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HOPE worldwide Responds to Disasters around the World
Florida and the U.S. Gulf Coast In the U.S. Hurricane Isaac is threatening the Gulf Coast – a place where the devastation of hurricanes is no stranger. We are praying for our friends, churches and communities in the path of the storm.
This weekend the HOPE worldwide Chapters have been called into full alert by the American Red Cross. Jim Mackie, Florida Region Chapter Director, is coordinating volunteers. Fifty volunteers have already been mobilized and are serving from Tampa. Matthew Bridges and our team at the Disaster Operation Team in Houston are working with the American Red Cross and are mobilizing volunteers in the Texas Region for sheltering operations in North Texas. In addition, Ron Barnes, South East Region, with the Atlanta volunteers will be serving at the ARC warehouse loading supplies for deployment to New Orleans and Mississippi, if needed. In the event they are needed, we will also be deploying our Disaster Case Management Teams, who are currently on standby with Catholic Charities.
Haiti
Preliminary reports show that 60 community members in Bodarie that HOPE worldwide Haiti has been helping have been impacted by Hurricane Isaac. Ten have lost their homes. The team in Haiti is working to get food, water and other necessities to them. HOPE worldwide Haiti, Country Director Anael Hyppolite states, “It could be worse, but through your prayers God has saved us. Continue to pray for Haiti, so that HOPE worldwide can find ways cover urgent needs (food, housing, etc.). Also the orphanage of CAD at Ganthier was heavily damaged where several buildings lost their roofs and fences and homes for orphans were destroyed.”
At the Village of HOPE worldwide in Croix-des-Bouquets, two houses suffered severe wind damage and several others sustained some roof damage.
The Philippines
The HOPE worldwide Philippines Team is working to help the flooded Center of HOPE worldwide and the surrounding community recover from recent storms. The flood water that covered the Center of HOPE worldwide in Laguna has receded, but will take some time to be totally dry and cleaned up. The team is also helping the communities affected. Click here for the full story.
Indonesia
The August 1, 2012 flood in Ambon has caused extensive suffering to the people affected. Over six thousand have been affected in the spice island region. Local HOPE worldwide volunteers have mobilized some assistance to serve those in need with food, water, cooking kits, clean water and blankets. With the United Nations support, we are providing cooking, hygiene, and clean up kits for 1,500 affected families.
The team is also planning to develop an emergency shelter for two communities affected by the eruption of Gamalama Volcano in North Maluku. Meanwhile, local HOPE worldwide teams are on alert after the August 26, 2012 eruption of Soputan Volcano near Manado, North Sulawesi.
How You Can Help
As we each prepare for the 2012 hurricane season, please review the ARC’s preparedness checklist. This is very important information for everyone, especially those living in hurricane prone areas. Red Cross Hurricane Readiness
Please pray for the safety of those who are being threatened by or affected by disaster and our volunteers as they respond to the needs of others.