Storm Assistance · Temple Shalom Dallas

In the wake of the weather, outage and water crisis, we will share ways to help and to get assistance on our Facebook page and on our website.

For those who may be in need, apply if you need assistance with rebuilding damaged property or temporary housing. You can apply at www.disasterassistance.gov/

Recovery resources that may be helpful during this time for neighbors and friends impacted by the winter storm, and outages of electricity and water:

Emotional recovery:
https://www.redcross.org/…/disa…/recovering-emotionally.html

Financial Advice from USAA, serving service members & families:
https://communities.usaa.com/…/5-Tips-to-Help-…/ba-p/213080…

Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas Storm Assistance Information

https://jewishdallas.org/snow-storm-2021

From Jewish Family Service:

Short-Term Financial Assistance

Costs for plumbing services and home repairs due to burst pipes, or utility bills
Costs for moving or deposits at new housing options
Costs for debris removal due to flooding/damage
Costs for household items damaged
Costs for food

Jewish Family Service is able to provide families with short-term financial assistance. This assistance can be used for expenses such as plumbing services, repair costs, utility bills, hotel stays, and other storm-related unexpected expenses. Please call the JFS Intake line at 972-437-9950 x340.

Crisis Intervention and Mental Health Support

The mental health effects of living through this storm should not be overlooked. If you are in need of mental health support, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our licensed professional clinicians are ready to provide support to anyone in need – adults, children, and older adults. Please call the JFS Intake line at 972-437-9950 x340.

Temporary Housing

Hotels, rental space until homes are repaired in the interim while insurance claims are processed.

Drive-Thru Food Distribution

Weekly Food Pantry Drive-Thru Distribution Thursdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Winter Storm Recovery Resources

It may be hard to keep track of information and resources that are being released and revised daily. JFS Dallas is compiling these resources on their website and updating it regularly. Visit www.jfsdallas.org/winterstorm2021 for resources.

For a full list of services download our overview flyer here.

View the 25 organizations, including JFS Dallas, that received a grant from the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund here.

Winter Storm 2021 Information and Updates

As a start, the following is an excerpt from a blog post by the URJ’s Vice President of Strengthening Congregations, Amy Asin:

“As the magnitude of the damage and devastation to communities in Texas following widespread power outages continues to grow, our prayers are with those affected by the winter storm and the aftermath, including the brave first responders who put their lives on the line to help those in need. Along with prayer, there is a need for action and tangible aid to support those who were affected by the storm.”

DONATE TO ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING ON-THE-GROUND RELIEF

There are several organizations working directly with families in the affected areas to help them rebuild their lives, including:

Jewish Federations of North America is collecting donations to their 2021 Emergency Relief Fund https://form.jotform.com/210493421444954 will be allocated to help respond to this severe blow to the state of Texas and address other crises that could wreak havoc on North American communities.

The American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/ having more than 150 shelters and warming centers open across six states (Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia).

As we get a better sense of the direct impact on our congregations and congregants, we will let you know if you can help.

SAY A PRAYER

Prayers can help us reflect and heal during hard times. You can say these prayers individually, with your family, with your congregation, or with your community:

Recite the Mourner’s Kaddishhttps://reformjudaism.org/beliefs-practices/prayers-blessings/mourners-kaddishfor those who perished.

Read the Mi Shebeirach (Prayer for Healing) https://reformjudaism.org/…/mi-shebeirach-prayer-healing those who are recovering – physically, emotionally, or otherwise.

Say A Prayer for Safety After Violent Weather, https://reformjudaism.org/…/prayer-safety-after-violent… by Reform liturgist Alden Solovy. ”

Impacted Reform communities are encouraged to stay in touch with the URJ, and members of impacted communities are invited to attend services, online, if able, at other synagogues in Texas, including Temple Shalom. Details for our worship services are on the website.

Our heart and prayers go out to all who have been hurt or impacted by this disaster. Temple members, please check in with our office, Steve Lewis, Rabbi Paley, Cantor Avery or President Debra Levy-Fritts if you are in need and we will try to help, or email tikkunolam@templeshalomdallas.org.