HOUSTON – The Restoration Team is dedicated to ensuring that every Houstonian has access to safe, sanitary, and secure housing. Volunteers teamed up this week to help restore a Houston teacher’s home.
This non-profit organization, which began as a collaboration among volunteers from seven different churches after Hurricane Harvey, continues to make a significant impact in the community. KPRC 2, along with community partners Energy Transfer, Houston Christian University, and Exclusive Furniture, joined forces to help Vicki Fowler, a Houston high school teacher whose house was severely damaged by Hurricane Beryl.
Meet Vicki Fowler: A Teacher and Artist in Need
Vicki Fowler is a single mother, artist, writer, and art teacher at the High School for Visual and Performing Arts. She is passionate about her teaching, but like many, she faces financial challenges, leaving little room for unexpected expenses.
When Hurricane Beryl hit, it left Vicki’s home in disarray.
“There was quite a bit of damage done to our property after the storm. I was pretty devastated because I just don’t have it,” she explained.
Water had seeped into the walls, part of the roof was torn off, and shingles were lifted across the house.
“It’s everything I have… everything. All of my finances are tied up in my home, and as much as I pour into it, it just really eked me out. It ate my lunch,” she shared.
Fowler needed extensive repairs, including a new roof, fixing waterlogged walls, and removing fallen trees.
The Restoration Team’s Continued Commitment
The Restoration Team, which has repaired 425 homes over the last seven years, stepped in to help Vicki. As Executive Director Trevor Barnett explained, “It’s not just the repair to the home. It’s the repair to the community.”
The organization understands the importance of supporting those who give back to the community, like Vicki.
For Vicki, the experience has been overwhelmingly positive.
“They’re good people,” she said. “I didn’t feel like I was just an application. It feels good. It feels like community.” She was especially touched by the offer to paint her house. “They offered to paint my house! I don’t know who does that,” she said gratefully.
This week, the team is painting Vicki’s home. They will also assist another family in Northeast Houston. Houston Christian University students volunteered to help paint her home.
“Because of us being athletes in good shape and blessed physically, it’s just a good thing for us to be able to help someone that’s had some trouble in their life,” said Katcher Halligan, HCU student.
“Being able to show people who we are, who our university represents and also who our Savior represents,” said Keely Castillo, HCU volunteer.
“You never know when you personally may need help with something and you may need volunteers to you out so why not give back, you know?” said Kierra Prim, HCU volunteer.
“At the end of the day, I don’t always have the finances to care of the extra, like this big extra,” said Vicki.
“Public servants, as well as blue collar people working all sorts of people that are just needing some level of assistance to keep their house really from falling into a state of disrepair,” said Trevor Barnett, The Restoration Team.
“I think it’s just seeing your neighbor- this neighbor in particular, was not able to deal with what the Derecho did to her house and it’s not too easy for one person, so we need to support each other and help each other,” said Cary Delmark, Houston Christian University.
After about five hours of hard work, Vicki’s home paint job was complete.
“Thank you. Thank you so much. I feel cared for and this feels like Christmas and you gave me such great relief. Thank you,” said Vicki.
How you can help
The Restoration Team is always in need of volunteers and resources to continue their work. Whether you can donate time, money, or skilled labor in trades like plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, or roofing, you can check out the volunteer information here.
KPRC 2′s Amy Davis has reported on the work The Restoration Team does and how it can impact our neighbors in need. You can see her story on Navy veteran Jessie Lara here.