Texas churches sue FEMA for relief funds

Three small Texas churches damaged by Harvey are suing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for blocking access to disaster relief funds available to other nonprofit organizations assisting residents devastated by the tropical storm. The Becket Fund filed the lawsuit on behalf of Harvest Family Church, Hi-Way Tabernacle, and Rockport First Assembly of God. “After the costliest and most devastating natural disaster in U.S. history, the government should come to the aid of all, not leave important parts of the community underwater,” said Diana Verm, counsel at Becket. Hi-Way Tabernacle serves as a shelter and aid distribution point in Cleveland, Texas, about 50 miles northeast of Houston. FEMA historically has denied disaster relief funds to religious groups, but Becket argues a recent Supreme Court decision, Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer, rendered FEMA’s policy unconstitutional.

See “Harvey Relief” for information on organizations assisting victims affected by the storm.