Source: Hindu Press International
http://www.hinduismtoday.com/hpi/2008/9/17.shtml#1
In the wake of Hurricane Ike, Hindu temples have been stepping forward to help those in need.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Stafford was open on Sunday and served food to over 500 people. BAPS volunteers also served 400 hot meals at a Stafford shelter which has been set up by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Anyone and everyone is welcome to take advantage of this, said Rasesh Dalal, spokesman for the Vallabh Priti Seva Samaj of Houston. If you do not have power or other utilities, please feel free to come and use the facilities of our lovely Vallabh Hall. We have showers, facility of some bedding and large kitchen. Please bring items of personal needs and sleeping beds, if you have any. We can provide food and shelter at no cost to all our guests."
Barsana Dham in Austin has been providing lodging to over 200 people, continuing to welcome 15 to 20 new arrivals from Houston each day. Most say they are coming because their power may not be restored for a week or longer.
Chinmaya Mission centers in Dallas and Austin also provided shelter to people who evacuated from the Houston area. Sewa International is working with Hindus of Greater Houston to coordinate relief for international students, who are suffering a lot due to lack of electricity, food and transportation.