Thank you all again for your participation as members of the NJHSA Hurricane Emergency Support Line. The Houston community is most grateful for the support that has been provided.

As the situation in Houston continues to evolve, we have had dialogue with the State of Texas and its Bureau of Licensing. In keeping with their regulations, we are only able to continue to engage the volunteer services of social workers who hold valid social work licenses with the State of Texas or have been certified by the American Red Cross as emergency responders. In order to update our lists, if you meet one or both of these criteria, please email Emma Lebowitz at the NJHSA Office so that our records reflect this status.
 
Additionally, please note the following:
  1. JFS Dallas has stepped in and established a telephone Trauma Line specifically to provide phone based support for those struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. That phone line can be reached at 469-461-1240.  With respect to the licensing restrictions, this phone line will now replace the Emergency Support Line which we had established and a forwarding message has been left on that phone line to transfer callers to this new line.
     
  2. Additionally, we are very grateful to the social work staff teams at both JFS Dallas and at JFS Austin who are sending social work staff to JFS Houston to provide on-site services over the coming weeks. Their willingness to adjust their schedules to accommodate this emergency response is so very much appreciated!
We have all learned, and continue to learn, a tremendous amount regarding the provision of social work staffing following natural disasters. We are now closely monitoring the continuing impact of Hurricane Irma and will be coordinating needed follow up responses with our member agencies in Florida and any surrounding states that are impacted.
 
Please feel free to reach out to me directly or to Genie Cohen, Chief Program Officer at NJHSA with any questions or concerns.
 
With continued appreciation for your ongoing partnership,
President & CEO
Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies