Mrs. K, her husband, and their four children were one of many families who lost their home when a large tornado tore through Valley View, Texas in May 2024. The loss was especially difficult because Mrs. K and her husband are both first generation homeowners and worked hard to save their limited income to accomplish this goal, but they were determined to recover.
After several months of working to restore their home, the family was ready to move back to Valley View. However, the couple’s four children were terrified. Mrs. K stated, “my kids experienced, first-hand, the aftermath of the tornado and what their home and community went through. Some of my kids lost their peers in the tornado, and they were too scared to move back to Valley View. They were frightened every time it rained or thundered.”
A home should be the place that feels safe and comfortable, but their children did not feel that way. Mrs. K and her husband wanted to ensure that the family would be safe from future events, especially if the children are home while they are at work. She said, “My husband and I can get in a car and drive away from danger, but my kids can’t. If we are at work, my kids have no way to protect themselves.”
In an effort to provide greater resiliency to a community traumatized by the tornado, The Salvation Army partnered with Horizon Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church to provide storm shelters to several disaster-impacted households. These families experienced both initial impacts (damage to their homes) and long-term impacts (fear and trauma).
For Mrs. K, her family, and many others who received storm shelter assistance from The Salvation Army and Horizon Texas Congregation, the shelters provide a deep sense of safety and protection. “We want to thank The Salvation Army and the donors for giving us peace of mind and security. Words cannot express how much we appreciate your generosity. My kids feel safe again in our home.”
Another survivor who received a storm shelter thanked The Salvation Army and stated, “The storm shelter brings a peace of mind to me and my children knowing that we will be safe in case of another tornado.”
One local resident who volunteered his time with the Long-term Recovery Committee stated, “The storm shelter project has meant so much to so many. A lot of neighbors are sleeping better now. We haven’t had a tornado like that in 50 years and you don’t know when the next one will come.” He went on to state that some residents left the area as a result of the tornado, but for those who remained, this experience brought their community even closer. “Many homeowners (who received a storm shelter) invited their neighbors to come to their shelter if another tornado hits” the resident said. “Some have even given their neighbors a key to their storm-shelters.”
The storm-shelter project has not only helped this community become more prepared and resilient, but it has helped to ease the long-term emotional impacts from this traumatic event. In total, The Salvation Army helped to provide 35 storm shelters to survivors residing in the impacted areas.
