Hand Up Network Responds to East Texas Tornado Impact Zone
East Texas was impacted by a series of F1 and F2 Tornadoes across the counties of Cherokee, Rusk, and Panola on March 27th, 2021. Hand Up Network responded immediately alongside the Emergency Management Teams and helped to manage volunteers, donations, and the various teams sent out to help provide stability to the region.
CBS 19 News Feature about the East Texas Tornadoes that includes Hand Up Network’s efforts in helping East Texans in need.
KETK/FOX51 coverage of East Texas Tornadoes that includes Hand Up Network’s efforts to serve those in need across the East Texas Counties impacted.
Hand Up Network has been working hand in hand with the Emergency Operations Teams of both Panola and Rusk Counties and have been dispatching stabilization teams to remove trees, limbs, tarp roofs, etc. for the past few days to prepare for additional rain expected this evening and tomorrow. We have made great progress over the last few days and it looks like most situations are stabilized at this time. As of 6:30pm Monday March 29th, our Emergency Response efforts in Rusk and Panola Counties were transferred from Response to Recovery.
This is where Hand Up Network is just getting started as we begin to help begin to restore the lives of those who have been impacted by the storm.
The Recovery Phase has Hand Up Network working alongside our Emergency Management Partners to determine the priority of need across the counties. Many of the victims do not have insurance and thus the only hope they have is going to be groups like Hand Up Network that will be able to come in and help them get back on their feet. This process takes a period of time to assess the needs and determine the supplies/skills needed to take on the many situations that are now before us. We will be developing teams for weeks and months ahead to help East Texans restore the lives that have been interrupted by the tornadoes.
We will continue to seek volunteers, supplies, tarps, monies, etc. as this journey is just beginning and the needs are great. Please help us continue to get the word out! Thanks again for volunteering with Hand Up Network and you will be hearing from us early next week as to the next steps.
About Hand Up Network
HAND UP NETWORK™ is a 501c3 non-profit based in Tyler, TX that has assembled an international team of leaders with decades of experience with a desire to come back home and bring focus to those in need in local communities. The Network offers long-term programs to people seeking a new season in life and response teams designed to address community issues and emergency response. The Network provides intentional volunteer opportunities for people wanting to provide support within their programs and opportunities to engage via Response Teams. The Hand Up Network was awarded the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency and a National Top-Rated Nonprofit for 2020! This is the highest level of achievement possible. For more information, visitHandUpNetwork.com or Text “HANDUP” to 76595 to donate.
