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Volume 86 | Number 47 AUGUST 31, 2017 |FREE
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AFTER HURRICANE HARVEY
FLOOD
OF THE CENTURY H PAGE 7
Sylvester Turner
Kevin Hart
While the national spotlight shines on Houston during this catastrophic flooding, the mayor is reassuring residents, providing comfort and standing by a decision to not call for an evacuation during Hurricane Harvey. Find out why he doesn’t regret keeping residents in town. H PAGE 3
The comedian/actor has issued a challenge to all of his celebrity friends to help provide relief for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Find out how much he donated and who he’s calling on to give money too.
exhibits leadership
issues hurricane challenge
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Flood victims wait to unload from the back of a heavy duty truck after being evacuated from their homes as floodwaters rose.
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HURRICANE HARVEY
Mayor stands by decision not to evacuate Associated Press
Houston’s mayor is shutting down questions about his decision not to order an evacuation of the notoriously flood-prone city ahead of Harvey’s arrival. Instead, Mayor Sylvester Turner remained resolute in his advice to residents since the storm made landfall: hunker down at home. “I want to say this again, because I guess it’s been missed, but you cannot evacuate 6.5 million people within two days,” Turner said at one of multiple news conferences. He was referring to both the city and its surrounding areas. “That would be chaotic. We would be putting people in more harm’s way.” The situation is reminiscent of Hurricane Katrina Sylvester Turner at a press conference discussing the flooding. in 2005, when New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco both drew criticism Questions started when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott suggested for not ordering an evacuation sooner. Nagin did so Houston residents get out while they could. At the time, Harvey one day before landfall, and levee failures led to disastrous floodwas a powerful hurricane hours from landfall about 175 miles to ing that plunged the city into chaos for days. Experts said evacuating during a hurricane is a complicated the south near Corpus Christi. But the sprawling storm’s outer bands promised heavy rains for Houston, long susceptible to decision with major ramifications, and none who spoke to the flooding because of its flat terrain and runaway development that Associated Press second-guessed Turner. Harvey intensified quickly into a Category 4 hurricane on Friday, leaving the mayor has paved over water-absorbing wetlands. Hours after Abbott’s remarks, Turner and other local leaders and others a tight timeframe to safely move out a large number cautioned people to think twice before fleeing unnecessarily, of people. especially when other communities more directly in the path of “This is all the information that’s coming into the mayor, Harvey needed the same routes. and he’s got to go, ‘Oh my God, what am I going to do?’” said Once Harvey’s rains turned torrential in Houston over the Susan Cutter, the director of the Hazards and Vulnerability weekend and made conditions too dangerous for leaving, some Research Institute at the University of South Carolina. “They’re residents began doubting Turner’s decision. damned if they do, damned if they don’t.”
Experts said Harvey presented a uniquely difficult decision for Houston officials because evacuations aren’t typically done for flash-flooding from rains, but rather from storm surge concerns in less populated areas closest to the shore. A study by the state of South Carolina this year estimated that the time needed to evacuate the Charleston area ahead of a similarly sized hurricane would be 27 to 30 hours at its fastest, if traffic lanes in both directions were used. Moving people from an inland urban center like Houston — the city alone is about three times larger than Charleston — would require at least 36 to 48 hours, experts said. But Harvey took only 56 hours to intensify to a Category 4 hurricane. Harvey strengthened into a hurricane by noon Thursday. Hours later, the National Hurricane Center predicted “devastating flooding” from the strengthening storm. The center started warning of “catastrophic flooding” across southern and southeastern Texas Friday morning, and the storm made landfall by 10 p.m. Ordering an evacuation, experts said, would’ve come with its own risks, such as highways clogged with motorists caught in severe thunderstorms or, worse, tornadoes that Harvey’s outer bands might cause. In defending his decision, Turner has repeatedly invoked grim memories of Hurricane Rita in 2005, when problems from an evacuation of 3 million — roughly half of greater Houston — were blamed in many of the more than 100 deaths reported.
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Homes in Spring, TX surrounded by flood waters.
HURRICANE HARVEY
In 30 days, Congress must act Defender News Services
As Houston tries to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, national politicians have promised they will be there to help those affected by the storm. But they don’t have much time. Congress returns to work on Sept. 5. Lawmakers will then have less than a month to meet several crucial deadlines affecting whether the federal government will actually be able to help out. The big deadline is Sept. 30. Congress needs to pass legislation to keep the government funded beyond that date. Otherwise, it will shut down. That day is also when the National Flood Insurance Program’s authorization expires. When the government shuts down, federal workers are divided into two categories: essential and non-essential. Those in the former category are allowed to continue working, while people in the second are furloughed until the government reopens. The Federal Emergency Management Agency would continue to lead rescue operations for Harvey in the case of a shutdown, with many of its employees fitting into the essential category. But that doesn’t mean FEMA won’t be affected. Daniel Watson was the spokesman for FEMA in 2013, the last time the government shut down. At the time, the agency was helping Colorado recover from massive floods. Watson said the agency’s response work was not impacted, but FEMA did have to devote resources to dealing with the shutdown, rather than focusing all its attention on disaster relief. “The biggest impact was FEMA needing to take all these additional steps that you don’t usually have to do ― identifying, ‘Oh, does this person need to be here or not,’ rather than just doing the job,” Watson said. The bigger issue with FEMA is what happens with its Disaster Relief Fund, which could soon run out of money unless Congress appropriates more. FEMA gives out two types of assistance: public (which goes to governments) and individual (checks directly to individuals to cover damages).
