As in prior years, the Texas Division is providing humanitarian support along the U.S. Southern Border at the request of governmental organizations. Personnel provide supplies from the Emergency Disaster Warehouse to El Paso, the Rio Grande Valley and Del Rio. Supplies include donated food products, clothing, water and blankets. Personnel participate in Border Coalition calls hosted by Save The Children works with FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) to coordinate efforts on all fronts. VALs “support the significant contributions of voluntary, faith-based and community stakeholders active in disaster by building relationships and coordinating efforts with partner organizations and government agencies.”

Emergency workers have partnered with the El Paso Corps to provide its 53’ field kitchen for  the 500+ congregate shelter set up by the city. The city is managing the laundry unit and shower unit the Army has provided. The corps manages the field kitchen. 

In Del Rio, the Army has dispatched a mobile canteen and has worked with the county government so local teams can support its operations. The Army also provided two soft-sided enclosures this spring for daytime shelter at  the respite site to accommodate the surge of immigrants coming through the center.

The McAllen Corps has worked closely with the city and local partners to provide ongoing support. The corps can be utilized as a temporary shelter with its 83 beds, and personnel continue the feeding operations that began over one year ago. 

Report & photos by Alvin Migues, Emergency Disaster Services, Texas Division