Target Hunger Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund

Following Hurricane Harvey's landfall in Texas more than fifteen months ago, Target Hunger provided disaster relief and recovery services to a duplicated count of more than 47,000 community members in need during the twelve-month period between September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018. While formal service delivery concluded June 30, informal disaster relief and recovery services continued on a temporary basis to accommodate a special intake process for disaster clients being transferred to one of Target Hunger's ongoing food assistance programs.

While individuals and families who sought assistance from Target Hunger as a result of Hurricane Harvey are now enrolled in other Target Hunger programs, they have been identified as having registered during a period of disaster and will be tracked through 2019 to determine longer-term impact and outcomes related to recovery. They will also be asked to participate in a formal, but voluntary feedback process, which will assist Target Hunger to make program improvements and design a community-based disaster recovery plan. This formal feedback process will also provide community members opportunities to have real engagement in the agency's disaster planning and decision-making processes.    

Target Hunger has also identified rental property to carry out plan to open a new pantry site within zip code area 77078. While 77078 is one of Target Hunger's primary service areas, clients who reside in the area extremely hard hit by flooding due to Hurricane Harvey must travel to our Northeast Pantry (also established in response to the storm) or to our distribution site located within 77028 at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church to receive services. The 2,700 sq. ft. space is being assessed for construction improvements, anticipated number of clients, proposed client programs and partnerships, and the estimated amount of fresh food that will be stored and distributed. The new pantry is expected to open during the 1st quarter of 2019 and is being welcomed by Houston Food Bank staff and leadership, as there are currently no major direct food assistance service providers in that particular community.

Target Hunger is very grateful for all supporters that have contributed so generously to our Harvey Relief and Recovery Fund. As we indicated immediately following the storm, we are here for the long haul.

Links:

• Target Hunger video