Southeast Texas Interfaith Organization (SETIO)
2008 Hurricane Relief Cycle Awardee
Southeast Texas Interfaith Organization (SETIO) was awarded a $50,000 grant under the 2008 hurricane relief funding cycle of the Texas Foundations Fund. The grant was used for the rehabilitation and/or critical repair of owner-occupied homes affected by Hurricane Ike in Hardin, Jefferson and Orange Counties. Critical repair and/or rehabilitation is defined as construction work necessary to alleviate hurricane damage to a home that without repair would cause or is causing a health or safety problem for the individual or family. The grant assisted individuals at or below 50% of the area median family income who were affected by the storm. SETIO leveraged this grant with funding from the United Way and the Southeast Texas Emergency Relief Fund. SETIO used the funding to complete repairs to 8 single family homes for up to $6,000 per home.
SETIO shared with us the story of the Gallegos family, and how their home was affected by Hurricane Ike.
The Gallegos home is around 80 years old. Despite its appearance, it is standard wood construction on a peer and beam foundation. It was remodeled in the 1950’s when a new roof line was added as well as a brick veneer and steel framed large front windows. Mr. and Mrs. Gallegos live there with their four children. Mr. Gallegos is the sole bread winner, he earns minimum wage doing yard work. For months after the hurricane, Mr. Gallegos could find no work.
Mr. Gallegos was somehow able to make his own roof repairs. SETIO leveled the house and repaired the interior using volunteers. We also provided the couple with a new kitchen counter and sink.
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Mrs. Gallegos had this to say of their experience:
When the storm damaged our roof, water was coming in everywhere. My husband was able to get the roof fixed but we had no money to repair the damage to the inside. Only one room in our house was fit to live in. We have four children and all six of us had to live in that one room for three months. Then SETIO, The Christian Reformed Church, and the Texas Foundations Fund came to help us. Now our house is repaired and we are safe and dry. Thank you everyone for saving our house and our family.
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