In response to a request from Gov. Greg Abbott’s office, TBM volunteers deployed Dec. 13 from across the state to feed homeless people in Austin.
With 12 days until Christmas, the feeding team will feed 40 meals three times a day through Dec. 20. This fall, the Texas Department of Transportation cleared homeless people and debris from underpasses across Austin and opened a 5-acre plot of land to serve as temporary housing.
As the volunteers serve meals, they will visit with the people they serve, offering help, hope and healing. The team consists of 11 volunteers, including a chaplain.
“TBM has been asked by state emergency management to alleviate the hunger and spiritual needs in the area,” said Dwain Carter, TBM Disaster Relief director. “During Christmastime, every person needs a warm meal in their stomachs and hope in their hearts. Christ cares deeply about each and every one of us.”
The deployment extends one of the busiest stretches of TBM Disaster Relief in the organization’s history. TBM Disaster Relief volunteers have responded to needs for 39 straight months, with some people serving more than 100 days this year alone in the wake of windstorms, hurricanes, tropical depressions, tornados and more.
In that span, TBM Disaster Relief has provided millions of meals, cleaned out hundreds of homes
“God calls and equips His people to share the gospel of Christ in word and deed,” Carter said. “TBM volunteers continually respond to that call to deliver help, hope and healing.”