GRANBURY, Texas – Severe spring storms swept through several North Texas counties on Tuesday morning, leaving high water and and wind damage in their wake.

In Erath County, Foster’s Home for Children, a non-profit care facility north of Stephenville, sustained substantial damage that left dozens of children and residential staff in need of shelter.

Responding to the need, nearby Camp Crucis, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, has stepped in to provide emergency housing for about 60 people – mostly children – for at least two nights. Camp Director Philip Craig and his staff were at work before noon, preparing beds and planning meals.

Normally the conference and retreat center hosts church retreats and summer campers, but this outreach is not the first in the camp’s 68-year history. Most recently, the camp hosted families evacuated from Houston after Hurricane Ike.

Foster’s Home was founded in 1958 by Sherwood and Myrtie Foster, and the first children began receiving care there in 1960. A licensed Residential Group Operation, the home has since provided services to over 4,000 Texas children. Over 300 churches and thousands of individuals provide financial support for Foster’s Home.

Camp Crucis, located near Highway 4 and Loop 567 in Granbury, offers accommodations for all ages, conferences facilities and services, dining, an equestrian program, and two chapels for worship. The camp serves a wide array of needs and welcomes non-Episcopal organizations. Its facilities are in use throughout the year for club events, church functions, celebrations, retreats, trail rides, and children’s and youth camps in summer months. The camp’s Web site is www.campcrucis.org.