Harvey, a Category 4 hurricane, made landfall in Texas on Friday 25th August, threatening millions of people with 130mph winds, heavy rainfall and an enormous storm surge that swamped coastal areas. Harvey lingered around southern Texas for days producing catastrophic flash and river flooding. Parts of Houston received more than 50 inches of rain, resulting in thousands of homes being inundated with water.

The scale of devastation was truly shocking. So, for 4 weeks over Christmas, I have decided to help by volunteering with the disaster relief organisation All Hands Volunteers. This organisation helps those who have lost everything and I believe that supporting the effort in Houston will not only restore homes, but will restore people’s confidence and hopes for the future. I will be involved in the removal of debris, muck out and gutting of homes, followed by sanitizing, mould control and remediation.

I would be grateful for any support you can give by contributing towards the cost of my trip, which will allow me to participate in this volunteering programme. Any excess funds will be donated to All Hands Volunteers.

Many thanks in advance,

Kavita

All Hands Volunteers is a disaster relief organisation which, since 2004, has been dedicated to rebuilding hope for people affected by natural disasters worldwide. It addresses both immediate and long term needs by engaging volunteers, partner organisations and local communities. All Hands Volunteers is committed to being in Houston for at least the next 2 years.