7/26 UPDATE: What we know about Hurricane Beryl and its impact on Coast Guard members in Texas

7/26 UPDATE:

We continue to receive requests for assistance from Coast Guard members who are returning to find their homes and property damaged by Hurricane Beryl more than two weeks since it made landfall along the Texas coast. More than 250 families have requested emergency relief grants to help rebuild and replace property damaged by the storm.

At the same time these Coast Guard members are performing their life-saving and security duties while working to repair Coast Guard facilities that protect local citizens, which were damaged by the storm.

"Currently we have two units that are not able to meet mission standards due to their unit functionality; however, they are being assisted by [Logistics Command] in finding lodging for their duty standers. Repairs to the facilities are being completed inhouse by CG resources," said Coast Guard District Eight Command Master Chief Shawn Burns.

"I am forever grateful to the support by the CG Foundation to our workforce and if (I will not say when) the next storm impacts District 8, I know who to turn to," he continued.

7/19 UPDATE:

In the last week we have received a surge of emergency assistance applications from Coast Guard members who have lost homes and property to Hurricane Beryl. As of 8 a.m. this morning, we have received 231 requests for a total of $485,000 in assistance, with no sign of letting up. Our partners at the Chief Petty Officers Association are processing requests as quickly as possible to get funds in the hands of those who need it.

Here are just two recent examples of the many requests we have received:

 “The deductible for my windstorm insurance is in the $7000 range. My house is raised with a garage and storage below because I live on a canal. The water from the canal came up into the garage and storage room.  Insurance will not cover anything in the garage or storage area.”

“Member has a preemie baby that was due for eye surgery when storm hit. Could not evacuate due to being on standby for surgery and being the unit’s EPO (engineering petty officer). Had to purchase generator and AC unit to keep baby comfortable and milk cold. Grant will be used to cover cost of generator, AC, and fuel to run it.”

Please consider donating to our emergency response effort now so we can assist Coast Guard members and families impacted by Hurricane Beryl and future disasters. Hurricane season lasts until November 30 and we are only in July, typically a quiet time in the season. We know we will need more funding to assist Coast Guard members as hurricane activity intensifies.

7/11: Hurricane Beryl hit Texas early July 8 as a Category 1 hurricane, knocking out power to nearly three million homes and businesses, bringing heavy rain, wind, and toppled trees.

Much of the area is still without power, and the situation is urgent. A late-night report from the utility company noted that while more than one million residents impacted by Hurricane Beryl had power restored within two days, the remaining outages would be restored by July 14, a full seven days after the storm. High temperatures further complicate conditions for those without power, making the need for immediate action and support crucial.

This part of Texas is also home to more than 2,500 Coast Guard members and their families, and they have been impacted by the same hurricane damages - heavy rain and wind that bring down power lines, destroy roofs and fencing, and cause water damage to home interiors.

The Coast Guard Foundation activated its emergency disaster relief program to support those impacted by Hurricane Beryl and within the first 72 hours, received 86 grant requests for help to rebuild and restore the homes that the storm had damaged. Grant requests continue to come in every hour.

Coast Guard members shared that the damage caused by hurricanes will be costly to fix, putting pressure on their finances in new ways. Insurance deductibles, home repairs, and replacement of household goods are expensive.  In their own words:

“We did not expect areas to be out of power for this long and we took more damage to our home than expected. This grant would help us with the unexpected costs we have incurred.”
 

“Hurricane Beryl has put a financial burden on my family and additional stress navigating through the hurricane damage to our home, repairs, family displacement, and food expenses.”

“I have never asked for a grant or assistance in my nearly 18 years in the Coast Guard. I could certainly use some financial assistance with this situation. I would greatly appreciate the help.”

Coast Guard members can apply for a grant of up to $3,000 to cover personal loss and basic needs, including:

• replacement and repair of household goods
• food and basic necessities
• insurance deductibles
• temporary housing
• emergency travel

"I am grateful for our incredible donors who quickly and generously step up to support our emergency support program,” said Susan Ludwig, Coast Guard Foundation president. “With the support of our CGF community we will be able to provide critical aid to Coast Guard members impacted by Hurricane Beryl, ensuring they receive the resources needed during this challenging time. Thank you for standing with us when Coast Guard members need it most."

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Cover photo by Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Jessica Fontenette.