All that money comes from the Disaster Relief Fund. According to FEMA’s most recent report, issued in early August, the fund will have between $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion at the end of September. That likely will not be nearlyenough for Harvey. As a comparison, about a month after Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast, FEMA had already sent out around $1.9 billion. “In the event of a government shutdown, FEMA will continue to support survivors and communities affected by Hurricane Harvey,” agency spokeswoman Justine Whelan said. “FEMA makes payments for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance, until funds are no longer available in the Disaster Relief Fund.” FEMA also operates the National Flood Insurance Program, which is already more than $24 billion in debt. If it expires Sept. 30, millions of homeowners may be without coverage. The program has a $30 billion borrowing limit, and with massive new claims coming in from Harvey, congressional action will be needed to raise the ceiling. (Congress did the same thing after Hurricane Katrina.) In Houston alone, more than 1million people have federal flood insurance coverage. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say they want to reform the program ― it pays out far more than it collects in premiums ― but there isn’t much time to figure something out before the next reauthorization. “Details are still being worked through, but the flood insurance program will be reauthorized,” said AshLee Strong, spokeswoman for House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). A senior Democratic aide, who requested anonymity to speak openly, said he was less certain that reauthorization would happen, predicting that a shortterm extension was more likely either on its own, or as part of a continuing resolution to keep the government open ― in part because Republicans aren’t unified on what to do.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY NAMED former FBI Director James Comey as it opening convocation keynote speaker. Comey was also named the 2017-2018 Gwendolyn S. and Colbert I. King Endowed Chair in Public Policy, a position created to provide Howard students with access to leaders in public service. Comey will donate his entire compensation for the chairmanship to a Howard scholarship fund to the tune of $100,000. President Donald Trump fired Comey as he was leading a counterintelligence investigation to determine whether associates of Trump may have coordinated with Russia to interfere with the U.S. presidential election……… FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE STATE OF FLORIDA executed a white man for killing a Black man. By contrast, at least 18 Black men have been executed for killing white men in the last four decades, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Mark Asay was executed by lethal injection for two raciallymotivated, premeditated murders carried out on the same day in 1987. A jury convicted him in 1988. One of the murders involved 34-yearold Robert Lee Booker, who Asay shot after shouting racial slurs at him. The other victim, 26-year-old Roger McDowell, was white and Hispanic, and presenting himself as a woman at the time of his death. Prosecutors said Asay hired McDowell for oral sex and then shot him six times after discovering his gender…….. THE LONGSTANDING DISPARITY for Blacks and Latinos compared to whites regarding the percentage of persons uninsured has declined under former President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act. According to a study published by the Commonwealth Fund, from 2013 to 2015, the Black/white disparity narrowed by 4 percent, while the Latino/white disparity decreased 7 percent, the outlet said. Expanded Medicaid coverage under Obamacare policies is a key reason for the trend. The percentage of uninsured Latinos dropped by 14 points in states that expanded Medicaid and nine
VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 47 AUGUST 31, 2017 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Engagement Manager Margo Williams Hubbard
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Jasemine Knowles Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
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Harris Health System honors Franklin By ASWAD WALKER Defender
On Thursday, Sept. 7, the Harris Health System will rename one of its buildings the Elvin Franklin Jr. Administration Building in honor of its longtime volunteer extraordinaire. The ceremony will take place in the Smith Clinic Lobby (2525-A Holly Hall) at 6 p.m. Franklin, a retired insurance agency owner, has served as chair of the Board of Managers during three terms and currently serves as vice chairman of the Harris County Hospital District Foundation Board. Though appreciative of the renaming gesture, Franklin said his 30 years of service to HHS was not given seeking accolades. “I’m honored, but my mission has always been to reflect my mother’s words: ‘It’s better to give than to receive.’” said Franklin, who came to work with HHS at the behest of a friend. “After I had served three years on the North Forest ISD board, I felt I was in the wrong place to give back fully and chose not to seek reelection. The honorable Elvin Franklin Jr. El Franco Lee asked if I would serve on a committee, and gave me three choices: insurance, the Port of Houston and health services.” Franklin chose HHS, a choice greatly influenced by a childhood healthcare experience of his own. An accident at school as a sixth grader in his native Louisiana sent Franklin and his mother 70 miles by train to the nearest hospital. Once there, it was 10 hours before Franklin saw a doctor. “They kept putting us back, the closer we got to the front of the line. I asked a nurse why, and she replied, ‘White patients have to be treated first before we get to the coloreds.’ That day, I promised my mother if I was ever in a position to help others avoid that same experience, I would.” Franklin kept his word, making such an impact that many people assume HHS is his employer, though he has never received a salary. He founded the city’s first AIDS clinic, expanded neighborhood health clinics from five to 19, and along with Alicia Reyes created the School Base Program that tackled the problem of children lacking vaccinations by providing services in area schools. His most memorable experience is one accumulated over time. “To see how the hospital system’s budget, with the aid of Commissioners Court, grew from $150 million in 1986 to $1.3 billion today; and to see the extension of the services we’ve been able to provide, that’s memorable,” he said. Upon retiring after 38 years in the insurance business, Franklin stayed busy with HHS, the Rotary Club and the Northeast Chamber. He’s currently chairman of the Redevelopment Authority of Greenspoint, builders of the largest skateboard park in North America, and future builders of a BMX bike track that will host the BMX World Championship in 2020. “We just want to create a safe environment for the people of Greenspoint,” he said.
