For the News

 

On Saturday, over 1,000 volunteers from churches throughout the greater Port Arthur and Austin areas will combine efforts for a project called Love Port Arthur.

The event is organized by the Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN). They are organizing church volunteers to go door to door to flood impacted areas in Port Arthur to ensure every family has the opportunity to complete an online Survivor Assistance form in order to receive possible short and long term assistance as it is made available.

Also, at Thomas Jefferson Middle School at 2200 Jefferson Drive, ADRN will have hundreds of volunteers ready to receive survivors who completed an online Survivor Assistance form and scheduled an appointment from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be onsite trained emotional and spiritual care teams, kids fun zone, and two large circus tents that will house eight semi’s worth of sorted clothing, goods and disaster supplies for survivors that completed the online form.

“To get a blessing, you’ve got to be a blessing, and right now there’s a great number of folks who need a blessing in Port Arthur,” said Port Arthur Mayor Derrick Freeman. “Love Port Arthur will be a huge effort to help thousands of people who feel forgotten in the aftermath of this terrible storm.”

The Austin Disaster Relief Network is asking every family impacted by Hurricane Harvey in the Port Arthur, Port Neches, Nederland and Groves area to complete an online survivor assistance form at www.loveportarthur.com before Saturday.

They must also schedule an appointment online to prior to arriving at Thomas Jefferson Middle School.

All survivors must bring a valid photo ID, their FEMA number and the most recent utility bill showing proof of residency along with the survivor assistance form confirmation email

Those applying may have the opportunity to receive future assistance such as home cleanups, mold abatement, financial assistance, repair help, transportation help or emergency housing.

“Port Arthur is one of those ‘shadow communities’ that tend to be forgotten when attention is focused on bigger cities,” said Daniel Geraci, ADRN Founder and Executive Director.

Love Port Arthur will conclude with a citywide prayer gathering Saturday evening from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. presented by Port Arthur and Greater Austin pastors at Memorial Stadium. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

For more information and to fill out a survivor assistance Form, go to www.loveportarthur.com. For assistance or questions, call ADRN’s survivor hotline at 409-300-3707, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.