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Due to widespread flooding and the loss of water for drinking and sanitation, Buckner Children and Family Services is relocating a total of 63 people, including foster families, Buckner Assessment Center residents and staff to Camp Buckner out of a concern for their safety and comfort, Buckner International officials announced today.

The group left on chartered busses this morning for the camp, which is located north of Austin in Burnet County.

“We have taken every precaution and moved these families, children and young adults to Camp Buckner, where they are safe,” said Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner. “We are also relocating select staff members and their families to help care for these children and families.”

Reyes said Buckner staff reports that everyone is doing “amazingly well and is safe. The decision to relocate was made out of concern for their safety. With the danger of area flooding and the lack of water services in the region, sanitation became a concern.”

Reyes said Buckner also made the decision for the time being to keep residents at Calder Woods, the Buckner Senior Living community in Beaumont.

“Our retirement staff reports that they have access to plenty of drinking water and they are currently using excess water from the swimming pool to flush toilets. Our staff remains dedicated and committed to serving the residents,” Reyes said.

The decision to remain at Calder Woods is being made out of caution and concern for the residents, Reyes added.

“We currently have 57 residents in our nursing, assisted living and memory care units. Many of these would require relocation by ambulance service and the trauma for them can be devastating. We also have 101 residents in independent living who would need to move.

“Our team is in regular communication with local officials about the water situation and we have a solid contingency plan to relocate residents to Baptist Retirement Center in San Angelo and Buckner Villas in Austin if the water situation continues or worsens.”

Buckner staff has worked with residents and their families to confirm plans to stay.

Buckner officials report that neither Calder Woods nor the Buckner Children’s Village campuses in Beaumont sustained any flood damage. Parkway Place, Buckner retirement community in Houston also remained dry.

“Buckner is committed to providing the best care and services possible for those we serve. The dedication of our staff and our mission to shine hope are sustaining sources of strength during this time,” Reyes added.

“We would ask for continued prayers for these children and families and our staff.” 

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