I remember in the mid to late 60s - a hurricane hit the Gulf Coast - and all but obliterated Corpus Christi.
The local KH opened their doors to refugee JWs from Corpus - but they had to place their sleeping bags and whatnot in the aisles and other open areas, as the KH had theatre-style seating that were bolted to the floor.
When it came time to remodel - the powers-that-be decided to pitch these - in favor of folding Samsonite seats with armrests. (Uncomfortable though they were)
The 'logic' was - so they could fold them all up and use the KH for a shelter if need be. (This was also the time that... when they got the loan - they were proud of the low interest rates that they got - in a 'balloon note' with the payoff being in 1975. I still remember the snickering over that one... and then later, in 1975 the panic-stricken elders trying to get re-financing.)
I also seem to remember the local congs getting together, and sending trucks down to Corpus - with food, water, clothing for the folks that were affected down there.
------
In later years, after similar storms pounded the coast - I was no longer attending meetings, but asked the good lil JW wifey what they were doing for the folks down there, after another hurricane hit the coast. Her answer was along the lines that New York was taking care of it. (I think that is what the local brass was told to tell them, if anyone asked.)
Things sure changed.
Personally - if I know of anyone that is in need in these areas - I would open my home to them in a heartbeat! (In fact, I already told a friend in Florida that they are welcome here.)
Regards,
Jim TX