Hurricane Beryl Damage at Houston’s Olivewood Cemetery Gets Help from Volunteers in Cleanup, But Not FEMA

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Cleaning up and removing storm damage is an expensive process, and it’s even more difficult for a place like Olivewood Cemetery.

Descendants of Olivewood, a nonprofit organization, is involved in the maintenance and restoration of the property. Finding funds for the cleanup is a challenge for them, but the cleanup is underway with the help of the community.

The roar of chainsaws and rescue efforts helped clear the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl. Up to 60 trees were destroyed and more than a dozen headstones were damaged.

“It’s a huge task for us,” said Margott Williams, of the Olivewood Descendants.

The nonprofit organization helped preserve the 150-year-old cemetery’s appearance. Volunteers from Cheniere Energy were helping Tuesday morning, but federal aid wasn’t coming.

“Basically, FEMA is saying we’re not considered a museum or a cultural site. They don’t fund cemeteries,” Williams said, disappointed.

So for now, the cleanup is in the hands of Cheniere and people like Charles Cook, who has been mowing and edging at Olivewood for more than 30 years.

“It’s a community thing; we only come here once, we try to leave it better than it was before,” Cook, who said he was happy to help, told ABC13.

Olivewood, a piece of Houston history, a piece of Texas history, needs your help.

“This is a historic site. The people who are buried here at Olivewood helped weave the fabric that became Houston, the fabric that became Texas. They tell the true American story,” Williams said.

For more information on how you can help, visit the cemetery website.