Domestic Disaster Response Update - What’s the news in KY and FL?
If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.
- Deuteronomy 15:7-8
Our Director of Development, Kelli Hample, and our National Disaster Response Network Director, Tommy Lamb, were part of the crew helping residents in Ft. Myers after Hurricane Ian.
ARDF staff members joined missioners from Florida, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia on a disaster response trip to Ft. Myers last week! Partnering with Eight Days of Hope and Summit Church, the team of Anglicans removed water-damaged sheetrock, insulation, wood trim and ruined items from three homes and one marine engine business. During the last two days of their trip, they watched Tropical Storm Nicole roll in, upgrading to a category 1 hurricane before hitting the Florida Atlantic coast at Vero Beach. ARDF is receiving donations for serving the survivors of these storms, and it is not too late to donate or volunteer! To learn more about how your church can help, contact our Disaster Response Network Director, Tommy Lamb.
Meanwhile, in KY, it is starting to get cold! St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Gray, KY delivered another 1000 blankets last week (courtesy of our partners in the North American Lutheran Church), along with ceramic heaters and plastic sheeting, to two different hard-hit areas in Knott and Perry Counties. St. Paul’s is also conducting a baby supply drive in response to current requests. The primary challenge facing volunteers and aid workers is the remoteness of Appalachia, but there are opportunities to serve! Take a look at our Domestic Disaster Response webpage to see if there is a Diocesan or Parish Coordinator near you, or contact us to volunteer!
Our Disaster Response Webpage has an interactive map where you can find coordinators near you. Our goal is to have parish and diocesan coordinators all over the country!
We are thankful that our new network is growing! Several wonderful volunteers have joined our efforts, becoming disaster response coordinators at the Parish or Diocesan level. But you don’t need an official title to become involved! It all starts with simply making sure you are prepared for a disaster. When you and your family are prepared, you can then reach out to those around you who aren’t, helping them in their time of need. You can even inspire those around you to make their own emergency plans, creating greater impact in your community when bad things happen. One simple step is to purchase an extra gallon or two of water the next time you go to the grocery store. Make it your goal to have one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation. You can learn about other steps to take at ready.gov or on our previous blog covering disaster preparedness.
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