By: Brian Murnahan

The National Guard had already arrived when Lawrence and Towana decided to leave their home before daybreak to escape rising floodwaters. Heavy rains inundated their neighborhood of Lawrence Park in Amarillo, Texas overnight, leaving residents stranded and homes flooded.

“The National Guard told us that we couldn’t get out, so we headed back and started making phone calls to family members letting them know about the flood,” said Lawrence. “We were heading to Dallas for a funeral for our nephew on Saturday.”

Kylea lives near Lawrence and Towana. She heard the rain and opened her door to watch it fall. She wound up helping direct Amarillo firefighters who were responding to calls for help overnight. Before she knew it, Kylea was seeking help from the firefighters too.

She grabbed a duffle bag and walked out of her home. The firefighters helped her cross the flooded streets at 26^th Avenue and Paramount Boulevard. From there, she found her way to the Amarillo Civic Center Complex, where the American Red Cross was running a shelter for people escaping the flooding.  

“I was expecting it to be bad, no care, but found the opposite,” Kylea said. “It’s been wonderful, like, really, really good. It’s been a blessing. The Red Cross people are always asking how we are doing and helping us find what we need. They really do care.”

Residents staying at the shelter have access to medical care, showers and laundry service thanks to partner agencies including the Texas Baptist Men and the County Public Health Department.

“My arm is a little sore after getting tetanus and hepatitis shots from the public health nurse here at the shelter,” continued Kylea. “The water was so high (showing with her hand above her waist) that we needed the shots to be sure we are safe.”

Kylea really appreciated the onsite shower facility brought in by the Amarillo-area Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.

“The showers here are better than at home,” said Kylea.

Shelter residents can sign up for showers daily from 8 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Shower and laundry services are in a large area in the Civic Center, next to the dormitory.

The shelter isn’t just a resource for people. The Red Cross is working with the City of Amarillo Animal Control Services to provide onsite care for pets.

Back in Lawrence Park, Lawrence and Towana were talking to friends and neighbors outside after sunrise. All their homes were without power, and they were trying to figure out what to do next.

“Some people came by and said the Red Cross was opening up the Civic Center,” Towana said. “’You can go there, get three meals a day, until you find out more answers.’ So, here we are. Been here since Thursday."

“We missed our nephew’s funeral (voice cracks). The people here are so kind, they have a servant heart. They’re really here to see to our needs. They're very patient with everyone. Most of all, they are showing us love.”