TBM provides disaster relief in Alto and Franklin

Texas Baptist Men (TBM) Disaster Relief deployed teams to Alto and Franklin, TX, on Sunday, April 14, in response to storm damage sustained on April 13. Volunteer teams serving through feeding, chainsaw, shower/laundry, temporary roof, assessment, and disaster crisis chaplains are providing assistance to communities impacted.

An EF-3 tornado touched down in Franklin on Saturday afternoon, causing significant damage to the community of 1,500 residents. TBM is working through First Baptist Church in Franklin to provide services to those in need.

In Alto, one TBM chainsaw team is on the ground assisting neighborhoods, with two more chainsaw units in transit. Wind damage impacted some commercial businesses, the local high school, and homes in the Alto community. A lack of electrical power is currently the biggest problem individuals are experiencing.

Gary Smith, TBM commander from Brookhaven Church in McKinney, said by the end of Monday, 50 volunteers are expected to be in Alto to serve the community. Three assessor teams, each with a crisis chaplain, are visiting homes to determine needs. A box unit is also on hand to help individuals salvage personal belongings.

“We are glad to have the opportunity to help this community,” said Smith.

In 2018, Texas Baptists gave $330,789 to support disaster relief and other TBM ministries. To give to support the work of TBM, visit tbmtx.org.