Hurricane Beryl left a trail of power outages affecting over 2 million people, casting our city into darkness and uncertainty. Amidst the chaos, the Brays Oaks Management District (BOMD) demonstrated exceptional leadership and support for the Houston Police Department (HPD). Their prompt actions highlighted their dedication to the community and their commitment to ensuring public safety during times of crisis.
Swift Action to Support HPD
When the hurricane struck, HPD officers found themselves working prolonged shifts with limited access to essential supplies. Sheri Cortez, a board member of the Brays Oaks Management District, detailed the immediate response: “Our job is to put the taxpayers’ money back into the district responsibly and effectively. With officers working 12 to 18-hour shifts and everything closed, they had no access to food or water.”
Recognizing the urgent need, BOMD quickly mobilized resources, thanks to the teamwork of the board of directors. “Because we live in the community, we see things from the front seat and can resolve issues swiftly.” Their streamlined decision-making process made a huge difference in ensuring HPD had the basics to keep going. “We immediately got them some pizza and gave them $500 to buy essentials like water, ice, and snacks at Sam’s,” Cortez said.
Sustained Efforts Amidst the Crisis
The BOMD’s support didn’t stop with a single act of generosity. Understanding the ongoing nature of the crisis, they maintained their support by providing meals and other essentials over several days. Cortez shared, “We sent Chick-fil-A for their lunch the next day and continued to find ways to support them. It was crucial to keep them energized and focused.”
This level of sustained support proved vital, especially when officers faced unexpected additional duties. Cortez recounted an instance where officers, already exhausted from their shifts, were asked to help distribute water and food to the community. “They had been barbecuing since 4 a.m. and then had to distribute supplies from 3 to 7 p.m. They were exhausted, but they didn’t hesitate to help.”
The Importance of Community Partnerships
Cortez emphasized the importance of community partnerships in such situations. “Our councilwoman, Martha Castex-Tatum, was instrumental in coordinating efforts and ensuring we could meet the needs of our officers and the community. It’s about working together and supporting each other in times of need.”
The collaboration between BOMD and HPD is not a one-time effort. They have built a strong, year-round partnership to enhance community safety and well-being. “We budget annually to cover HPD’s overtime, ensuring they can conduct investigations and patrol our district effectively,” Cortez explained. “We set aside $300,000 a year specifically for this purpose.”
Building a Resilient Community
Beyond immediate crisis response, the Brays Oaks Management District focuses on long-term community resilience. Their efforts include regular patrols by the Differential Response Team (DRT), which works closely with local businesses and residents to address safety concerns. “We want officers to introduce themselves to business owners, advise them on security measures, and build a strong, supportive network,” Cortez said.
This proactive approach has yielded positive results. “They have found graffiti, discovered illegal dumping, and addressed various issues that impact our community’s safety and cleanliness. It’s about creating a safer, more vibrant community for everyone.”
Looking Ahead: A Call for Preparedness
Reflecting on the lessons learned from Hurricane Beryl, Cortez highlighted the need for better preparedness. “We need a comprehensive catastrophe plan. This event showed us that we can’t afford to be unprepared. We need clear policies and procedures in place to respond effectively to future crises.”
The Brays Oaks Management District is committed to continuing its support for HPD and the community. “We want to ensure that our officers are well-equipped and ready to handle any situation. Their safety and well-being directly impact the safety and well-being of our community,” Cortez stated.
Conclusion: A Model of Community Support
1The response of the Brays Oaks Management District to Hurricane Beryl is a testament to their dedication and resilience. By providing immediate relief and fostering long-term partnerships, they have set a standard for community support and collaboration. In times of crisis and beyond, the BOMD stands as a crucial ally to the HPD and the residents of Brays Oaks, demonstrating the power of unity and proactive leadership.
