"HelpHoustonRecover Really Helped Me In My Time of Need!"

Mariyn McGhee has had a difficult 6 weeks. She attends nursing school at UTMB as well as being an LVN and working there on weekends. Hurricane Ike threw her some MAJOR complications!

"I was moving from one apartment to another just before the hurricane," said Ms. McGhee. "When I moved, half of my possessions were at one place, half at the other. BOTH were either destroyed or lost when Ike hit. Then, my son in law was injured, and could not work. I had to assist my daughter, my son in law, and my grandchildren by taking them into my home. FEMA would not help because on THEIR records, I was living in 2 places at once!"

During this trying time, Firestone Complete Auto Care called to inform Ms. McGhee that she was the winner of their first Cruise Ship Giveaway!

"I was trying to be upbeat and grateful, but I really could not think about taking a trip when I barely had enough to live on. I explained this, and Mr. Finlay told me about Help Houston Recover.org. I went on the site, filled out an application, and was awarded $1,100 for help with rent and bills! I was so happy I almost started crying. HHR really helped me in my time of need," said Ms. McGhee.

Help Houston Recover.org was HAPPY to helps Ms. McGhee and her family. Founded by John Finlay, HHR has raised over $20,000 in 6 weeks and is awarding money based on need.

"Our Board of Directors consists of community business people, Joel Davis from Premiere Cinema Corp, Andrew Eller from Kolache Factory, Ryan Hernandez from 2DayPostcards.com, Ed Schafman CPA, Jennifer Finlay from McGuyer Homebuilders, Inc, and myself as Executive Director. We are soliciting our own companies, contacts, business associates, and friends to raise money to help families like the McGhee's," John Finlay said.

Help Houston Recover.org has over $10,000 to award to deserving families in need during November 2008. To apply for funds, fill out the online application for consideration.

Ms. McGhee may be reached at 409-599-8142.

HHR may be reached at 713-864-3327.

John Finlay may be reached at 713-291-2923.

Firestone (Chris) may be reached at 225-571-2147.

HelpHoustonRecover.org Makes It's First Donation!

Deanna Reistino is the Site Director of the Freeport \ Jones Creek Action Senior Center, nicknamed the "golden oldies" group. She was shocked and amazed when her phone rang on Tuesday September 23rd and asked if the new charity group, www.HelpHoustonRecover.org could make a donation.

'We are a small group that exists on the donations and kindness of others," said Ms. Reistino. "We were down to our last $400 with anywhere from 13-30 senior citizens to transport, feed, and assist. When Help Houston Recover said they wanted to donate $1,500 to our group, we KNEW this was a gift from Heaven!"

John Finlay is the Executive Director of Help Houston Recover and said "We chose the Freeport Action Senior Center as a referral from Dr. Johnson with Angleton's Texas Eye Institute. We knew the area had been hit hard by the storm, with seniors and children at the most risk."

The Freeport Action Senior's Group provides transportation, breakfast, activities, lunch, and companionship for the area's non-driving and shut-in seniors. They will offer rides to the doctor's office, shopping trips, and provide a foundation for care.

Deanna Reistino may be reached at 979-239-2760.

Help Houston Recover.org's Office number is 713-864-3327.

Executive Director John Finlay's Direct Number is 713-291-2923.

Actions Senior Citizens...

Sisters Maria McDougal & Ruby Rossow have been coming to Freeport \ Jones Creek Action Senior Center for over 10 years. The group meets at Gulf Prairie Presbyterian Church annex Monday-Friday for meals and socializing.

"I have lived in the area since 1947," said Ruby. "My sister moved here in 1982 to be near us. I have 4 children, 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild!"

Maria moved to Freeport from Guatemala with her daughter, and has enjoyed the people and community since then. "Everyone here is so nice, they actually CARE about us!"

Rosie Bell Davis has lived in the area since 1940, but in Texas her entire life. "I lived in Eagle Lake and Hungerford, but was born in Brazoria," she said.

Actions is a Non-Profit, Senior Service Organization that exists entirely on donations. "Our mission is to assist seniors who need us most, those without transportation, and who NEED US," said Deanna Reistino, Site Director.

Help Houston Recover.org is happy to have chosen the Freeport \ Jones Creek Actions Senior Citizen Group for its first donation recipient. "We want to help people who need it the MOST," said Executive Director John Finlay.

Where Donations Go

Money donated goes to individuals who have been displaced by Hurricane Ike, and community groups who are helping those people.

We are making CASH donations for:

Clothing

Apartment Deposits

Transportation

to help people get their lives back in order and get back to work & school.

Donation amounts are $500-1,500 per family for rent, food & clothing, and transportation.