfully sheltered in her home with her caregiver. The strength of the wind created holes in the walls and the water that stood for months afterwards resulted in mold. Several places in the ceiling and walls needed repairs and one hallway was left without sheetrock or ceiling. Rosalina felt stuck, unsure of how to solve the problems Hurricane Hanna left with her.

When DRS volunteers received an assignment to work on Rosalina’s home through Rio Grande Valley Faith Communities for Disaster Recovery, she was filled with anticipation! The volunteers explained that they travel to disaster-impacted communities to rebuild homes like hers. They spent two weeks transforming Rosalina’s house while she stayed with her caregiver. The volunteers rebuilt the main bedrooms, drywall, and closets. They installed new lighting, patched concrete walls, painted the concrete floor, and repaired and painted the walls and ceilings. Suddenly, not only the home withstood Hurricane Hanna, but also Rosalina’s heart.

While they worked hard for two weeks, Rosalina was grateful for the lasting restoration of her home. The volunteers led Rosalina in a last nail ceremony, celebrating her new home by tapping in the last nail and gifting her a quilt and Spanish Bible.

Thanks to your support, Rosalina can live safely and securely in her restored home, with hope instead of worry. With your help, DRS equips homeowners in recovering from the trials of a disaster. We’re grateful for the withstanding transformation people like Rosalina can experience because of your generosity.

*named changed for privacy reasons.