Austin may be known as the “Live Music Capital of the World” but the city should also be known for its kind heart. The local community and businesses widely opened their homes and pockets to help support the many Texans impacted by the natural disaster Hurricane Harvey.

The outpouring of love and support resulted in Austin City Council unanimously approving mutual aid agreements with the City of Houston to furnish personnel, supplies, and equipment in response to the disaster. Governor Greg Abbott announced his pledge to raise $100 million through the Rebuild Texas Fund to accelerate long-term recovery and rebuilding of communities affected by Hurricane Harvey. Local businesses such as Dell mobilized to help with rebuilding efforts by donating $36 million, HEB provided more than 8,000 meals to victims affected by the disaster, and Texas Mutual Insurance provided $10 million to policyholders in areas affected by the storm.

The Category 4 Hurricane made landfall in Texas on August 25 near Rockport and slowly maneuvered to the Gulf Coast of Mexico before making final landfall near Cameron, Louisiana on August 30. With rainfall reaching nearly 50 inches, Harvey devastated the South Texas Coast stretching from Rockport, Ingleside, Aransas Pass, Corpus Christi, and Houston.

As the catastrophic flood waters continue to recede, many Texans unite together to face the strenuous hurdle of rebuilding toward the future.

The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce contacted the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce to see how the community is handling the aftermath of Harvey and how Austin businesses can continue to support them as they begin to rebuild after the storm.

Diane Probst, President and CEO of the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, shared her perspective. Read her responses below on ways the Austin business can continue to help the Rockport-Fulton area.

Diane Probst

How would you describe the recovery efforts and community morale in Rockport?
As the state aid groups are leaving, we are starting to operate on our own. The heartwarming help from everyone is what's keeping us going. Rockport citizens are in a waiting period as they wait to hear from their insurance companies, governmental agencies, and others. There are numerous contractors in town all working night and day to rebuild. We are smart. We are strong. We can do this. It just may take us a while. I suspect two years from now we will be well on our way towards a full cleanup and rebuild—not totally finished but well on our way.

What are the top 5 items that are most needed now?

1. Housing for the displaced

2. High-speed internet through our cable company

3. Workforce to return so businesses can open

4. Debris pick up

5. Tourism which includes hotels, rentals, RV parks, attractions need to be back on

Are there any unusual requests that the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce has received from the community?
We were asked by our Emergency Operation Center (EOC) team to be the PIO for the storm and run social media.

Are there any common requests?
The most common request is where individuals can bring truckloads of supplies. We get asked this question hundreds of times daily.

Looking long-term, what are the top 5 things that Rockport will need?

1. Civic Center to hold indoor events

2. Economic boost or driver such as light industry

3. Needs to be running for those who love outdoor fishing

4. New county courthouse since ours was hit by a tornado

5. Assistance with rebuilding our City Hall

Where can our members send financial contributions that will directly help Rockport?
Please send any financial contributions to:

Rockport-Fulton Chamber Foundation
319 Broadway
Rockport, TX 78382

Note on the check if it is for humanitarian, business, or community recovery. The Foundation has also created a Harvey fundraising campaign geared towards raising $500,000 toward recovery efforts. Click here to learn more.

Is there anything else our members should know about ways they can help the Rockport?
In the coming weeks, we will be making a wish list to help us rebuild. We are also having the 43rd annual Seafair. We will need lots of help and support for that event. For more information on this event, visit rockportseafair.com.

For more information on the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, click here.

To help support hurricane relief efforts, this article is one in a series of blogs from the Austin Chamber on how members can help people impacted by the recent hurricane.