Houston Republic

Providing relief to Houstonians who endured a recent winter storm without water and electricity was a true community event that brought people from different sectors together in a relief effort.

Approximately 3,000 vehicles and 10,000 people made their way to a mass distribution event to pick up food and water supplies. Mayor Sylvester Turner partnered with the National Association of Christian Churches and a number of labor unions, according to a press release.

“The event would not have happened without the volunteers and the spirit of Houstonians," Turner said. "I know we have faced one challenge after another, but I would not trade this city for any other city on the face of the earth. I wish we could control the weather, but that is not within our power. But how we respond to it says a lot about our city because we are coming together as a group, including labor, business, volunteers, government workers, and local faith leaders."

Supplies were divvied out at the NACC headquarters as cars lined up at the warehouse located at Air Center Boulevard. As cars pulled through, cases of water were handed out in the trunk or back seat along with a hot meal, a meal kit supplying food for four days, and other items to ease recovery. Organizers had planned the event to provide a lift to families who endured the winter storm.

"Even though the power is on and the water pressure is normalized, there are thousands of homes and apartments that have been affected because of busted pipes," Turner said. "They still do not have water, so there is a tremendous need."

People credited with making the event a success included Pastor Jose Ortega with the NACC and labor union leaders Robert Mele representing Teamsters Local Union 988, Mike Silva with Teamsters Local Union 919, Robert Clever with Teamsters Local Union 19, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, CWA District 9 President Ray Rodriguez, and Gulf Coast Seafarers International Vice President Dean Corgey.

The city was also well-represented with Janice Weaver of the Mayor’s Health Equity Response Task Force participating along with Councilman David Robinson, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Eillis, Councilwoman Abbie Kamin’s staff, and union members and city employees.