My heart goes out to you. As a native Houstonian, I know firsthand the power of unity. No one can recover on their own; we need the help of neighbors.

Presumably by this point, you have gone through demolition, made calls to your insurance companies and scheduled an adjuster to look at the damage.

Now, your home is ready to be remade. Make sure you get the right contractor for home renovations, not a fly-by-night operation. Flip to Page 20 for professional tips from the Texas Association of Builders.

Both Friendswood and Pearland have waived fees for home renovations that typically require a permit. Contractors should be registered with the city.

Have time to help your neighbor? Friendswood residents can dial the city’s disaster assistance call center at 281-888-0131 for local opportunities. Pearland residents can reach the Pearland Recovery Assistance Team online at www.prat-one.org.

Want to donate? Area school districts and nonprofits, such as Friendswood Rotary, Pearland Neighborhood Center and United Way, are funding recovery efforts.

For a full list of nonprofits and recovery resources, read here.

For more information on debris removal and damage assessments in Friendswood and Pearland, read here.