From Hugging Trees to Harbor
Light
When Hurricane Rita threatened, a mandatory
evacuation was called for the town of Cameron,
LA. But, Zee, Bobby and J.R decided to stay
and ride out the storm. Instead, each man
found himself hanging on for his life.
Zee felt the magnitude of the storm
as his shrimp boat was tossed about. He
left the boat for the safety of his home.
But there was no refuge there. The water
seeped in, rising six feet and leaving Zee
on his roof hanging onto a tree branch to
keep from being washed away.
Bobby chose to stay behind in his
friend’s house and look after their
valuables. He had food, water and personal
items ready. When the storm hit, water flooded
up to the roof. Grabbing two life preservers,
he ducked under the top of the doorframe
into the debris-filled water, and hung onto
the roof. The bitter wind took over, carrying
him through the rising water of the town
as he waited out the storm.
J.R. thought the evacuation was
voluntary. He was in his apartment when
the hurricane hit. The water went from knee-high
to the roof in only 30 minutes. JR got caught
on a branch and held onto it. The cold,
violent wind slapped his face and obstructed
his view while debris struck his body. He
managed to stand in the fork of the tree
for hours while the hurricane continued
to assault him.
The Coast Guard rescued Zee, Bobby
and J.R. after landing at Ellington Field,
the Coast Guard called an ambulance to take
the cold, fatigued and weak men to Methodist
Hospital. Starving and wearing clothes soaked
in polluted muddy water, the hospital gave
them sandwiches and a change of clothes.
They were given cab vouchers to ride to
The Salvation Army Harbor Light Center in
Houston.
The men arrived at the door of The
Salvation Army with only the hospital gowns
they were wearing. We immediately were able
to provide them clean clothes, food and
a safe place to stay. The Army has continued
to help the three apply for FEMA funds and
housing assistance and look for permanent
employment. During the difficult transition
time, the men considered themselves blessed
to be able to call The Salvation Army home.
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