IRVING, Texas — Texas is known as the friendship state, and time and time again people impacted by hurricanes, tornados or the weather crisis we’re in now can find help from their next-door neighbors.
Across the state, businesses and organizations are doing their part to lend a helping hand as millions are without power, cold and hungry. Those needing help are likely to find it by simply looking on social media. During this time of crisis, the friendship state is delivering.
Finding food in North Texas has been hard this week. Empty restaurant parking lots have become a new normal as extreme weather closes businesses that would normally be busy the week of Mardi Gras.
According to PowerOutage.us, Tarrant county alone had 111,557 customers without power as of Wednesday. Those in Irving searching for a hot meal can find one at the Islamic Center of Irving. Tuesday, the center posted on Facebook they were offering food to those without power, and that’s when the donations started rolling in.
“People have been incredibly generous,” said Imam Saeed Purcell an outreach consultant for the Islamic Center of Irving. “It’s amazing how much they brought, and we actually had to cancel some of the food. Because there was so much of a response.”
It’s not just food they’re offering they’ve opened their doors, welcoming anyone in need of a warm place to spend the night.
“Tuesday night we had 150 people that stayed,” said Mohammed Hossain a member of the center’s operational team. “We have more people coming from Arlington.”
Hossain says he’s proud his Muslim community is joining the many North Texas organizations and business giving back to those without in this time of need.
Scrolling through social media you can find restaurants giving free or discounted food to those without power on community Facebook pages. Early Tuesday morning, Xamaen Café located at 334 W Jefferson Blvd, in Dallas’ Bishop Arts district put up handmade signs that read, “FREE FOOD” they gave away breakfast items and hot chocolate to anyone who stopped by.
Another show of kindness can be found in free rides for first responders and healthcare workers. This initiative to get people to and from work safely is a partnership between the North Texas Jeep Club, DFW Scanner, and Potts Law Firm.
DFW Scanner which claims to be one of the leading digital news sites in North Texas, providing real-time reports and updates on emergency incidents across DFW says they received 600 submissions in less than a day, with 175 Jeep drivers participating in this kind operation. On Monday, local jeep owners gave 1,000 free rides to health care workers.
Imam Saeed Purcell says he’s happy to see Texans responding to this crisis with bold acts of kindness. He moved to the Lone Star State from Minnesota four years ago and is still in awe of the way Texans help Texans in times of need.
“Most the experiences I’ve had with people in Texas is been so genuine, and so authentic and so real.” he said.
Hossain who married a native Texan from the Amarillo area agrees Texas hostility is a force to be reckoned with.
“If we are together, believe me nothing can mess with us,” he said. “I believe we can fight anything if we are together, that’s why we have the slogan ‘Don’t Mess with Texas.’”
Imam Purcell says anyone in need a safe place to stay overnight, or get warm for a couple of hours during the day is welcome to visit the center. They’ve established a helpline for those who need assistance and are offering food delivery and rides for those who would like to be picked-up to be brought to the center.
You can call, 972-812-2230 (extension 0).
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Share your ideas with DFW reporter Lupe Zapata: Lupe.Zapata@Charter.com.