HOUSTON — More than a week after a powerful storm swept through Houston, the scars of downed trees are still visible across the city.
Mayor John Whitmire and a collection of trade apprentices hit the ground while others provided additional support.
A chainsaw was the wake-up call people heard Saturday as crews got to work, chopping up a massive tree in a north Houston neighborhood.
"It’s a matter of Houston doing what it does best everybody coming together," Whitmire said.
NEW Houston, a nonprofit focused on supporting Gulf Coast families, joined forces with Mayor Whitmire and a host of skilled trade apprentices.
“A lot of communities are seniors, working-class folks. They can’t afford to bring crews out. They really need help right now," said Jay Malone with the Texas Gulf Coast Labor Federation.
With hurricane season quickly approaching, the time to act is now. By the end of the day, the 20 apprentices and 30 volunteers served 25 families by removing damaged trees and patching roofs with tarps.
"Re-recognize these storms are not going to stop, and we all need to do our part," Malone said.
Getting it done now could mean the difference between a $5,000 repair or a $30,000 repair.
Volunteers are not only out in communities helping make repairs and remove trees, they are also handing out much-needed household supplies with support from the Cajun Navy.
"They pay they play a huge role because they are tapped into many of the other agencies that can help get supplies, which is what we need," said Inspire Church outreach pastor Irvin Clark.
United Cajun Navy semi-trucks filled with supplies were driven to two area churches, where volunteers braved the heat delivering cleaning, hygiene items and more to the few thousand who weaved their way through the Inspire Church lot.
Laura Harrington lost power for nearly five days.
"The storm it was kind of bad, but you know I trust God," Harrington said.
So did Michael Colligan. He’s grabbing a few things for himself and his 82-year-old aunt.
"We’re trying to make it that’s what we’re trying to do right now," he said.