Story and photography by Jen Edwards, American Red Cross
Jason Johnson is a survivor of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike. He’s been through many stormy times in his life but he’s still smiling and looking toward the future.
After being evacuated from New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, Jason found himself at the Dallas Convention Center with no idea what would happen next. He stayed in the Red Cross shelter there for a week. Then a Red Cross caseworker helped him find an apartment in the area and get a fresh start.
Jason, his wife Veronica, and four kids, Orange County residents for the last four years, are currently staying at the Red Cross Shelter at Deweyville High School. The kids wanted to go back home as soon as the waters receded, but without electricity or running water, the Red Cross shelter is the best option for now.
Even though the family is currently displaced, they’re still stepping up to help others in the community who were impacted by the flooding. Veronica spent the day helping to sort in-kind donations delivered to one of the partner agencies supporting local recovery efforts.
After he gets the kids back in school, Jason is picking up some supplies to help others in the community clean out their damaged homes. According to Jason, “God gave me the strength to help my family, so I can help someone else’s family too. We gotta get up.”
Photo Caption: The Johnson family, displaced by the Southeast Texas floods, are also volunteering to help others. Jason is helping his neighbors clean out their homes, and Veronica is sorting in-kind donations received by one of our community partners.
Jason and the rest of his family aren’t yet sure what the future holds. But they’re thankful to have a safe, warm place to stay and good food to eat while they’re planning for long-term recovery. Jason matter of factly said “without Red Cross, we would be living in the car.”
Storm after storm, Jason has seen the Red Cross in action. He offers “thanks and praise” to the volunteers who are helping his family get back on their feet after the devastating flooding in Southeast Texas.
To help people affected by disasters big and small like floods in Texas, please go to redcross.org/donate, call 1-800-REDCROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to give a $10 donation. #RedCross #SETXFloods
Texas Gulf Coast American Red Cross 