Sewa International Launches Winter Storm Fern Relief Efforts across Texas

Sugar Land, TX — Feb 1, 2026 

Sewa International launched a multi-chapter emergency relief effort to support vulnerable families and individuals affected by severe winter weather, as Winter Storm Fern brought extreme cold, ice, and power outages across large parts of the United States last week.

In the Greater Houston area, Sewa International volunteers delivered over 1,800 emergency
blankets within 24 hours to more than 12 emergency management agencies and shelters across
three counties. These shelters help unhoused individuals, seniors, and families to stay warm and
safe during life-threatening conditions.

In North Texas, the Sewa Dallas Chapter coordinated with local leadership to support winter
preparedness efforts. Chapter leaders met with Irving City Council Members Dennis Webb and
David Pfaff to assist city-led initiatives focused on protecting the homeless population during
freezing temperatures. To date, Sewa DFW has delivered over 150 pounds of essential food
items, 100 emergency blankets, and critical hygiene supplies to local shelters.
Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International, said, “The January 2026 winter storm
has caused widespread damage and dangerous conditions across the country. Sewa volunteers
from Houston, Dallas, Austin, and other chapters have stepped up to serve those most at risk.
This is service in action—driven by compassion and community. Sewa volunteers are providing
blankets, food, and critical supplies to protect vulnerable communities during this historic winter
storm”.

In Central Texas, Sewa Austin volunteers collected and distributed approximately 300 blankets
to three shelters serving the unhoused population, ahead of the storm’s arrival.

“We sincerely thank our donors, supporters, and volunteers who made this rapid response
possible,” said Swadesh Katoch, Vice President, Disaster Relief, Sewa International. “Sewa’s
mission is to serve humanity in distress, and during disasters like this, timely support can save
lives.”
With inclement-weather shelters expected to operate through early February, resources remain
critically needed.

How to Help:

Donations to Sewa International’s Disaster Relief Fund help provide blankets, food, and
emergency supplies to communities affected by disasters. Link: https://sewausa.org/donation