The damage is very similar to Katrina and the New Orleans Gulf coast area. We went through houses and neighborhoods today that had four to five feet of water in them. There will be hundreds, if not thousands, of homes that need gutting, something our teams do really well.

The area of damage is very widespread; the storm was 600 miles across. Many of the areas between Houston and the Louisiana line are economically depressed and the people might have insurance, but the insurance covers only current cash value (this was the case with a family we visited today in Galveston).

The immediate need is for volunteers. We are asking you to come to Houston and stay with our partner church that is helping with these relief efforts. We will have a volunteer coordinator in place to facilitate the work crews and make sure their food and lodging are provided. It will be only $30 per day, and that will include: a place to sleep, three meals each day, a ministry coordinator, and non-specialized tools. We are also in need of general contractors, roofers, and anyone else with specialized construction skills. We need your help!