Volunteers Willing To Put Themselves In Harm's Way To Help Harvey Victims

Floodwaters in the Houston area have displaced tens of thousands of people and caused unprecedented damage, and the storm is far from over.

The need for help in the Houston area is massive, and the response has been massive as well.

Emergency crews have rescued thousands of people, but that doesn't include the countless rescues made by Good Samaritans with a desire and willingness to help others.

8/28/2017 Related Story: Thousands Need Rescue As Harvey Floodwaters Rise

With so many people in danger, and the need so great, as each day starts, more boats are arriving in flooded areas.

It's challenging, and the volunteers can put themselves in harm’s way. But, despite risking their own safety, they keep coming in boats of all sizes.

"We feel bad for the people down here, for sure," volunteer Justin Vaught said.

With so much rain, many are trapped in cars or homes and need help.

"We've got a boat, so let's come down and see what we can do to help," said Michael Daniels, who came to help with his brother from Fort Worth.

The challenge is finding where to go, where they can launch and where they can do the most good.

With an interstate shut down, Daniels can't make it to Houston.

"I'm not going to give up. We've got a boat, two kayaks, and a three-ton truck, so we will get there,” he said.

Where there is a will, there's a way. Daniels launched his boat on a service road just off the highway and within moments was headed to a flooded neighborhood.

Others launched on the interstate or on service roads.

As the day goes on, they're constantly joined by others eager to search out and help people in need.

Rescue teams sent in multiple boats to shuttle people to safety.

Firefighters began by using a ladder truck until the water got too deep for it, so they switched to boats.

Emergency crews and volunteers rescued about 200 people and dozens of pets Monday.

Evacuee Ben Seifried is extremely grateful.

"By the time we were ready to leave, we couldn't get out,” he said. “Clint, Eddy and Ryan were the three that got us out, so got their names for sure.”

Firefighters are ready to go on a moment's notice to rescue any more people who decided to stay in their homes tonight that may change their minds.