There are many other ways that you can assist in the recovery efforts:

• Purchase gift cards from Lowe's or Home Depot for tools and building materials.

• Donate money to pay for professional labor costs.

• Tell your church or community about the families still suffering.

• Pray for the success of the recovery effort and for the families still suffering.

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."

        Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

   Volunteers are the backbone of our recovery program.  Many of the families whose homes were damaged are either uninsured or underinsured.  The funds that they received either from an insurance company or FEMA will only cover a fraction of the actual repair costs.  This is why volunteer labor is a critical piece of the recovery effort!  Since hurricanes Rita and Ike hit southeast Texas, thousands of volunteers from all over the country and as far away as Alaska and Canada have provided over 148,000 man hours that saved homeowners and taxpayers approximately $3 million in labor costs!  Volunteers also bring hope and comfort to families in crisis.  There isn't a price that can be placed on compassion and love for our neighbor.

   Unfortunately, there are thousands of families still living in damaged homes and in unsafe conditions.  The majority of these are elderly, disabled, and single-parent families without the means to recover on their own. The work has been going on since Hurricane Rita, and we need more volunteers to maintain the current pace and hopefully increase the pace of recovery from Hurricane Ike for our region.  You and your congregation/organization can volunteer to assist in this important work!  SETIO will arrange:

• Housing for your group, most is dormitory style

• Professional supervision on the work site

• An opportunity to experience the diverse culture of southeast Texas!