VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Beach-based non-profit Operation Blessing is set to transition to the next phase of its relief efforts in Texas tomorrow, which is setting up a long-term plan to assist the families who lost everything in the July 4 flooding. 

Families are still picking up the pieces of what’s left of their homes following the devastating flooding that occurred earlier this month. 

“If you look at the scope of this particular event, it basically is a long stretch of river and 100 yards on either side of the river is basically the damage zone,” said Operation Blessing deployment manager Bob Burke.

Operation Blessing has been on the ground since July 5 doing their part to assist those in need in the early stages of recovery efforts. 

“We weren’t able to just come in, look for the need and immediately start to address it,” said Burke. “The priority had to go to the search and rescue. So, we did what we could. We stayed out of the search and rescue people’s way. We started feeding them, looking for supplies and things that we can supply them with.”

Now, the next phase of the non-profit’s plan is set to go into effect tomorrow, which will help many families regain a sense of normalcy. 

“Today marks start, the transition day, where we are moving from short-term disaster response to a more long-term approach,” said Burke. “We have secured a warehouse, and our vision is to start bringing in the donated materials like sheetrock, insulation, flooring and make those available to the people that are rebuilding. We’ll also be looking for contractors that are skilled and are able to accomplish that or help us with those, those chores.”

Burke says he hopes to see a full recovery for those rebuilding in Texas, similar to the 200 homes Operation Blessing is working to repair in Asheville, North Carolina.

“We’ve got a commitment there to repair or restore over 200 houses,” said Burke. “It’s a really wonderful spirit of cooperation and love for each other. It’s been a real impressive time out here.”

If you’d like to help the many families in Texas as they rebuild, click here.