Hurricane Harvey: The Slow Recovery Continues

DICKINSON, TX — It’s been more than three months since Hurricane Harvey made its way ashore, unleashing its wrath on residents living along the Texas Gulf Coast, and while the recovery continues, it may be years before things feel normal again.

In some communities, the toxic debris piles that have become a common sight have shrunk gone away, and the rebuilding has begun.

But there is still a long way to go.

In Dickinson, one of the areas hardest hit by the category four storm, the debris removal process ended two weeks before Thanksgiving after contractors working with the city completed their third debris removal sweep.

However, there is still a lot debris and residents who are still cleaning up and residents who are still cleaning up are left with the responsibility of removal.

Dickinson residents who were severely impacted by Hurricane Harvey were encouraged to apply for grants to rebuild, while others could apply for help from the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, which closed on Nov. 21 due to a limited amount of funding to deal with the high demand for help.

READ: Dickinson And Friendswood End Harvey Cleanup Efforts

Like Dickinson, neighboring Friendswood has also their debris removal efforts on a citywide scale, and some residents and businesses are still rebuilding.

The Friendswood Chamber of Commerce took on nearly two feet of water during the onslaught of Hurricane Harvey, but the turnaround has been swift for the organization which will re-open their renovated office this week, the Houston Chronicle reported.

In Seabrook, a portion of the funds raised during the 2017 Seabrook Saltwater Derby in September will be distributed to Seabrook families who were directly impacted by the storm.

Funds will be awarded via a drawing that residents can enter through the city’s webpage.

To enter the drawing you must complete the entry form and return it to City Hall by 5 pm on Friday, Dec. 1.

Names will be chosen at random and will receive a minimum of $500 each. Only Seabrook residents or City of Seabrook employees can enter.

Winners will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 7 at the annual Tree Lighting taking placed on the grounds of the Community House between 6 pm to 9 pm.

Image: Torrian Green of Top to Bottom Home Renovations removes debris from a flood damaged home that he is cleaning out on Sept. 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Over a week after Hurricane Harvey hit Southern Texas, residents are beginning the long process of recovering from the storm. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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