Views of the Neighborhood – Community Spirit

~ John W. Howell

 

Continuing with my thoughts on maintaining a positive focus regarding Hurricane Harvey, I am featuring three separate groups who have set up relief points in town. All the goods in these relief locations are donations from kind folks outside of Port Aransas. These contributions have made a difference in helping folks through a very tough time.

Community spirit

Our first stop is the Recovery Supply Depot at Robert’s Point Park

Here residents can find almost anything in cleaning supplies, hardware, and food. Bear in mind the local grocery store just opened this week with a very limited supply.

This shot will give you an idea of the magnitude of the donations. There are even wheelchairs available.

I loved this shot since it shows bikes, shovels and rakes.

When I took this picture a guy off camera asked,”Do you have any tarps?” The answer was, “Sure do. What size?”

Port Aransas spirit

The next relief point is Cowboy Camp David. A place run by volunteers offering free food, water, and hugs. The words across the Texas image on the right of the sign read “Texas Strong.”

Water is very important and is available here.

The volunteers are setting up for lunch

The local churches were hard hit so Camp David is the point to gather for worship.

Cooking under a pop-up.

Two things every Texan loves. Bar-b-que and the Texas flag.

This relief point is the Harvey Help Center and is located in the ruins of the Laughing Horse Motel.  There are bins of cleaning supplies, food, and clothes. (The Fritos looked especially good)

Here is a shot of the women who run this relief spot. I was impressed by their enthusiasm and desire to help those in need.

87 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood – Community Spirit”

  2. As heartbreaking as this catastrophe was and is, it is heartwarming to see the kindness of people emerging concretely through relief and rebuilding efforts. I love that the flag is proudly displayed “blue for loyalty, white for purity, and red for bravery…and the lone star for unity” – beautiful! 🙂

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  4. Such an uplifting story, John. I am impressed with the spirit of those impacted and still willing to help. And yes to Fritos, I mean, there’s only so much raking you can do without a salty break. Meanwhile, the storms continue. I hope you guys have seen the last from this season.

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  5. John, this is a heartwarming post. I loved that I saw a kid’s bike and conversely wheelchairs. So much mindfulness — the body and the spirit of all ages need healing. The rubber boots and tarps are very telling of the damage…
    Wishing you and yours all good things. Hugs.

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  8. Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
    In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey – people outside of John Howell’s home in Port Aransas have rallied around to donate time, food and other essential items to help get the residents back on their feet. I am only sorry that this post will only be shared on blogland.. because it should be on the front page of every newspaper in print and online to knock the images of the lunatic fringe off and illustrate how fantastic humans can be. #recommended.

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  9. I hope the hurricane didn’t bring you much damage, dear John. Wonderful post! Wonderful people! Another example how simple human beings are able to make somebody’s life better. Great! 🙂

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  18. It is amazing to see how people have come together to help neighbors and strangers. When one has lost everything even the basics become precious – food, water, shelter, hugs, Fritos, tarps, bikes, fire ant killer, clothes, bar-b-que and laughter. Well done, John! I look forward to visiting Port A again.

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  22. John, thank you for spotlighting these big-hearted helpers! I’m sure it’s very rewarding to them to be able to help so many in need. I remember, especially, wanting ice after a hurricane. With no power and all Mother Nature’s heat, ice was a rare — and expensive — commodity. Um, I had to chuckle over the Fire Ant removal sacks!!

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  27. This is so good to read, John. With all that’s going on in the world, seeing how people have stepped up and pulled together in the face of tragedy has restored my faith in humanity.

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