Situation Report: Van, TX

Hope Force International [HFI] Programs Director Craig Snow has been on location in the tornado-damaged community of Van, Texas since Monday evening. This disaster event was especially personal for Hope Force as nine HFI staff members served for many years with Mercy Ships -- located near Van; all have raised children there who attended the schools that were severely damaged. Several Mercy Ships families who live in Van sustained damage to their homes and were in need of assistance.

In collaboration with Mercy Ships staff, it was decided that we would join forces to serve the affected families of our friends. Craig was able to impart expertise required for FEMA-standard application of blue tarps -- designed to prevent additional water penetration and further damage to property. When applied correctly, these tarps can last many months, if necessary, and allows families to reoccupy their homes during the recovery process.  By the end of the day, all the affected families of Mercy Ships had been served. 

Simultaneously, HFI staff member Francine O?Connor and her HFI Reservist daughter Nikki were helping to coordinate other Reservists from the region who had come in to help in various capacities.  Francine was able to provide emotional and spiritual support to survivors, as did HFI staff member, Beckie Snow.

HFI Reservist Ken Hicks, a local resident, is manning the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) First Aid Station in Van. Being from the local area, both Francine and Ken will continue to serve as needed. In addition, several HFI Reservists from the Dallas area joined the efforts, and will hopefully be able to continue to serve

The outpouring of support to Van has been overwhelming, and the availability of local resources is such that our direct involvement in the recovery effort will be completed today. Our first priority was to serve our Mercy Ships ?family? -- and we are deeply grateful that we were given that privilege.

Please continue to pray for the people of Van as they face the long road to recovery that is before them.