UCP of Greater Houston Partners with Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response To Administer Hurricane Ike Relief

It's that time of year again. As we stockpile water, flashlights, batteries and food in preparation for hurricane season, we can't forget those still suffering from last year's storms. The effects of a natural disaster stick around long after the storm blows over, and for many people, life never seem to get back to normal. United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Houston and Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response are working together through a disaster case management program, known as Recovery for Ike Survivors Enterprise (RISE), which helps survivors of Hurricane Ike.

RISE is part of a $24.3 million grant to provide disaster case management services to more than 13,000 survivors of Hurricane Ike, living in 16 Texas counties devastated by the deadly storm. The grants are funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

"Often after a disaster like Hurricane Ike, survivors are overwhelmed by all the losses and devastation in their lives – home, vehicles, jobs, personal belongings and even the deaths or injuries of family and friends," said Mark Minick, senior vice president of external relations for Lutheran Social Services. "As a result, they often have trouble figuring out where to even begin the process of rebuilding homes and lives. This program puts 250 caseworkers on the ground in 16 counties over the next year to help them sort out what their needs are and to develop a realistic, achievable recovery plan."

For people with disabilities, many of whom are among our most vulnerable neighbors, the impact of a storm can be catastrophic. United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Houston is proud to have been chosen to partner with Lutheran Services in support of RISE, a result of the organization's success helping everyone with any type of disability to rebuild their life following the storm. If you or someone you know is still suffering from Hurricane Ike, please contact Cindy Wooldridge at (713) 501-7164.