The megachurch led by Joel Osteen, via Twitter announced on Tuesday morning about the ongoing receiving of people who need shelter. Evacuees are also being helped with supplies such as baby food, formula and other shelter needs,
Lakewood Church was under fire after apparently not opening up the church to flood victims. The church disputed online criticism, stating "we are prepared to shelter people once the cities and county shelters reach capacity."
"Victoria and I care deeply about our fellow Houstonians. Lakewood's doors are open and we are receiving anyone who needs shelter," Osteen tweeted Tuesday, referencing his wife who is also Lakewood's co-pastor.
The message included the National Guard rescue hotline, along with a list of shelters that displaced Texans could go to.
Many on social media criticized the church for not taking people in, but the church disputed the backlash. "We have never closed our doors. We will continue to be a distribution center for those in need," church spokesman and Osteen's father-in-law Donald Iloff said.
"We are prepared to shelter people once the cities and county shelters reach capacity. Lakewood will be a value to the community in the aftermath of this storm in helping our fellow citizens rebuild their lives."
Photos provided by the church showed standing water in hallways and the parking lot. The church already had a flood wall in place following a previous storm.
According to CNN Four people have died as a result of the catastrophic storm.
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