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Hart asks stars to help with Harvey relief Associated Press
Kevin Hart has made a sizable donation to flood relief efforts in Houston, and he wants some of his famous friends to do the same. The comedian announced a $25,000 donation to the American Red Cross for victims of Hurricane Harvey. In an Instagram video posted over the weekend, Hart said he was starting a celebrity challenge to donate money to the cause. Beyoncé, Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jerry Seinfeld are among the stars he called on to make their own pledge. “This is a serious matter,” Hart said in the video. “I think the people are in bad shape and they need help. I’m going to lead the charge and step it up in this way.” Country star Chris Young announced on Twitter that he has started an online fundraiser
for the Red Cross and donated $100,000 to it. The campaign had taken in an additional $50,000 within 24 hours. Drake wrote on Instagram that he and his manager were working with local relief groups to help Texans affected by the hurricane. The Canadian rapper wrote that Houston “has truly been a home to me over the last eight years.” While only a few stars announced donations to flood relief efforts, many have used their massive social media followings to encourage people to give what they can. Katy Perry, who boasts Twitter’s largest following at more than 103 million, urged viewers to donate while she hosted MTV’s Video Music Awards, and she tweeted a link to the Red Cross’ donation efforts.
Houston native Beyoncé planning to aid those hurt by Harvey Associated Press
Be yoncé says she’s working with her charity to assist those in her hometown affected by Hurricane Harvey. Beyoncé issued a statement to the Chronicle saying that “my heart goes out to my hometown, Houston, and I remain in constant prayer for those affected.” Beyoncé said she’s praying “for the rescuers who have been so brave and determined.” The singer said she is working closely with her organization BeyGOOD and her pastor to find ways to help those affected. “I am working closely with my team at BeyGOOD as
well as my pastor (Rudy Rasmus at St. John’s in downtown Houston) to implement a plan to help as many as we can.” BeyGOOD, launched in 2013 during the Mrs. Carter World Tour, is a philanthropic effort that partners with global charity organizations to get people employed and provide clothing, counseling, housing, food and medical assistance. Beyoncé posted a black and white photo on Instagram of herself holding the Texas flag with the caption, “Texas you are in my prayers.” In less than a day it’s received more than 1 million likes.
what’sup Netflix is airing “Def Comedy Jam 25” to mark the 25th anniversary of the comedy show. “Def Comedy Jam” originally ran from 1992 to 1996 before being revived in 2006. The show, which was produced by RUSSELL SIMMONS, helped to launch the careers of the likes of MARTIN LAWRENCE, CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER and SHERYL UNDERWOOD. The lineup of performers for the special thus far include Lawrence, Underwood, Cedric, BILL BELLAMY, DAVE CHAPPELLE, MIKE EPPS, ADELE GIVENS, EDDIE GRIFFIN, TIFFANY HADDISH, KEVIN HART, STEVE HARVEY, D.L. HUGLEY, KID CAPRI, TRACY MORGAN,
CRAIG ROBINSON, JB SMOOVE, SOMMORE, JOE TORRY and KATT WILLIAMS. The special will air on Netflix this fall……..During this year’s Black Girls Rock ceremony, California Congresswoman MAXINE WATERS was honored and received a standing ovation. At the time, Waters, who has been called “Auntie Maxine” by millennial activists, said in her acceptance speech, “I don’t care how big you are, I don’t care how high you are, If you come for me, I’m coming for you! So, of course, someone did come for her, in the form of STACEY DASH, who tweeted, calling her a buffoon seeking 15 minutes of fame. The internet was quick to come for Dash, telling her to
have a seat and pointing out, among other things, that at least Waters has a job. Waters has not yet personally responded to Dash…….REGINA HALL and RUSSELL HORNSBY have signed on to star in Angela Thomas’ debut, best-selling novel, “The Hate U Give.” The film also stars ISSA RAE, AMANDLA STENBERG, ALGEE SMITH, LAMAR JOHNSON and COMMON. “The Hate U Give” is about the 16-year-old girl who witnesses a police officer shoot her unarmed best friend. Living in an impoverished neighborhood but attending a suburban prep school, she’s torn between two worlds and has to find a way to speak out.
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HURRICANE HARVEY
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Flood of the
Photos by Associated Press
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D’Ona Spears, center, reacts as she is told that she cannot bring her dog Missy into the GRB shelter.
century It’s being called one of the largest disasters America has ever faced. At least 37 Texans are dead, with many more injured, as parts of the Houston area were inundated with more than 40 inches of rain. Emergency dispatchers were overwhelmed as dramatic rescues unfolded across the state. Tens of thousands of people headed to shelters. Hurricane Harvey left a mark that Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas “would not recover from anytime soon.” Here are some of the most powerful photos of the devastation. Share your own photos at www.facebook.com/defendernetwork
AUGUST 31 | 2017 | DEFENDER
Flood victims are towed to safety by a jet ski.
A man carries a child across a flooded street.
People walk among stalled cars in a neighborhood flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey
U.S. Route 59 of flooding on West Bellfort Avenue.
Residents wait to be evacuated
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AFTER HURRICANE
DEFENDER | August 31 | 2017
things to do after the storm By RESHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY Defender
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The Defender has compiled a list of 15 things to do to help you rebuild.
Contact FEMA/your insurance company. While you can wait until you can fully assess your damage, experts urge you to go ahead and get your application started. With HB 1774, a new law regarding homeowners and insurance lawsuits going to effect on Sept. 1, getting a claim number now could prevent a headache later. Besides, insurance companies and FEMA are about to be inundated with claims. The sooner you get your application started, the sooner you’ll get relief. Apply at 1800-621-3362 or www. disasterassistance.gov.
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Go to www.disasterassistance.gov. If you are directly affected by the storm, FEMA is poised and ready to assist NOW. They are providing housing stipends and immediate reimbursements/living expenses but you have to complete a registration.
