Hurricane Harvey Destruction Met With Widespread Acts of Heroism

As south-eastern Texas endures one of the worst storms in US history, stories of bravery and kindness are echoing around the world.

As heart-wrenching as the news and footage coming out of south-eastern Texas have been to watch, with Hurricane (now Tropical Depression) Harvey causing floods covering almost 4,000 square miles, the abundance of stories of kindness and heroism have been truly moving.

Satellite images show Houston counties submerged in feet, not inches, of water and levels of destruction that are causing some to predict that this might end up being considered the worst US flood storm ever.

Shining Lights

But tales of individual and collective acts of bravery are making waves around the world, as boat owners from Houston and surrounding cities come to the aid of families in distress, giving out their phone numbers on social media and doing their best to help save as many people as possible.

We are proud to say that our own employees in Round Rock, TX are among those lending a helping hand. Jimmy Drake and Cody Fox of Iteris teamed up with Lori Drake and Quinn Kupish of Fortiline Waterworks and travelled to Beaumont, TX with toiletries, food, water, fans and masks.

“They will be pulling the trailer along with a boat to help rescue and provide resources to those still in need,” said Ms Drake. “This is the second trip this week for Cody Fox and Jimmy Drake.”

Closer to Home

And back at our Santa Ana, CA headquarters, Iteris CEO Joe Bergera announced earlier this week that the company is committing to match dollar-for-dollar any employee donations for Hurricane Harvey relief until September 30 to the Red Cross, United Way of Greater Houston, or other 501C3 non-profit organization.

We salute all those helping out in any way they can. And our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this storm.

There are many charities you can donate to in aid of the residents of south-eastern Texas. Here are just a few relief funds we encourage you to send donations to:

Red Cross, Hurricane Harvey Relief

United Way of Greater Houston

Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund

Austin Pets Alive!

About the Author:

David Sadeghi is Digital Marketing Manager at Iteris.

Connect with David on Twitter and LinkedIn.