El Pasoans with boats, supplies head to Houston to help Hurricane Harvey relief efforts

EPISD board president Trent Hatch has organized a group to go help those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

He and eight others left El Paso Monday afternoon, and are on their way to Houston.

“There are family members, members of the community out there in that area that need as much help as possible,” Hatch said.

ABC-7 caught up with the group as they were loading up on gas and supplies at Sam’s Club in West El Paso. The group is taking three boats and two canoes.

The National Weather Service reports there’s been nearly 40 inches of rainfall in some parts of Houston.

“The boats are personal boats from members of the community who are stepping up and giving their time, their funds, their possessions to go out and help other members of our state,” Hatch said.

The group’s effort was not sponsored by EPISD. Hatch said he and the others just felt compelled to help.

“We’ll sleep wherever we can, we’ve done this on fishing trips and other excursions that we’ve done,” Hatch said. “We’re prepared to go out and stay where we need to stay and be prepared and do what we can to represent El Paso, EPISD and members of our community.”

EPISD has said its prepared to provide buses and teachers to help out displaced families. In a statement, Superintendent Juan Cabrera said:

EPISD and El Paso have a strong tradition of service in humanitarian aid, and our schools
and employees are ready to do their part in helping displaced Texans. We’ve
taught our students to lead with character, and now it’s our turn show what this means.
EPISD will lend a hand and help those affected by Harvey during their toughest time.

Hatch and his group created a GoFundMe for those who want to contribute to their efforts.