ROSENBERG, Texas — The "Meals on Wheels" program in Fort Bend County has dealt with a lot of challenges in the week since Hurricane Beryl hit. Gas volunteers were hard to find, but things are starting to look better this week.
Rosenberg is one of the cities they serve within the county, and some seniors there have spent days without power. Walter is one of those seniors. His power returned Saturday, but before it did, he would sit on his porch to try and catch a breeze.
"Out here and whichever way the winds blowing if it’s coming from the west I sit here if it’s coming from the east I sit over there and then this, this is it," said Walter.
Despite the challenges last week, Meals on Wheels has been making sure to check in on the most vulnerable.
“It was a struggle because it was hard for us to even find our volunteers to come in and help us deliver,” said Executive Director Doug Simpson. “We use over 350 volunteers from the community, and a lot of those weren't able to help us so it was all hands-on deck.”
Although the power is back on for folks like Walter and Maria who live a few streets away, Meals on Wheels is providing more than food in the wake of the storm.
“We’re doing fine, you know, we're doing fine. Thank God and I pray for everybody,” said Maria.
“What we call the power of the knock so it's more than just giving them a meal. It's about social interaction and making sure that they're okay,” said Simpson.
Simpson and other workers on the front lines said there are signs of improvement.
“Every senior we saw today had power. So that was a great thing,” said Simpson.
Seniors like Maria and Walter are thankful.
“There's help out there. Meals on wheels,” said Maria.
They're thankful for the food and the company that comes with it.
“Everything is as good as you can get for an old man you know,” said Walter.
Meals on Wheels said their need right now is more shelf-stable food to replenish what they’ve already used during this storm. It’s only July and there’s a long way to go this hurricane season.