SHREVEPORT, LA—In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, which struck the ArkLaTex region with unprecedented force on July 8, the resilience and kindness of the community have shone through the devastation. With more than 43 confirmed tornadoes reported so far and a record-breaking 67 tornado warnings in a single day, the storm left a path of destruction, downed power lines, and displaced families. A reported 26 of those tornadoes fell within our service territory. However, as SWEPCO crews worked tirelessly to restore power, neighbors from all walks of life came together to lend a helping hand.
One heartwarming story comes from Haughton, Louisiana, where a group of friends from the Forest Hills neighborhood decided to support the lineworkers who were restoring power in their area. Lee Knowles, John Gullo, Glenn Gauthier, Chris Turner and William Roscoe had initially gathered for a Taco Tuesday dinner when they realized they needed to do something. The following day they gathered groceries and fired up the grill at Platt Elementary School and began cooking for the SWEPCO crews.
“We heard they were going to be staging up to repair the main power line that feeds our neighborhood here behind the school. We decided, ‘let’s cook for the guys and feed them lunch,’” said John Gullo. “They were all going to be staged in this area, so we wanted to give them a helping hand since they were helping us out.”
Chris Turner added, “We thought it was a great idea. We just wanted to show our appreciation. Those guys are working hard, and they’re from all over the country. There was no power in our area, so we just wanted to do a little bit to help them out.”
SWEPCO’s Haughton DSS, Tony Ailstock and Troubleman Jared Smalley of Shreveport, pictured on the far left respectively joined in a special meal grilled by a group of friends in Haughton. A few of those volunteers are pictured here, (from middle to far right) Glenn Gauthier, Lee Knowles and John Gullo.
The friends managed to feed close to 80 people, serving 74 hamburgers, 100 hot dogs, and 16 pounds of sausage, along with chips, waters, and Gatorades. “They loved it. They were very appreciative, very thankful, just a great bunch of guys,” said William Roscoe.
In Texarkana, Texas, the nonprofit organization Restoration of Hope played a crucial role in helping those affected by the storm. The faith-based ministry, which supports individuals transitioning out of prison, mobilized to clear storm debris for people who couldn’t afford the labor. Danny Stone from Restoration of Hope explained, “We’re here to clean the place up. Get Beverly Park looking just like it was before the storm happened.”
Joshua Windham, another Restoration of Hope volunteer, shared his motivation: “Just helping out the community, being part of something bigger than myself. We’re able-bodied and we’re able to, so why not? That’s why we’re here.”
Hickory Street Baptist Church from Texarkana, Arkansas helped their neighbors across the state line into Texarkana, Texas. They had their chain saw crew from Southwest Arkansas Baptist Association Disaster Relief Ministry were in the hard-hit community of Beverly removing debris for tornado victims.
Meanwhile, church goers from across the state line at the Texarkana, Arkansas Hickory Street Baptist Church also stepped up to support their neighbors in Texarkana, Texas. The congregation deployed their chainsaw crew as part of a disaster recovery mission in the hard-hit community of Beverly where homeowners had cars crushed, homes destroyed and other storm impacts.
Pastor Tim Strebeck and his crew from the Southwest Arkansas Baptist Association Disaster Relief Ministry were out in force, clearing debris and providing food to those in need.
“Love your neighbor. I mean, why not come out here and help somebody that’s in need? We want to be part of that, in the same way you would want it for yourself,” said Pastor Strebeck.
SWEPCO President and COO Brett Mattison praised the community's response. “The outpouring of kindness and support from neighbors helping neighbors has been nothing short of inspiring. It’s during times like these that the true spirit of our communities shines through. We are grateful for the support shown to our crews and to each other.”
Amanda Keeney, SWEPCO’s communications director, who was documenting the efforts firsthand, echoed these sentiments. “Seeing the generosity and resilience of our communities has been incredibly moving. People have come together in extraordinary ways, and it’s a testament to the strength and compassion of the ArkLaTex region.”
As the region continues to recover, the acts of kindness and solidarity in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of community. Neighbors helping neighbors is not just a phrase, it’s a way of life.
Hurricane season is far from over and with Beryl residents experienced devastating inland impacts. Find tips to be prepared before, during and after the storm.
Know a neighbor who is struggling with their utility bills? Get help with SWEPCO’s affordability tool: https://swepco.com/paymenthelp.