Hurricane Sally To Make Landfall Tonight

Dear Friend,

Hurricane Sally is bearing down on the Gulf Coast as we write this email. This slow-moving system is forecast to bring life-threatening storm surges and flash flooding to a region already impacted by Hurricane Laura. The governors of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi have requested pre-landfall emergency federal assistance ahead of the storm and each has declared a State of Emergency (CNN).

Our disaster relief teams are watching weather pattern developments closely. We're in conversation with our partners, including the ELCA Southeastern Synod.

Our disaster response teams are on the ground in Louisiana currently, assisting homeowners impacted by Hurricane Laura. We are preparing for the possibility of setting up an additional camp for volunteer responders in Mississippi or Alabama, after Hurricane Sally moves through, if needed.

Your prayers and donations are critical during this time. We could not do the work we do without your generosity. Financial donations to Inspiritus now, or in the earliest days of a response, support us in deploying a team of staff and skilled volunteers to assess need and establish a response program on the ground as soon as it is safe to do so.

While we pray that such support is not necessary, Inspiritus early response teams are preparing to lead volunteers in debris removal, chain-sawing, roof tarping, and other supports to damaged homes and properties.

Gifts to the ELCA Southeastern Synod Disaster Response will be used to support disaster relief on the ground, as well. Whether in the immediate days following a disaster or years after its initial impact, the vital work of disaster ministry has been a priority for the Southeastern Synod for many years.

The partnership between the Southeastern Synod and Inspiritus leverages the strengths and resources each bring to the table for the benefit of individuals and communities in need of hope and healing in the wake of a disaster.

The Southeastern Synod has provided various shelter locations here for any individuals or families who are under evacuation orders by their state. Several ELCA congregations in Birmingham (AL), Jackson (MS), and Middle Tennessee are also welcoming evacuees on a limited basis.

We will continue to keep you informed on any plans for an organized disaster response as they develop. Our thoughts are with everyone in the path of this latest storm.

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

HURRICANE SALLY AS IT HEADS TO US GULF COAST (CNN)