Commissioner helps daughter, others in storm-rocked Houston

As Hurricane Harvey’s floodwaters continue to recede in the Houston area, more volunteers and supplies are pouring in to help those affected by the storm.

One of those helping Houstonians is Limestone County’s District 4 Commissioner, Ben Harrison. His mission is also personal, as his daughter’s family was one of those who lost virtually everything.

Erin Burton, her husband Greg and their 3-month-old son Fionn had already evacuated to Arkansas as Harvey approached. Harrison said about 20 inches of water poured into the Burtons’ apartment, ruining all their possessions and a Chevrolet TrailBlazer parked outside.

Speaking by phone from a Houston warehouse Tuesday, Harrison said his daughter’s family is fine. At this point, they’re trying to find a new place to land. The family learned, however, their renter’s policy did not include flood damage, so they will be starting from scratch.

“It was in the fine print,” Harrison said.

Harrison made the trip Saturday, driving through Shreveport, Louisiana, and then taking back roads into Houston. He was surprised to find almost no visible wind damage and that — contrary to pictures on television news — the entire city is not under water.

“It really depends on where you go,” he said. “There are some areas where you can’t tell anything happened, but if you go down to the southwest, that’s when you start seeing (more damage). Elevation is everything.”

While in Houston, Harrison is helping more than just his daughter’s family. He’s also volunteering his time with Ecclesia Church on the west side of the city and living there temporarily.

“The vice president of Mattress Firm is a member, and he brought in mattresses and they made mini-dorms,” Harrison said.

The church is acting as a collection point for supplies Houstonians will need to recover from the storm — wet-dry vacuums, humidifiers and essentials like toothpaste.

“The trucks unload (the donations) here, and we distribute it back out,” Harrison said.

Today, Harrison may go with other church members to harder hit areas of Houston to start pulling out carpet and Sheetrock from flooded homes.

When asked about the mood there, Harrison said some locals are shell-shocked, but no one is frantic. On an amusing note, he said he purchased gas there for $2.09. Most gas stations in Limestone County were at $2.40 per gallon and above Tuesday.

If there are Limestone Countians who want to help the cause in Houston, Harrison suggested they give to a Houston-area church. Otherwise, he said prayers are needed.

“Just pray for these folks and if you know of anybody here, take care of those you know and love,” he said.

Those who want more information about how to donate to families in the Houston area may message Harrison on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ben.harrison.14203544.

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