NPR

Coastal Vietnamese Community Leans On Faith, And Each Other, To Rebuild After Harvey

The cohesion and resilience of Rockport, Texas' Vietnamese-American community, which numbers about a thousand, may help it recover from the storm's destruction.

Of all the churches on the Texas coast battered by Hurricane Harvey, one of the hardest hit is St. Peter Catholic Church in Rockport. As it happens, St. Peter is the heart and soul of Aransas County's large Vietnamese population.

"This used to be our church. I haven't been inside to see the devastation," said Leah Oliva, a catechist and secretary there, as she gingerly stepped over broken glass and clumps of insulation.

A gulf breeze

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
Despite State Bans, Abortions Nationwide Are Up, Driven By Telehealth
Telehealth accounts for 19% of all abortions, new research finds. And while the number of abortions did plummet in ban states, overall abortions across the country are up.
NPR3 min read
Driver Of Truck That Hit Farmworker Bus In Florida, Killing 8, Arrested On DUI Charges
The Florida Highway Patrol has arrested the driver of a pickup truck that crashed into a farmworker bus early Tuesday on charges of driving under the influence-manslaughter. At least 40 were injured.
NPR4 min read
Michael Cohen, A Key Witness In The Trump Hush Money Trial, Returns To The Stand
He once boasted of being Donald Trump's "protector" but now he is testifying to lying for Trump's benefit, including about payments made to an adult film star ahead of the 2016 election.

Related Books & Audiobooks