BULLARD, Texas — In a time of need, East Texans are stepping up to help neighbors in need.
"Last year we thought it was busy, but this year it just seems like Tyler has been hit with storm after storm. We’re spread thinner than we have been in many years," Green Acres Baptist Church volunteer Shirley Horsely said.
Horsely spent her afternoon overseeing the mobile shower and laundry unit at Green Acres Baptist Church but didn't see many takers on Wedneday. Volunteers hope people can take advantage of the service in the coming days.
The storm Monday caused severe damage to homes, causing some to become uninhabitable. With most hotels booked up, a local Airbnb owner is stepping up to give folks without power another option.
"You can book direct with us and that’ll save you booking fees, and additionally we’re doing 20% off for people that are displaced, or the lineman that are helping restore power," April Myers said.
Myers has six Airbnb properties throughout East Texas, and while so many folks are still without power right now, she hopes that those facilities can become safe havens for these people and help them to get back on their feet quicker.
"We try and help the community whenever we can. If they’re trying to restore power or somebody doesn’t have power and needs a place to lay their head and cook a meal for their family then, by all means if we’re open, we’ll shoot you a discount so that you can get situated," Myers said.
Another local rental spot in Longview, Stay at the Coral, is also offering extra help to those affected by storms by offering discounted rates for lineman and people without power.
Those without power and looking for someone to stay for a discount should act now because they may not be available for long.
"Yes we do have random days still available, but they are booking up pretty quickly, so," Myers said.