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Take stock. The quickest way to move your claim along is to have photos/ video of your damage. Email a copy to yourself as a backup. Check with your insurance company to see if they require you keep the damaged items until they can inspect. FEMA generally wants to see your damaged items so make sure you know the policy before you throw away any damaged items.
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Get a reprieve from bills. Call your mortgage company, car loan company, student loan and credit card companies. Ask for a three-month reprieve from payments. There should be no late fees assessed. They will work with you. You may need the money to get back on your feet.
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Take lots of photos. Call the insurance company ASAP. Get them to start your claim now. Anything under water is covered. Exceptions would be items that can be washed or stone counter tops. But laminate
counters can be claimed because they are wood.
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Unplug. If it has a plug or an outlet and it was under water, DO NOT USE IT. Water and electricity do not mesh. Those outlets will corrode over time and house fires can start, even in the future.
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Remove destroyed items. After you’ve checked your insurance company’s claim policy, empty your home quickly of items that are destroyed. If it has a plug, it’s not good. If it runs on gas or electricity and was under water, it is trash. Cut drywall to 4’ (the width of drywall.). It saves time and money when you are replacing it.
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Break out the bleach. Solid wood furniture? Spray with bleach or Wet and Forget from Home Depot type stores. Bleach is less expensive. Treat everything. Everything will mold or mildew if not treated. It is not worth your health in the long run. Be patient. Expect that it will take three months on average to return to normal.
Keep the receipts. Anything you purchase from food to rebuilding supplies, keep your receipts for insurance and disaster declaration support. Keep track of communication. In the process of rebuilding, you’ll probably be talking to a lot of folks. Get names, log dates. This process can be frustrating but if you keep a record of all your communication, it can make your process flow a lot smoother.
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Leave the children when you return home. If you have children, leave them with a relative or friend while you conduct your first inspection of your home after the disaster. The site may be unsafe for children, and seeing the damage first-hand may upset them even more and cause long-term effects, including nightmares.
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Remove water from your home slowly. If you have several feet of water, do not pump all the water out at once. Pump about 1/3 of the water out every day to avoid possible pressure build-up from the outside
walls. Removing the water too quickly may result in outside pressure being higher than the pressure on the inside walls, which can cause the walls and floors to crack and collapse.
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Check the outside of your home before you enter. Look for loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damage. See if porch roofs and overhangs still have all their supports. If you see damage on the outside, it could indicate that the inside of your home is seriously damaged. Also, be sure to quickly remove the water you use during this cleaning.
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E HARVEY
Gladys Dasi holds her two-month-old son Elliott while sheltering at Gallery Furniture Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Richmond, Texas. Dasi with her husband and four kids evacuated their Richmond home Sunday after it flooded as a result of Hurricane Harvey. The furniture store opened as a shelter housing as many as 350 people in an area being constructed as a museum of American industry. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Texans of all ages make their way through floodwaters during Hurricane Harvey
Experts say far too few homeowners have flood insurance, just two of ten living in Harvey’s path of destruction.
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HURRICANE HARVEY
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Know the facts about insurance claims, new law By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender
Insured Texans who suffered damage from Hurricane Harvey are encouraged to know the facts about filing claims in light of a new state law that goes into effect on Sept. 1. Among other things, House Bill 1774 reduces penalties for property insurers that wrongly delay certain claims. Houston State Sen. Borris Miles said he is concerned about misinformation regarding the legislation and hurricane flood insurance. “HB 1774 relates to the handling of legal actions for certain insurance claims, including those arising from damage to or loss of property due to hailstorms and other forces of nature,” Miles said. “The legislation does not change how you file a claim or how your insurer will process your claim. The legislation does not prohibit you from filing your claim after September 1.This bill does not apply to claims with the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association or the National Flood Insurance Program,” he said. “HB 1774 requires policyholders to provide notice before filing a lawsuit as well as makes changes to the requirements for inspections related to a lawsuit, recovering attorney’s fees, and statutory penalty interest. “HB 1774 does reduce the penalty interest of the insurance company from 18 percent to 10 percent if the insurance company fails to pay you in a timely manner. If you file your claim on or after September 1, your claim will be subject to the provisions of HB 1774,” Miles said. To assist consumers impacted by Harvey, Texas Watch, a citizen advocacy organization, has compiled a list of frequently asked questions.
Q. How and when should I file my insurance claim? A. You should file a property insurance claim as soon as you discover damage. Tell the insurance company that your home or business suffered damage as a result of Hurricane Harvey and that this communication is intended to serve as notice of your claim. Include your full name, address, and insurance policy number, if you have it with you. You do not have to wait to file a claim until you have pictures of damage. The important thing is that as soon as you discover damage, put the insurance company on notice by filing your claim. By filing your damage claim before Sept. 1, you may potentially preserve an 18 percent interest penalty on insurance companies that drag their feet in paying valid claims. Discussions about the effective date of this legislation, the date of notice of your claim, and how this impacts your legal rights should take place between you and your lawyer. You may have suffered both wind and water damage. File a claim with every property insurance company you have. Flood insurance is sold separately from your homeowner’s policy. Property owners along the coast may have yet another insurance
policy with the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association to cover windstorm damage. Locate all of your insurance policies and put every insurance company who has taken your money on notice with a written claim if you have suffered damage. Q. How should I communicate with my insurance company? A. It is best to communicate in writing to remove any argument as to when you contacted them and what you said. This could be by email, fax or certified mail (return receipt requested). Keep an extra hard copy of all communications sent in your personal file. Also, keep all written material received from the insurance company or agent, including envelopes showing the post marked date. For any oral communications, like phone calls or in-person conversations with the insurance agent or adjuster, note what was said and who said it in a written log. Send a follow-up email to the insurance company confirming the discussion. Build an organized paper trail so it is clear exactly what was said, who said it, and when it was said. Q. What are some other insurance resources? A. The Texas Department of Insurance has a “Help After Harvey” page at www.tdi.texas.gov/consumer/storms/ helpafterharvey.html. They can also be reached at 1-800-2523439. The Office of Public Insurance Counsel, the state-funded policyholder advocate, can be reached at 1-877-611-6742 or www. opic.texas.gov. Consumers can also call Miles’ office at 512-463-0113 or 713-520-1670.
Recovering from Harvey: Help is available Defender News Services As Hurricane Harvey continues to devastate and displace thousands of Houstonians, the Defender has compiled a list of resources for victims of the storm: American Red Cross – Opens shelters to make sure people have a safe place to stay, a hot meal and access to other support from trained volunteers; distributes emergency supplies such as toiletry kits, tarps, rakes, shovels and trash bags; provides health workers who can provide first aid, monitor the well-being of people staying in shelters, and replace prescription medications or eyeglasses. Info: www.redcross.org/local/texas/ gulf-coast Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Provides housing assistance to individuals and families who have lost homes as a result of a presidentially-declared disaster. Renters or homeowners may qualify for assistance. FEMA assistance cannot duplicate the assistance received from insurance companies, but you may receive assistance for items not covered by insurance. Assistance also available for expenses such as child care, medical/dental, funeral/burial, clean-up, vehicle damage. Info: www.DisasterAssistance.gov
or 800-621-FEMA (3362). Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Provides support to homeowners and lowincome renters forced from their homes due to Harvey. HUD is granting a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures and forbearance on foreclosures of Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured home mortgages. HUD’s Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims who have lost their homes and are facing rebuilding or buying another home. Info: www.hud.gov Salvation Army – Operates four emergency shelters for the homeless: Harbor Light Center for men, 2407 North Main; Sally’s House for women, 1717 Congress; Family Residence for families, 1603 McGowen; and Conroe Red Shield Lodge for individuals and families, 304 Avenue E. Also operates self-contained mobile feeding units. Info: www.salvationarmyhouston.org Small Business Administration (SBA) – Offers low-interest federal disaster loans to businesses and residents. Businesses and private nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace real estate, equipment, inventory and other assets. Loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or
replace personal property. Info: www.sba.gov or 800-659-2955 State Bar of Texas Legal Hotline – Connects low-income people affected by a disaster with legal aid providers who can help with such issues as replacing lost documents, insurance questions, landlord-tenant problems and consumer protection issues such as price-gouging and contractor scams. Those who qualify for assistance will be matched with Texas lawyers providing free legal help. Info: 800-504-7030 Texas Workforce Commission – Accepting applications for disaster unemployment assistance as a result of severe weather due to Hurricane Harvey. Workers who lost their jobs and self-employed individuals who have been unable to work due to damage sustained from Harvey must submit applications by Sept. 27. Info: www.twc.state.tx.us 2-1-1 Texas – Emergency assistance hotline helps Texans connect with needed services (including food, housing, child care and counseling) and is a program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Designed to present accurate, easyto-find information from state and local health and human services programs by phone or Internet. Free and available 24 hours a day. Info: Dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905.
TIPS FOR RENTERS 1. Apply with FEMA. They will provide financial help for displaced residents – everything from rental assistance to lost wages. They’ll also give immediate access to cash for some displaced residents. Apply at www. disasterassistance.gov. 2. Create a home inventory. Make a list of all of your valuables. 3. Apply for a low-interest SBA loan to finance repairs and replacements You may be eligible for a lowinterest disaster assistance loan of up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. www. disasterloan.sba.gov. 4. Check your lease. You may be able to break your lease if your property is damaged. 5. Review renters insurance policy. Renters insurance policies vary. Check yours to see what personal property is covered.
