Houston Furniture Store Owner Offers His Store For Shelter To Hurricane Harvey Evacuees

A Houston furniture store owner is paying it forward by turning two of his stores into shelters to help evacuees.

On Sunday, Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale of Gallery Furniture took his delivery trucks and gathered volunteers to rescue people. As he stated his community supported him through tough times.

McIngvale and his army of volunteers are providing free shelter, breakfast, lunch and dinner for the evacuees. Currently, 400 children and adults are living at his two stores, and their pets.

“Last night, about 1:30 in the morning, this little girl came in. She’s 7 years old, had her parents with her and I think probably her uncle. She was the only one in the group that spoke English. And she was crying. And she said, will you allow us to stay here? And it just broke my heart because it was so personal to them. And unlike an adult, she couldn’t hide her feelings,” said McIngvale to National Public Radio Monday.

McIngvale giving spirit is something community members have grown accustomed to as he is known for his philanthropy. Though he’s been in business for more than 35 years, he’s given to numerous charities for over 20 years.

Many of the volunteers working alongside McIngvale are customers of his. It’s refreshing to see a community come together to help each other during this tragic time in Houston.