Beyoncé delivered an emotional speech to Hurricane Harvey evacuees on Friday at Houston’s St John’s Church. “This today is a celebration of survival,” Beyoncé told her hometown crowd. “Y’all are my family. Houston is my home. I thank God that y’all are safe, that your children are safe. The things that really matter are your health and your children, and your family and your life.” Beyoncé’s Destiny’s Child bandmate Michelle Williams and mother Tina Knowles joined the “Lemonade” singer, who previously pledged to aid Hurricane Harvey relief efforts through her Bey Good foundation. “I just want to say that I’m home. This church is my home. I was maybe nine or 10 years old the first time I sat where my daughter’s sitting. I sang my first solo here,” Beyonce said before turning to her pastor Rudy Rasmus. “I just want to thank you for lifting my family. For praying for me. And for being such an incredible example of what life and love is.” During her visit to St John’s Church, Beyonce also helped distribute food to those affected by the Houston that brought historic flooding to the Texas city and its neighbouring areas. Beyoncé was among a handful of celebrities – including Kevin Hart, Janet Jackson and Jennifer Garner – who visited evacuees at Houston-area shelters Friday, the Associated Press reports. On Tuesday, Beyoncé, Drake, Justin Bieber, Oprah Winfrey and George Clooney were among the artists and celebrities appearing on the Hand in Hand – A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief telethon, which aired at 8pm on ABC, CBS, CMT, Fox and NBC as well as streamed live on social media. Published in Daily Times, September 18th 2017.