Islanders in flooded Houston seek assistance

The CNMI can return the favor to islanders residing in Houston who sent aid after Typhoon Soudelor devastated Saipan two years ago.

Houston Association of Marianas Islanders vice president Jennifer Aguon is calling on her brothers and sisters in the Commonwealth to lend them a hand after the city was inundated by floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey last week.

Many Pacific islanders now reside in Houston and Harvey has left the city in ruins, resulting in a shortage of supplies.

Aguon, on behalf of HAMI, is reaching out to CNMI residents who may be wondering how to give help.

“I am a Pacific islander. I saw our people and other islanders being forced out of their homes due to flooding,” said Aguon in an online interview.

She said Houston residents are in dire need of supplies. Deliveries to the city are currently on hold because of the massive flooding that has stranded many residents in the city.

“The stores have limited supplies as deliveries have ceased due to flooding and inaccessibility. I have personally seen lines of people waiting at the grocery just to try and get what they can but everything is in limited supply,” said Aguon.

HAMI is currently accepting cash donations and donations of non-perishable items.

“People have been out of jobs for a week now and possibly more weeks to come or until businesses are up and running. Those people will need money for gas and perishable items. If money can be sent, we would also appreciate it,” said Aguon.

Rep. Edwin Propst (Ind-Saipan), who is also a part of HAMI on the island, said the organization was extremely helpful when Typhoon Soudelor devastated Saipan in August 2015.

“HAMI was instrumental in providing us with a huge amount of goods which was air freighted on United [Airlines], from Houston to Saipan. This happened shortly after Soudelor,” Propst told Saipan Tribune.

Propst said that HAMI is accepting monetary donations via PayPal. He encourages the community to help fellow islanders in Houston “as they have helped us in our time of devastation.”

“Truly, it is in giving that we receive, and the more we give, the more we make our world a better place,” said Propst.

There is currently no deadline for the donations. It is still unsure how long the recovery process will take but any type of help would be greatly appreciated by the people who were devastated by Hurricane Harvey, Aguon said.

“The recovery process is ongoing. We don’t know how long it will take to rebuild the city of Houston, but whatever we can do to help, whatever assistance you can give is appreciated and sorely needed,” said Aguon.

For those willing to help the families in Houston, donations can be sent to Joaquina DLG Chong at 8106 White Arbor Court Humble, TX 77338. All donations will be distributed to the island families.

For monetary donations, feel free to email Jennifer White Aguon at j.whiteaguon@gmail.com. The email can also be used to send money through PayPal.