FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

I want to thank the cast of thousands who have inspired our no non-sense approach to addressing the needs of the community.  Like never before, Houston has been a shining star, a beacon of light and a solid contributor in helping all the new residents to Houston from New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities.  And now that the floodwaters have subsided, the long journey of rebuilding not only homes and communities, but people’s lives truly begins.  With initial funding from Neighborworks America, National Council of La Raza and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, TCCC has put in place the KAR Outreach & Service Center to address the multitude of services that are needed by so many of these displaced families.  Months after Katrina and Rita ravaged the Coast, children and families are still living in empty apartments without furniture, bedding, food and in some cases without adequate electricity, water and sewage.  Most of them cannot find jobs for they have no transportation, not even enough money for bus tokens.  Just because the media has gone on to more current events does not mean that everything is okay now.  To the contrary, now is the time for all the good men and women of this great City to come to the aid of their new neighbors.   

Tejano Center is taking it a step further.  We are keenly aware that there are hundreds of these displaced families who because of their language and because of their legal status are fearful or unable to obtain the help they need.  It is these children and families that TCCC is zeroing in on.  Clearly, we need help to help others help themselves.  These folks are not looking for handouts, they simply need help to get back on their feet and provide for the basic needs of life.  How can you help?  We are seeking warehouse space to store donated furniture of all kinds, we need clothing of all sizes, male and female, non-perishable foods, a large truck to transport donations to the needed locations.  We need funds for bus tokens, for utilities and for the hard to find but desperately needed items.  We have three full time staff and some volunteers, but we need more volunteers for this long journey in which we have embarked.  To help, please, call our KAR Service Center @ 713 640-9990.  You will make a difference!