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HURRICANE HARVEY Local relief funds accepting donations Defender News Services
Relief funds have been started to help victims of Hurricane Harvey. After receiving an overwhelming number of inquiries from citizens and corporations who would like to help, Mayor Sylvester Turner established the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, which will accept tax-deductible flood relief donations. The fund is administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation. “We are getting calls from across the country and right here in our hometown, and the generosity of people who understand this disaster is truly amazing,” Turner said. “Together we can make a difference to those who will need extensive help to get back on their feet once this storm is over.” There are four ways to donate: 1. Make online credit card donations which will be assessed a small fee, typically 3 percent, by credit card companies. Donors have the option of increasing their credit card donations to cover the fee. 2. Mail checks or money orders to Greater
Houston Community Foundation, 5120 Woodway Drive, Suite 6000, Houston, TX 77056. 3. Transfer cash by wire to JP Morgan Chase Bank. 4. Consider stocks, corporate bonds and other marketable securities (contact donorservices@ghcf.org) Visit www.ghcf.org for more information. United Way of Greater Houston has also established a Flood Relief Fund to help with the
George R. Brown gives refuge to Harvey’s survivors Associated Press
Patricia Cain entered the George R. Brown Convention Center barefoot and carrying two oxygen tanks. The first was empty. The second was given to her by the Houston Fire Department after the U.S. Coast Guard rescued her from her flooded home. She suffers from congestive heart failure, among other illnesses. Her son, William, and 9-year-old grandson were waiting for her inside. Both were barefoot as well. “I live in a lake where there was once dry land,” William Cain said. The Cains were among hundreds of people who arrived Sunday by boat, by bus, and by foot to Houston’s showcase convention center downtown, transformed by volunteers with few hours’ notice into a shelter as Harvey ravaged Houston. Weary and carrying little more than what was in their pockets, they prepared for what could be several days inside the convention center. Many of the roads and major highways nearby were impassable. The American Red Cross was expanding the shelter by the hour as more people arrived, including dozens of volunteers and local residents who saw reports on the news or social media and brought bags of donations. Inside a cavernous hall humming with the sound of hundreds of conversations, volunteers served food, handed out towels and set up tables with donated clothes for a long line
of evacuees. Some people huddled around a projection screen showing television coverage of the storm. Others collected bowls of pasta with parmesan cheese and cups of black coffee. A long line of people carrying blankets and pillows waited to enter a separate space in the convention center serving as the dormitory. Volunteers had set out around 1,300 cots and were quickly assembling more in anticipation of other evacuees arriving through the night. They have enough space and cots to house 5,000 people. By Monday night, the shelter was at capacity. “We feel that we have the resources and the knowledge not to have this be anything but safe for families, children and others who need support and safety,” said U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, who visited the shelter. The first group of evacuees arrived on Sunday. Most of the people at the shelter were African-American or Latino, and many of their stories reflected how Harvey affected low-income neighborhoods and the homeless. Many were from the Clayton Homes, a public housing complex bounded on one side by an interstate highway and another by Buffalo Bayou, which flooded heavily along with all of Houston’s major waterways. Police used boats to evacuate many of the complex’s residents and bring them to the convention center in trucks.
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recovery needs of those most impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Monies raised will be used to help immediate, basic needs and long-term recovery services such as case management and minor home repair. “Our first priority will be safety, shelter and basic needs such as food and essentials for those affected,” said Anna M. Babin, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston. “Once the community is stabilized, then United Way will focus on longterm recovery efforts. Since this situation is still unfolding, we realize the needs will be great.” Babin said that following disastrous storm events like Hurricane Harvey, United Way serves as the convening organization to bring together non-profit and community partners as well as civic and government stakeholders to coordinate recovery efforts, both assessing the needs and providing support where it is needed most. The organization also operates 2-1-1 Texas/ United Way Helpline which is a key information source before, during and after a storm To give to the relief fund visit unitedwayhouston. org/flood or text UWFLOOD
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 31 | 2017
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Texas Southern football continues to improve By MAX EDISON Defender
Coach Mike Haywood
As Texas Southern University prepares for the 2017 season the buzz word for the campaign has to be “improvement.” Head coach Mike Haywood and staff face a formidable incline as they continue to rebuild the Tiger program. Haywood’s Tigers were 4-7 overall, 4-5 in SWAC play in his debut season (2016). The Tigers were a tough out in all of their losses last season, especially in conference play and showed the type of The TSU Tigers, shown during resolve that gives hope for practice, continue to rebuild on the football field. the future. Unfortunately for TSU, playing in the ultracompetitive West Division of the SWAC conference means making your way to the top is extremely difficult. For the Tigers to improve they will have to rely on the strength of their defense. The good news is they have some pieces with which to work. Junior linebacker Sean Jones is an All-SWAC First Team Preseason selection and TSU should have plenty of proven talent on that side of the ball. Jones made 77 stops (10 for a loss) to go with three sacks in 2016, and should be a top defender in the conference this season. Along with top returning tackler senior Archie Rice (84 tackles) and top ball hawk Dondre Dobbins, who posted 60 tackles to go with a team-high three picks anchoring the secondary, TSU has cornerstones to build around. “I think we did a good job recruiting a lot of depth on our football team at multiple positions on the field,” defensive coordinator Tom Anthony said. “We have three guys that started nine of our 11 games last season in Sean Jones, Archie Rice, and Dondre Dobbins. With that being said pretty much every other spot on our defense is open.” Jones will need some running mates to emerge at linebacker beside him to replace now graduated contributors. The front line may also be a point of concern, as most of TSU’s
Archie Rice
Dondre Dobbins
