Sugar Land, TX — January 31, 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.

Houston Chapter provided 1800 blankets to help vulnerable residents stay warm during extreme winter 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”.

Sewa DFW delivers food, blankets, and essential supplies to support local shelters

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.

Sewa Austin volunteers mobilized early to deliver blankets to shelters serving the unhoused

“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

About Sewa International
Sewa International (www.sewausa.org) is a 501 (c) (3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit that works in the areas of disaster recovery, education, and development. Sewa has 43 Chapters across the USA and serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.