Rebuilding Hope in Las Milpas: Volunteers Bring Renewal to a Flood-Affected Family

/

a Disaster Recovery Team from Christ United Methodist Church of FARMERS Branch, TX, with the Affected family. Photo courtesy of rosa Villanueva

A Las Milpas family in Pharr, TX, continues to rebuild after the devastating floods that occurred from March 26 to 28, 2025. More than three feet of water swept through their home, leaving the parents and two daughters living for over seven months in mold-damaged conditions. Although they received $1,112 in FEMA rental assistance, their request for repair assistance was denied, leaving them to navigate health concerns and financial strain on their own.

Pausing to pray with the family they’re serving — the true center of this work. Photo courtesy of rosa Villanueva

A powerful moment of gratitude and compassion. This is why we serve. Photo courtesy of rosa Villanueva

With support from the Rio Texas Conference, the Rio Grande Valley Long-Term Disaster Recovery team began essential repairs back in October 2025. Volunteers from Christ United Methodist Church in Farmers Branch, part of The Horizon Texas Conference, stepped in to help remove mold and replace drywall — a reminder of how deeply connected we are across annual conferences. Their work brought meaningful progress and renewed hope.

While significant repairs remain, materials are ready, and the Rio Grande Valley Long Term Recovery Team is seeking one more volunteer team to help finish the job.

If your group or organization would like to serve on a Long Term Recovery team, fill out a volunteer form here:

Long-Term Disaster Recovery Team Application

Volunteer removing mold/damaged materials inside. Photo courtesy of rosa Villanueva

Team of Christ UMC from Farmers Branch, TX. Photo courtesy of rosa Villanueva

Volunteers repairing the roof. Photo courtesy of rosa Villanueva

Volunteers loading debris into dumpster. Photo courtesy of rosa Villanueva.

Today, the home is considered safe and habitable, offering the family a renewed sense of stability and peace. The Christ UMC team of Farmers Branch, TX embodied the heart of mission service, demonstrating remarkable generosity, kindness, and steadfast compassion for the families they supported and for their teammates.

Room with new drywall. Photo courtesy of rosa Villanueva.

Hallway with new drywall. Photo courtesy of rosa Villanueva.