When the skies opened over Cameron County, Texas, unleashing more than 20 inches of rain in late March 2025, the floodwaters surged with a force that devastated homes, displaced hundreds, and left colonias like Green Valley Farms submerged and isolated. Roads turned into rivers, houses into islands, and hope, at least for a moment, felt like it was sinking too.

But where chaos ruled, compassion rose.

At the entrance of the Green Valley Farms colonia, a small but mighty church, Iglesia Vino Nuevo para Las Naciones, became more than a house of worship. It became a beacon of refuge. Pastors Nelson and Yesenia Quevedo, themselves affected by the flood, acted without hesitation.

“Once we managed to get the water out of the church,” Pastor Nelson shared, “I told my wife, ‘Let’s open these doors to families in need of shelter.’”

“Una vez que logramos sacar el agua de la iglesia,” compartió el Pastor Quevedo, “le dije a mi esposa: ‘Abramos estas puertas para las familias que necesitan refugio.’”

And open them they did.

A Community in Crisis

Green Valley Farms, like many colonias along the United States and Mexico border, is an unincorporated and underserved community. Without consistent access to paved roads, drainage systems, or even street addresses, responding to emergencies here is especially daunting. These neighborhoods, home to an estimated 500,000 people across the region, are built on resilience. Yet during this disaster, even resilience had its limits.

As families waited for relief, some stranded in homes surrounded by water, the Red Cross recognized the importance of partnering with trusted local institutions. One of those institutions was Vino Nuevo Church, already distributing food, organizing donations, and visiting homes with meals and essentials.

Stephanie Cerda, a CAP (Community Adaptation Program) Liaison with the Red Cross, discovered the church through community WhatsApp and Facebook groups.

CAP is a Red Cross initiative that works with hyper-local organizations like churches, nonprofits, and other community groups to enhance their capacity to serve during disasters. This includes providing training, resources, and connections during “blue sky” days (non-disaster times), so they’re equipped and empowered to respond quickly and effectively when emergencies strike.

“They were already organizing so much on their own,” she recalled. “When I asked if we could bring a shower trailer, cots, and comfort kits, if they’d be willing to open their doors even more, they said yes, immediately.”

And so, the Colonia Compassion Center was born.

Sanctuary Services

By April 4, the Compassion Center was officially open. Families who had hesitated to go to government shelters, often due to immigration concerns, found safety and dignity in the church. Services included:

· Shower and restroom facilities

· Sleeping quarters with Red Cross cots

· Meals and groceries

· A private area for elderly and disabled residents

· Mental health support via a local school counselor

Stephanie recounted the moment the shower trailer arrived:

“People were already waiting. They came out with their phones, filming, crying. Some had been in their cars, just waiting for someone to show up. I was completely overcome by tears.”

Feeding the Soul and the Stomach

On the busiest days, up to 280 meals were served in a single day at the Iglesia Vino Nuevo Colonia Compassion Center. Other reports mention daily distributions ranging from 150 to 300 meals during the peak of the response. In the days that followed, the center continues to serve countless meals, coordinated by local volunteers and Red Cross support.

Hansel Ibarra, local CAP Manager, from the Red Cross secured 15 chickens from Sam’s Club, while the church purchased 24 more. A nearby restaurant donated rice and beans. Together, they filled stomachs and lifted spirits.

The generosity didn’t stop at food. Partners like Loaves and Fishes provided the generator and shower trailer. Ozanam Center loaned its box truck for transporting supplies. Good Neighbor Settlement offered clothing and toys. And the Red Cross brought comfort kits, cleanup kits, cots, and blankets.

“The Red Cross brought cleaning kits with degreaser, brushes, wipes, everything we needed. We distributed all of it so fast that they were surprised we only had one left when they returned,” said Pastor Yesenia with a laugh.

“La Cruz Roja trajo kits de limpieza con desengrasante, cepillos, toallitas, todo lo que necesitábamos. Los distribuimos tan rápido que se sorprendieron de que solo quedara uno cuando regresaron,” dijo la pastora Yesenia entre risas.

An Anchor in the Storm

The effort went beyond meeting basic needs. It redefined what disaster response could look like.

“We work with local organizations and empower them,” Stephanie explained. “That’s what CAP is about. We make sure they’re ready, so when something like this happens, they don’t have to wait for someone else. They become the relief.”

The Compassion Center operated around the clock at first, then transitioned to a mobile distribution site, and eventually became a daytime pickup location. In just five days, hundreds were served, and a strong support network took root, one that will last long after the floodwaters recede.

Some families who received help now attend Vino Nuevo’s church services. Community members formed new bonds. Donors and volunteers, many of whom had never worked with the church before, became lifelong partners.

“We tell people, ‘Yes, you lost a lot. But you’re still here. Your life is the greatest miracle. Material things can be replaced. Life cannot,’” Pastor Nelson said.

“Les decimos a las personas: ‘Sí, perdiste mucho. Pero sigues aquí. Tu vida es el mayor milagro. Las cosas materiales se pueden reemplazar. La vida no,’” dijo el Pastor Nelson.

Faith, Love, and a Future

The church itself wasn’t spared. Carpets were ruined and doors damaged. And yet, instead of turning inward, the Quevedos turned outward, renting another space for services so their sanctuary could remain open as an overnight shelter.

Their philosophy is simple and unwavering:

“Serve with love,” Pastor Nelson declared. “That’s what we believe. That’s what we do.”

“Servir con amor,” declaró el Pastor Nelson. “Eso es lo que creemos. Eso es lo que hacemos.”

As the waters recede and cleanup continues, the impact of Vino Nuevo and the Red Cross remains. What began as an emergency response evolved into a powerful example of grassroots leadership backed by national support. Together, they built not just a shelter but a sanctuary, both physical and spiritual.

The partnership between the Red Cross and Iglesia Vino Nuevo para Las Naciones showed that even in the most devastating moments, hope floats. And sometimes, it parks outside your church in the form of a shower trailer, followed by love, food, and cots.

Story By: Kate Walters