and a score while rushing for 46 more. With the Tigers expected to return a good number of their skill players, a steady hand behind center may be all TSU needs to improve an offense that lacked in explosiveness and consistent production at times. Christophe needs to shake off the rust quickly for the Tigers to be respectable. Haywood was joined by players Sean Jones (left) and Jay Christophe at SWAC Media Day. Tracy Johnson, Carter Jefferson and University of North Texas grad key performers in the trenches have graduated. transfer Darvin Kidsey should be reliable options The defense, a sound and very much a “bendat receiver. but-don’t-break” corps, will also look for more Leading rusher Brad Woodard returns, but splash plays, as the Tigers were in the bottom after him the depth is filled with talented yet half of the league when it came to sacks and largely inexperienced players. The same can be interceptions. said for the offensive line. The offensive side of the ball is where the TiThe schedule-makers didn’t do the Tigers gers figure to struggle early in the season. Coach any favors. They lost on the road in their opener Haywood’s No. 1 task will be to find a suitable at Florida A&M. replacement for last year’s starter at QB Averion They now face Houston Baptist and Alabama Hurts. Jay Christophe started the opening game A&M in successive weeks. The Tigers’ Labor last season before going down to injury for the Day Classic against PVAMU was rescheduled for year. He showed potential against rival Prairie Thanksgiving weekend due to Hurricane Harvey. View A&M University in throwing for 112 yards
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h.s.zone 2017 high school football season on tap By DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
Turn on the stadium lights because the 2017 high school football season has arrived. Here’s a look at some of the opening week’s top matchups. • Lamar vs. Westfield, Sept. 1, George Stadium, 7 p.m. This may be the best Lamar team since losing to Allen in the 2012 Class 6A Division I state championship game. Head coach Tom Nolen is one of the winningest coaches in Texas high school football history and he has a Lamar has high expectations for the new football season. long list of Division I college prospects throughout the Texans Coach of the Year in 2016. lineup. Quarterback Jabari James is back after accountReceiver Al’Vonte Woodard and running back ing for 39 touchdowns a year ago. Jerry Davis (1,425 Ta’Zhawn Henry will have the ball in their possession a yards and 12 TDs) returns at running back. Barton lot when the Lamar offense is on the field. Tight end Kase Clement (OL) is one of the best around and has Rogers and receiver Zane Knipe are no slouches either. already committed to Texas A&M. Defensively, Lamar is led by defensive backs AnThe Buffalos’ defense will be anchored by end thony Cook and D’Shawn Jamison along with linebacker Dylan Sanchez and Geovante Howard in the secondJustin Fonteneaux. ary. Marshall has won three Westfield will be out to straight in this series. Game schedules subject to avenge last year’s 38-28 setback A new era begins at Madito Lamar when Henry scored change due to Harvey. son with new head coach Damian three fourth-quarter touchdowns. Check www.HISD.com Judge, a former fullbacks coach Coming off the school’s sixth for schedules at George Ranch, offensive coorconsecutive playoff berth, the dinator at Dobie and head coach Mustangs will be led by blue-chip at Lytle. defensive lineman Keondre CoThe Marlins are a perennial playoff qualifier and burn and defensive end Joshua Carr. Linebacker Franklin are led by 1,000-yard receiver DaShawn Williams, who Montgomery registered 90 tackles as a sophomore. scored 13 touchdowns last seasons. With only three starters returning on offense, • Manvel at Crosby, Sept. 1, 7 p.m. Westfield may find the going tough against Lamar’s starTwo of the state’s finest will open the season in a studded defense. Rayshawn James (RB), Noah Massey matchup befitting of a regional title game. (WR) and Jawaun Singletary (OL) are the leaders on the Manvel quarterback Kason Martin has committed to Mustangs’ offensive unit. North Texas while receiver Jalen Preston is on everyThe biggest issue for both teams is who will settle in body’s recruiting list. Running back Deneric Prince is a at the quarterback position. future Aggie. • Madison vs. Fort Bend Marshall, Sept. 1, Mercer The Mavericks’ defense features linebacker Brian Stadium, 7 p.m. Johnson (Texas A&M) and safety Trent Gordon (Penn Eighteen starters return from an 11-3 Marshall squad State). that advanced all the way to the state quarterfinals before Crosby went 9-3 last losing a heartbreaker to season with a co-district title College Station. Head and advanced two rounds coach James Williams is Find out other top games to in the playoffs. That’s not no longer a secret after watch for in 2017 good enough following a being named Houston area
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sportsbriefs Elliott tries appeal Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott traveled to New York to appeal his six-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy for an alleged domestic violence incident in Columbus, Ohio last summer. Elliott wasn’t criminally charged in the case and has repeatedly denied the accusations. Harold Henderson, a member of the NFL’s Executive Management Council, was selected by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to hear the appeal. The appeal will consist of Henderson who will serve essentially as a judge. The NFL will have its counsel and so will Elliott. The NFL Players Association and the Cowboys also will have attorneys on hand. There is no time frame for Henderson to make a decision after hearing the appeal. The Cowboys open the regular season against the New York Giants on Sept. 10 in Arlington.
UH excels at World Games The University of Houston men showed out at the World University Games in Taipei. The team of John Lewis III, LeShon Collins, Jacarias Martin and Cameron Burrell captured the silver medal in the 4x100 meter relay. The time, 38.69, fell just four-hundredths of a second shy of the gold medal. The 4x400 team of Amere Lattin, Curtis Brown, Jordan Clarke and Kahmari Montgomery shaved nearly two seconds off their prelim time in the final when they ran 3:06.68 to earn the silver medal. Individually, senior sprinter Cameron Burrell claimed bronze in the 100-meter dash by running 10.27.
Class 6A preview Region III-6A high school football is a minefield loaded with a myriad of talented teams that could challenge for a state championship in either Division I or Division II. Katy, North Shore, The Woodlands, Lamar and Atascocita are at the top of the list in 2017 and seemingly every year. Katy moved to the Division I bracket in 2016 and had back-to-back state titles in line until star running back Deondrick Glass went down with an injury. Glass is back and the Tigers are title hunting once again. North Shore won the school’s second state title in 2015 and looked good again last season until district rival Atascocita sprung the upset in the regional final. Lamar is loaded with talent and hopes a brutal nondistrict schedule prepares the Texans for the long haul. Atascocita has enjoyed a taste of the good life for the past two seasons and is ready to take the next step.
Class 5A outlook Most of the so-called experts believe the Region III-5A crown belongs to Manvel or Fort Bend Marshall. They both reside in District 23-5A and since Manvel has the larger student enrollment, they won’t face each other in the playoffs. Manvel has won 86 games since 2010 and only Katy (96) has won more in the Houston area. Yet Katy has won eight state titles and Manvel is still seeking its first. The Mavericks open the 2017 season as the topranked Class 5A team in Texas. Marshall has 18 starters back from an 11-3 state quarterfinal squad. Don’t forget about Angleton and Crosby.
