Dear Friend:
It is now Day 9 since the fires began here in Bastrop. As of Sunday evening, in Bastrop County 1,554 homes have been destroyed and 35,000 acres burned. The Bastrop fire is 60 percent contained. We are standing united as a church and a community through this difficult time. To our church members, we continue to stand with you and will help you in any way we can. To the community, our doors are open to you right now. If you need someone to talk to, someone to listen to you, please call our offices and a minister is available to meet with you. To those not affected by the fires, please reach out and help in the next few days and months. We need your heart, your hands and your love.
This past week BCOC was open 24/7 as a shelter for evacuees. Our many volunteers provided three hot meals a day, giving supplies and taking time to listen to the stories of those who have lost their homes. We want to say thank you to every individual and organization who has come here to help the hurting.
With Much Love,
BCOC Pastoral Team
Listed below is a Resource Page here to answer some of your questions:
1. Where can I go for help?
For evacuees and those who have lost homes, you will find clothing, shoes, toiletries, diapers, blankets, backpacks, school supplies and more at the following locations:
Rundell Business Park- 704 Hwy 71 West Bastrop, TX 78602
Smithville: 210 Main Street (formerly Family Dollar store) 8am to 6pm – 979-968-1632
Ladies of Charity, 1202 Pine Street, Bastrop, TX 78602
Vouchers for non-narcotic medications from HEB and Walgreens
Austin Disaster Relief, 512-331-2600
Texas Parks & Wildlife, 512-623-9055
Animal Shelter
Bastrop Rodeo Arena–
Shelter for stray/evacuated animals has been set up at located American Legion Drive, Bastrop, TX, 78602
Department of State Health Services Establishing an office
1602 Hill St.
(Assistance with food stamps, birth records and other vital records)
2. Where can I pick up my mail?
Mail that cannot be delivered may be picked up at the Post Office Annex on Main Street
3. What is the re-entry plan?
Go to : http://www.co.bastrop.tx.us/site/news/79. Re-entering residents should expect utility service to be intermittent. All re-entering residents should continue to boil water until further notice.
4. What are the names of the current shelters?
Celebration Community Church, 107 Longhorn Street, Bastrop 512-332-2537
Smithville Recreation Center, Hwy 95 and 1st Street, Smithville 512-237-3282
Note: Shelters are no longer accepting donations
5. Helpful Websites & Phone Numbers:
Bastrop County Office Of Emergency Management, 512-332-8814 – Check updated Facebook postings daily
http://www.co.bastrop.tx.us/site
Aqua Water– http://www.aquawsc.com/news/2011/09/07/boil-water-notice
Bastrop Ministerial Alliance, 512.332-8661
Public Information: 512-332-8814 or 512-332-8856
FEMA: 800/621-3362
Red Cross: 800/928-4271
INSURANCE COMPANY INFORMATION:
Incident information for insurance claims can be obtained from the Texas Forest Service
at openrecords@tfs.tamu.edu . This incident is referred to as the “Bastrop County
Complex” wildfire.
HOMEOWNERS WITH INSURANCE QUESTIONS:
Texas Dept. of Insurance
www.TDI.State.TX.US
1-800-252-3439
Information on lost pets:
Bastrop Co Animal Shelter
Austin Pets Alive
Austin Humane Society
512-549-5160
512-961-6519
512-646-7387
www.petango.com
www.austinpetsalive.org
www.austinhumanesociety.org
6. How Can I give?
Mail your donation to: (Monetary donations only)
Bastrop Christian Outreach Center, P.O. Box 111, Bastrop, TX 78602
Mark the memo of your check- September Bastrop Fires
All monies will be used to help those who have lost homes and possessions
You may also give online at: https://www.bcocchurch.org
BCOC is also accepting gift cards (all kinds- food, department stores, etc.) to distribute to fire victims.
7. Where are volunteers needed?
Please call BCMA: 512-332-8977 for current updates of where there is need or
Smithville City Hall, 317 Main Street – come in and sign up for a shift 9am-7pm
8. Donations Center 512-332-8661
979-968-1632
Bastrop
Smithville