One of the more visible aspects of Hand Up Network is our Hand Up Network Response Teams (H.U.R.T.). These teams come in support of all the programs in Hand Up Network, but they also are very engaged with our Network Partners across East Texas. We utilize Volunteers/Staff with a wide variety of skill and expertise that join together on specifically designed teams to address the specific need brought forth from our Communities. It doesn’t matter what your skill is, we have a role for you on one of our Response Teams. It all depends on the objective of the team. Let’s discuss the four different types of Teams.
Community Outreach
We can only help those that know what services our teams have to offer those in need. We have Response Teams that are designed to get our message out into the community to reach those that can benefit from what we offer. This could be seeking out people in bad situations and letting them know how we can help, but its also representing Hand Up Network at local events, mission fairs, etc. People can only get help when they know its there!
Community Response
We work very closely with many Network Partners across East Texas. These include Churches, Non-Profits, Government, Police, Fire, Emergency Response, and Individuals. Many of our Partners regularly run into people in need and though they have a compassion for the situation, they lack the ability to address the situation themselves. The great news is that they now have an answer…the call Hand Up Network. Our Assessment Team will investigate the need, develop a plan, budget, etc. and seek to build the resources to help make this happen. This includes supplies, monies, and Volunteers that have the ability and the willingness to help us to address an area of significant need.
Emergency Response
East Texas seems to be in the center of all the action when it comes to natural disaster situations. We see our fair share of Tornadoes and Straight Line Winds, but also have an occasional Hurricane and Flash Flooding that keeps our Emergency Management Partners on the ready at all times. Add in the latest COVID 19 Pandemic and you can say we have our hands full! Hand Up Network is a WRN Ambassador for the National Weather Service and our leadership sits on many of the Emergency Management Teams in various counties across East Texas.
Hand Up Network operates 2020 COVID19 Respite Care Facility at Tyler Junior College for all First Responders
We come alongside the Emergency Management Coordinators in each County. We are not First Responders, but have been asked to engage alongside them. While they are saving lives, we seek to provide support to handle walk-up volunteers and donations that come forth. We will develop teams of Volunteers to begin the process of stabilizing and restoring the area as quickly as possible. In many cases, Hand Up Network is on scene long after other groups have come and gone. We are in this for the long run and may have teams being created and working in the area for many months and sometimes….years!
Prayer and Support Teams
These teams are the shoulder to cry on, the ones to provide food and water to Emergency Responders, and the one’s to spend time praying over people in need. Whatever the needs of those impacted by the situation, Hand Up Network Prayer and Support Teams are at the ready to help!
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.