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 31 | 2017
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Teams, players, coaches step up to the plate Defender News Services Rocket Chris Paul
Houstonians affected by Hurricane Harvey are receiving help from men and women in the world of sports. Here are some of the teams, players and coaches who are providing assistance in various ways: • Rockets owner Leslie Alexander increased his contribution to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund – announced Texan J.J. Watt by Mayor Sylvester Turner – to $10 million. Alexander originally anRockets’ owner Les Alexander nounced a donation of $4 million. “Our hearts are heavy seeing the devastation that so many of our friends, family and neighbors are experiencing,” the team said in a statement. Alexander, who recently put the team up for sale, made the donation “in an effort to help Clutch City come back stronger than ever.” The Rockets also opened UH basketball coach Kelvin Sampson Toyota Center to house residents displaced by Harvey. • The Houston Texans and • Texans defensive end J.J. Watt established an team owner Bob McNair are donatonline fundraiser to aid victims of the storm and do- ing $1 million to the United Way of nated $100,000 out of his pocket. “That’s our city. Greater Houston’s flood relief fund. It’s very tough to watch our city get hit by such a The Dallas Cowboys and the NFL bad storm and not be there to help with the recovFoundation will match the Texans’ ery,” Watt said via Twitter. donation. • New Rockets’ point guard Chris Paul donated • University of Houston men’s $50,000 to Watt, pushing the amount of money raised basketball coach Kelvin Sampson • Major League Baseball and the MLB Players past $500,000. Tennessee Titans majority owner Amy is spearheading an effort to collect and distribute doAssociation will jointly donate $1 million to variAdams Strunk is donating $1 million to Watt’s camnated clothes – especially T-shirts and shoes –to local ous relief organizations, including the American Red paign. (The Titans relocated from Houston in 1997.) families impacted by the hurricane. Sampson came Cross. • Astros owner and chairman Jim Crane, the up with the idea after watching an interview with a • The Sacramento Kings will support the Red Astros ownership group and the Astros Foundation displaced family on the news. The family left everyCross by taking donations by phone and recording a pledged to donate $4 million to the relief efforts aidthing behind except the clothes on their back. At last public service announcement. ing Harvey’s victims. “We are committed to doing count, the city had received commitments from more • The New England Patriots will match up to our part to provide aid and assistance to the thouthan 300 schools, teams and individu$1 million worth of public donations to the American sands of Houston-area residents that are desperately als due to Sampson’s efforts. Red Cross. in need right now,” Crane said. “We encourage oth• The Texas Rangers will donate the charitable • Los Angeles Angels centerfielder Mike Trout ers in our region and beyond to help out in any way half from three of their home game raffles to the (No. 27) and his wife are donating $27,000 to the that they can.” American Red Cross. Red Cross.
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
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UNCF MAYOR’S LUNCHEON……..The UNCF held its 5th Anniversary Houston Along with the main dish, there were vegan options available, a watermelon seed Mayor’s Luncheon celebrating the national organization’s support of students in spitting contest and live music. Attendees included Elmika Foster, MiiLeah pursuit of academic excellence. More specifically, the event supported Houston-area Morrison, Sean Jackson, Angela Jackson, DeAngela Hayes, Doug Franklin, students as they move in their collegiate journey. Greetings were given by Khambrel Karen Webb, Reginald Webb, Drenda Williams, Gernell Coleman and Marshall (KPRC, Channel 2), and a State of Education for Minority Students others…….. ATLF BACK 2 SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE…….Achievement address was offered by UNCF National President and CEO Through Leadership Foundation (ATLF) hosted a Back 2 Dr. Michael Lomax. In addition, Huston-Tillotson University Defender TOP EVENTS School Supply Drive with proceeds benefiting Willowridge senior Taleah Moore provided a personal testimony to the High School which was devastated over the summer by More photos on defendernetwork.com work of UNCF. Attendees included Angela Hall Watkins, black mold. The drive was held at the Grove Houston. ATLF Delton Pierce, LaJuana Sanford, Jeff Shaw, Jonathan was joined by One Delta Plaza Educational Center, Inc. and Kee, Pastor Reginald DeVaughn, Crystal Hadnot, Stephanie Paige, Tamarian the Missouri City-Sugar Land Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity in Carter, Knetha Jones and many more ……..SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN coordinating efforts to secure much needed donations of school supplies to replenish FEST…….Vince Milson and the Stack Marketing Group sponsored the Southern the incredible losses Willowridge suffered. WHS Vice Principal Dr. Melissia Smith and ATLF head Fred Navarre were on hand, along with others, to accept Fried Chicken Fest at Levy Park. Inspired by debates with family and friends about who in Houston served the best fried chicken, Milson organized the event which donations. Attendees included Shannon Buggs, Jasmine Belton, Adraon Greene, also served as a colon cancer awareness campaign. Houston’s best restaurants, food Ramona Dalton, Fred McCoy, Annetra Piper, Marcolin Eakins, Freddie Chapel Wright and many more . trucks and concessionaires had their chefs on hand competing for the top honors.
Dr. Michael Lomax, Judith Job, Steven Davenport, Taleah Moore
Naomi Thomas, Lynnette Thomas, Jeremiah Thomas, Scott Thomas
Dr. Melissia Smith, Shannon Buggs
Clifford Brown, Pastor Reginald DeVaughn
Vince Milson, Tiffany Diggs, Damona Woodley
Sherard Hooper, Brian Wright, Fred Navarre, Adraon Greene
Will Norwood, Chrystal Rivers, Gejuan Cole
Anana Walker, Adrianne Walker, Maisha Walker
Marcolin Eakins, Jasmine Belton
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DEFENDER | AUGUST 31 | 2017
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