In the quilting industry if you say the word “Houston” everyone knows what you’re talking about. It’s a marathon annual event at the end of October stretching until the first week of November at the George R Brown Convention Center (known as “The GRB” among some in the shipping industry) that covers both wholesale and retail shows. Quilt shop owners, magazine editors, bloggers, fabric and notions companies, sewing machine manufacturers and 62,000 quilters from around the world gather annually in Houston to see new products, new fabric and learn new techniques every year. Those of us who have been attending this event for over a decade instantly recognize the inside of the convention center when we see photos of it.

So it was with mixed emotions that I spotted this photo of Houstonians displaced by the flooding of Harvey seated, some wrapped in towels, inside the GRB. You may have sat in those chairs before yourself. But chances are that you sat in them while having fun in a class or because your legs were tired from walking the show. You may have sat in those chairs eating lunch or waiting to meet a friend. It all looks so different now seeing those people, and sadly many more who are likely to come later in the week looking for shelter, enduring such hardship in a place many of us associate with fun. The director of FEMA said this morning that it will take years to rebuild Houston after the damage wrought by the brutal storm with the sweet name.

Although it’s only Sunday, the meteorologists are already forecasting that Houston will likely be inundated with another two feet of rain by Friday. It’s hard for those of us who have spent so much time in this city to imagine how it will fare the coming week and how much suffering its people will endure in the coming years as a result of Harvey. I for one will be looking at those chairs differently from now on and I hope the quilting industry will figure out an initiative to donate to the Red Cross or other organizations that will be supporting those whose lives have been affected by this storm.

As I was looking as pictures of the flooding, one of my favorite lines from the Bible in Hebrews came to mind. “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” I will uncharacteristically suggest that you not make quilts to donate because what these people really need is money for food and rebuilding their homes. Donating things instead of money can create problems in a crisis like this, so monetary donations are the most useful right now. If you feel really moved to make a quilt, perhaps make a raffle quilt to auction in your community and donate the proceeds to the Red Cross or local groups who will be serving those affected.

Prayers to you Houston. May the forecast improve, the relief be quick and monetary donations be generous.

[photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle]