Whether you are a lifelong resident of this state or a newcomer, we know that Texans rally to help each other in times of need. The heroic images seen during and after Hurricane Harvey are proof of that fact. Not only did trained emergency crews and National Guard personnel come to residents’ rescue, but we also saw neighbors helping neighbors.

Experts say the storm could be the costliest natural disaster to hit the United States, but of course the catastrophic effects from Hurricane Harvey cannot be measured simply in dollars. Tragically, lives were lost.

Many people in our community have friends, relatives and co-workers affected by storm. Recovery will take years, and the impact for those in the storm’s path will likely last forever.

We salute the survivors, first responders and businesses who are rebuilding much more than a house or a store. Community Impact Newspaper has a small list of ways to help recovery efforts: Read more here. Our neighbors need us, perhaps now more than ever.