1. What was Send Relief’s immediate response?
Before Hurricane Harvey made landfall Friday, August 25, Send Relief and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) teams were prepared to mobilize. On that Friday morning, teams and equipment were staged in outlying areas, like Mississippi, for quick access and aid to Houston.

2. What does the response look like today?
As of Friday, September 1, access to the Southeast Texas area is still very limited. SBDR first responders are beginning to make entry. Once the area is stabilized, both trained and event-based volunteers will begin meeting necessary needs of hurricane survivors.

3. Can untrained volunteers serve?
Yes. We call them “event-based” volunteers. In most cases, SBDR typically does not accept untrained volunteers; however, the magnitude of Hurricane Harvey has necessitated more volunteers who can serve long-term.

4. Can we be trained as volunteers to serve with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief?
Absolutely. Go to bciowa.org/upcoming-disaster-relief-training for information about training events in Iowa.

5. What will volunteers be doing?
Volunteers need to be very flexible. We anticipate volunteers to be involved in preparing and handing out meals, serving in shelters, providing childcare and assisting people to collect items from their damaged homes. Some of the more labor-intensive work includes minor interior demolition and mudding out homes impacted by water.

6. How many meals can SBDR provide?
We have the capacity to provide up to 400,000 meals daily. Volunteers make this happen!

7. Where can churches register to serve?
You may register as a group or as individuals at namb.net/Harvey.

8. Does Send Relief collaborate with other responding organizations?
Absolutely. With dozens of organizations responding, along with the federal government, it is essential we work together. It allows us to maximize our effectiveness and avoid duplicity in our response.

9. How can an individual engage their church group or friends in Send Relief?
We’ve provided videos and graphics to share Houston’s dire needs. Tag friends and family on social media to raise awareness, or email church members to sign-up to serve.

10. How long will the Hurricane Harvey response last?
This will take years. We need Southern Baptists to be patient and willing to serve long after Harvey leaves the news cycle. If you are unable to serve, join us in prayer for all volunteers and first responders, as well as for those living in the affected areas.

11. Where does the money go that is given to Hurricane Harvey recovery?
Your dollars are allocated toward:
• Acquiring materials and supplies used in the response. These include Shockwave (mold remediation), rolled roofing,
flood buckets, and personal protective equipment (e.g., suits, masks, gloves)
• Event-specific logistics and event coordination (e.g., fuel, staging of supplies, material distribution)
• Grants to churches impacted by wind and flooding for rebuilding or repairs
• Grants to state conventions and association partners in affected areas
Your generous donations do not pay for:
• Compensation for Send Relief disaster relief staff or North American Mission Board staff
• Trucks, trailers, or other disaster relief equipment
12. How can we pray?
• Pray for those suffering, that they might be drawn to the Lord for comfort.
• Pray for responders, for their safety and stamina.
• Pray for wisdom for government leaders as they make timely and difficult decisions.
• Pray for generous gifts of donations and time from volunteers to help quicken the clean-up process.
• Pray for patience and for a heart to meet the needs of the Texas people for a long time.
• Most importantly, pray that gospel conversations may happen and that the lost might come to salvation through Jesus Christ.