Hurricane Response Update10/11/2024 responding to Helene and MiltonFollowing Hurricane Helene (September 26) and Hurricane Milton (October 9), Week of Compassion is in close communication with Disciples’ Regional leadership and pastors, and with established partners in the impacted areas. Week of Compassion is currently sending solidarity grants to Disciples congregations and households, while connecting with ecumenical partners in the storm centers and surrounding communities, looking ahead and preparing for the immense long-term recovery to come. SITUATIONAL UPDATE Hurricane Helene was the strongest hurricane on record to strike the Big Bend region of Florida, the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Maria in 2017, and the deadliest to strike the mainland US since Katrina in 2005. Destruction is estimated at $160 billion, one of the costliest storms in US history. Since Hurricane Helene first made landfall on September 26, Week of Compassion is aware of damage to six church buildings and the community at Christmount Christian Assembly, and has provided solidarity grants to 70 households across the six affected states (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia). Hurricane Milton was an extremely powerful Atlantic hurricane which became the second-most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded over the Gulf of Mexico, behind only Hurricane Rita in 2005, and the strongest tropical cyclone worldwide in 2024 so far. Milton was the thirteenth named storm, fourth major hurricane, and second Category 5 hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Nearly 2.5 million customers were without power in Florida on Friday morning. With six more weeks left in the 2024 hurricane season, Milton was the third hurricane to impact Florida this year, with many of the same communities being impacted by all three storms. Reports are slowly coming in from Disciples churches across Florida. As of Friday morning, we know of two church buildings that sustained minor or moderate damage and several Disciples households that had damage to their homes. With power and communications still out for so many, and with so many still evacuated and yet to return home, assessment and information is slow. Across the entire Helene- and Milton-impacted region, communication infrastructure (electricity, internet) remains intermittent at best, and road closures, complete washouts, and bridge collapses makes access for assessment, assistance, and response incredibly difficult. Week of Compassion’s goal and focus will be the long-term recovery of affected communities. WHERE WE ARE NOW Week of Compassion continues to be in close communication with partners and to provide grants to Disciples congregations as they care for their members and their neighbors. If you are aware of Disciples who were directly affected or who are engaged in relief efforts, please contact Week of Compassion. As assessments continue, solidarity grants will continue to be extended. Right now, Week of Compassion is responding to, with, and on behalf of Disciples: Details on how to be part of these responses are in the next section!
Week of Compassion’s long-standing work and relationships in disaster response and long-term recovery serve well as each new storm comes along. In Florida, long-term recovery partnerships following Hurricane Ian have been our first connections in preparation for and response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with several counties being inundated again following Milton’s impact. While western North Carolina and Tennessee have received most of the media attention following Helene, Week of Compassion is also working with congregations and partners in Georgia and Virginia. Many partners will serve together in the days, months, and even years to come, and Week of Compassion remains committed to the long-term recovery and restoration of these impacted regions. WHAT YOU CAN DO Week of Compassion’s steady advice and plea in this moment is to PRAY * GIVE * STAY. ~ PRAY ~
~ GIVE ~  The greatest need remains financial contributions. Many congregations have and will receive special offerings for Week of Compassion, designated for Hurricane 2024. Be inspired! Pine Creek Christian Church (Polo IL) had a donor offer matching gifts within their congregation, and Bethany College (Bethany WV) campus ministry is sharing the link to give with students and alumni gathered for homecoming celebrations. Disciples are endlessly creative with your generosity and faithfulness. 100% of all contributions designated 'Hurricane 2024' will go directly to these responses. Gifts can be made online or mailed to Week of Compassion, PO Box 1986, Indianapolis IN 46206. ~ STAY ~ Right now, the consistent message from trusted Week of Compassion partners is that local communities are overwhelmed. Volunteers will be needed eventually, but at present, first responders, heavy equipment experts, and rescue and recovery teams need room and resources to work safely and efficiently. While we are responding to emergent needs and preparing for what will come next, there are some specific and practical ways to serve:
Week of Compassion is immensely grateful for the deeply heartfelt and exceedingly generous ways Disciples respond, in every situation and in every way possible. You remain close in our prayers, as you pray, give, and stay – as we witness to the good news of Jesus Christ, our compassionate teacher and friend, who reminds us to be about the work of kin-dom building and limitless love. We are grateful to serve together. Comments are closed.
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