Houston: An Anthology of Kindness in the Wake of Harvey
In the last few days, I've read and seen some truly amazing acts of kindness. From helicopter pilots rescuing thousands of stranded Houstonians to neighbors giving shelter to strangers. This is who we are. The deep commitment to one another as we experience one of the worst natural disasters in US history is truly inspiring. Here are some of the stories I’ve received.
A fellow yoga teacher and her family were evacuated when the flood waters reached the windows of her home. They got on a jet ski first and then onto a boat and then were stranded because the person coming to pick them up wasn’t able to reach them. Standing in the downpour, scared and soaked to the bone, they wondered what do to next - where they should go. Then an off-duty cop came to their rescue. They drove (purposefully) the wrong direction on the freeway and were tasked with finding an alternative, creative route to safety. When there wasn’t anywhere for this family to go, the cop welcomed them into his home.
A close friend and her husband were separated on Friday night after the flash flood waters prevented him from making it home. He spent the night at another friends’ house, unsure of when he and his wife would be reunited. In an effort to bring him home, my friend posted on her local Facebook neighborhood page, asking if anyone had the ability to pick her husband up from the other side of the Heights. A stranger responded, drove across Houston Heights (about 3 miles and through roughly 3 feet of water, in spots) and picked up her husband, bringing him home. All within 45 minutes of the original post.
Many restaurants have done what they can to bring a bit of cheer to their neighbors. Kings Bier Garten opened on Monday, without the ability to prepare any food, just to share a free beer with their waterlogged neighbors. Liberty Kitchen opened to grill up some burgers and pour some beers saying, “We are thinking burgers, beer, maybe some fish…as much as we can handle, for as long as we can go. We love you Houston Heights and look forward to making you some warm food.”. One of my favorite coffee shops, A Second Cup offered pay-what-you-can drip coffee and free coffee to all first responders as well as to fill up any containers with water.
As a few Kroger stores opened, people patiently waited in lines that wrapped around buildings. Many of them waited for the chance to buy diapers, formula and other necessities to be donated to the shelter at George R. Brown Convention Center. A shelter that now houses more than 9,000 displaced Houstonians.
A close friend watched as a woman drove into the flood water and got her car stuck on the median. She and two neighbors in trucks helped the woman to get her car off the median and in finding out that the woman was headed to the opposite side of town, offered her a dry place to stay and a warm meal. The woman stayed for two days until it was safe to reunite with her family.
Many friends who were lucky enough to stay dry and had power offered to open their homes to anyone who needed a safe place to stay. Two friends offered to collect donations and purchase items to donate in the event that people were reticent to donate to causes that might not directly benefit the flood victims. In addition, many people who were safely able to get to George R. Brown Convention Center donated their time and efforts to making the shelter as comfortable and organized as possible.
Another fellow yoga teacher has been tirelessly updating emergency numbers, locations where medication can be refilled and seeking help for those stranded. She has been acting as a lifeline for her family and friends in and around the Houston area.
It is heartwarming to see our community come together during this disaster. The unity shouldn’t end because the sun came out. Our city will require weeks and months of rebuilding – consider helping even when it isn’t raining. We got this Houston!
Have another story of extraordinary kindness? Send it to us. We'd love to continue to celebrate the support and generosity of Houston as we all heal and rebuild.