ROCKPORT, Texas -- A thrift store set up in Rockport after Hurricane Harvey has been a lifeline for many of the people still without a home.
“It’s been a struggle, but the Lord has really provided, giving us people in the community helping,” Donna Vest, a survivor, said. “Everybody’s pulled together.”
The Austin Disaster Relief Network sent in donations after the hurricane, teaming up with other churches to get resources out into the communities. Vest was searching for some clothes on Thursday for her granddaughter, who she takes care of.
“The people have helped each other here,” she said. “They don’t turn their backs and walk away. They see you. They help you. They want to do something because they’ve been through it too.”
Anna Chupe, another survivor, has relied on the thrift store, as well as the local food pantry.
“We’re living in a teeny, tiny little shed,” Chupe said. “The three of us live there. My husband, my son and I.”
Chupe has been able to find toiletries, cleaning products and everyday clothing items for her family.
“It wasn’t like the hurricane took the clothing, but because of the water, everything was molded,” she said.
Lori Baylor, operations manager of New Beginnings Ministries, helps these families both at the thrift store and the food pantry. Baylor says the Austin Disaster Relief Network brought in steel-toed boots people could use to return to work, work clothes, bedding, pillows and other home essentials. Families over the last year have come in to shop for sometimes up to nearly 15 people.
“To be part of their life and giving them strength and hope, it’s a blessing," Baylor said.
The thrift store will close at the end of August. Baylor says they’ll do inventory and work with nearby agencies to find where else the donations can help.
“I know there is a future here,” she said. “We have to be patient. We’re here just to bring hope that [people] don’t give up on Rockport.”
