As hurricane season begins, World Vision designates North Texas as national hub for disaster response

DALLAS, June 1, 2011—Despite warnings that the 2011 hurricane season could be busier than average in the Atlantic*, Gulf State residents are more prepared than ever to respond to survivors in damaged areas thanks to World Vision’s grand opening of the organization’s Domestic Disaster Headquarters in North Texas. The organization’s new 56,000-square-foot facility contains 1,000 pallet spaces of relief and recovery materials ready to deploy anywhere nationwide. Relief product includes personal hygiene kits, clothing, shoes, cleaning supplies and building materials. World Vision has been serving North Texas and the Gulf region since 2002, however this year relocated to expand storage capacity and become the organization’s new central hub for all domestic disaster responses including floods, tornadoes, wildfires and hurricanes.

“We're excited about the leadership and generosity the people of Texas are continuing to demonstrate for disaster survivors across the United States,” said Arnie Adkison, World Vision Executive Director in North Texas. “World Vision is expanding here in North Texas just as we kick off hurricane season again. The North Texas area is already a prime location to be able to respond anywhere along the Gulf coast region but now we’re even more loaded up and ready to deploy when the worst does hit.”

Already this season, World Vision has used the new headquarters to send relief product to tornado survivors in Tuscaloosa, AL and Joplin, MO. Hundreds of Texas volunteers have also assisted World Vision staff with preparing product for deployment and will continue to serve an integral role in responding to future domestic disasters.

The new facility will also continue to serve children and families in need locally. In fiscal 2010, World Vision achieved the following in North Texas and the Gulf States:

• Served 866,884 individuals, more than half of them children
• Provided learning tools to more than 113,064 children and teachers in low-income schools
• Distributed products valued at nearly $5 million to those in need
• Engaged 707 volunteers, who contributed 4,621 volunteer hours
• Multiplied our community impact by working with 411 local organizations, schools, and churches

On Tues, June 14, World Vision will host a grand re-opening celebration. For more information about World Vision in North Texas visit www.worldvision.org/northtexas.

World Vision in N. Texas: equips and empowers communities to build healthy, safe, and productive environments where vulnerable children have opportunities to thrive. We also work with partners in Central and South Texas, as well as Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Mississippi and Georgia.

About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve the world's poor -- regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information on their efforts, visit WorldVision.org/press or follow them on Twitter at @WorldVisionNews