Stockbridge Nonprofit Feeds Hundreds After Hurricane Beryl Hits Houston

STOCKBRIDGE, Georgia – A Stockbridge-based nonprofit organization has stepped in to help hundreds of Houston residents affected by extended power outages following the wrath of Hurricane Beryl.

Two weeks after Beryl passed through the city, the power outages proved just as dangerous, with dozens of heat-related deaths and many more financial consequences. That’s where Melissa Ellis found her purpose.

Ellis is the founder of a Stockbridge-based nonprofit called Life Beyond Water Global. She told FOX 5 that she and a few others made a special trip to help in Houston.

“The people of Houston are exhausted and we just wanted to be able to help them,” Ellis said.

One by one, cars entered the parking lot of St. John Baptist Church in Houston Tuesday, seeking help amid cleanup and restoration efforts after Hurricane Beryl.

“Not only were they affected by the storm, but they also experienced flooding and a power outage that, for some residents, is still ongoing,” she said.

At least 20 people have died in the Texas summer heat after a power outage. The power outage also resulted in the loss of what food might have been in the home at a time when it was dangerous to go out and get more.

“We’re here at a time when people are hurting,” Ellis said. “Most people have had to throw out everything in their refrigerator.”

His organization has partnered with St. John Baptist and other groups to serve food and water to hundreds of residents.

“At least 600 people for lunch,” Ellis said. “And it’s hot meals, salads, everything else, a good healthy meal that’s prepared for them, and also bottled water.”

They distributed a total of 900 meals and 10,000 bottles of water.

Ellis said it was a need she was happy to help fill.

“People are so grateful,” she said. “They’re so grateful, I mean they’re overwhelmed. People have been crying.”

Next on his list is the island of Carriacou, which was further devastated when it was hit by Beryl, a Category 4 hurricane, just days earlier. His group is now assessing needs there and working on logistics.