Week Five: Updates from our Sally Response

Hurricane Sally Response Update

HURRICANE SALLY

We've had so many wonderful volunteers show up in the past week to help hurricane survivors in Alabama. What started out as a two week response in Lake Charles, Louisiana, turned into a two month response now based in Orange Beach, Alabama. It's been an unprecedented hurricane season in the Gulf Coast. Volunteers have come in from all over to help...a few volunteers even drove all the way from Michigan, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina! Not enough can be said for these volunteers-they are true servant hearts that have helped those in need.

In South Alabama, we have completed 346 total volunteer days, or 1591.75 volunteer hours!

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We're working closely with the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA to support communities most in need of our assistance. Gifts to the ELCA Southeastern Synod Disaster Response will be used to support disaster relief on the ground, as well.

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.

Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today. The need is still great here in Alabama, as there are not many other organizations here helping out on the ground.

Help at this stage ensures unserved communities impacted by Hurricane Sally will receive free roof tarping, muck and gut services, debris removal, and spontaneous volunteer leadership. We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist those impacted by Hurricane Sally. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most.

Gratefully,

Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

Our Hurricane Laura Response is made possible through the above partnerships.

Day 34: Sally Response Going Strong

Day 34 on the Gulf Coast: Sally Response Going Strong

HURRICANE SALLY

We've had so many wonderful volunteers show up in the past week to help hurricane survivors in Alabama. We'd like to thank each and every one of you who are volunteering or donating to support this ministry. You are each heroes. Thank you for being God's hands.

In South Alabama, we have completed:

• 61 job requests

- 41 tree jobs

- 8 debris removals

- 6 muck & gut

- 6 roof tarping jobs

• 40 homes completed

• 12 homes are now ready for work

• 6 homes are underway now

"Helping hands are needed desperately in order to lift those survivors up and help them begin what will be a long road to recovery and some type of normalcy again. I know everyone is dealing with COVID, the economy, the election and multiple other problems but so are those survivors... on top of all they’ve worked their lives for being destroyed repeatedly."

- Sherry Buresh, Director of Disaster Relief Programs

This is Sherry's 70th response - a huge milestone in the disaster relief world. We're so grateful to have Sherry leading our staff and volunteer teams in this response.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We're working closely with the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA to support communities most in need of our assistance. Gifts to the ELCA Southeastern Synod Disaster Response will be used to support disaster relief on the ground, as well.

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.

If you can't join us in person, you can still be one of our "Home Heroes" by fundraising for us-or donating. It's so quick & easy: start fundraising now and share your campaign within minutes to your family and friends.

Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today.

Help at this stage ensures unserved communities impacted by Hurricane Sally will receive free roof tarping, muck and gut services, debris removal, and spontaneous volunteer leadership. We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist those impacted by Hurricane Sally. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most.

Gratefully,

Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

Our Hurricane Laura Response is made possible through the above partnerships.

Day 29: A Testimonial from Alabama

Day 29: A Testimonial from South Alabama

“We didn’t have to worry about anything. Inspiritus came in and they were helpful, quiet, they took care of the roof, they took care of the inside, they took care of everything. Just like it was family coming in and helping family. It was just tremendous."

- Joyce Tolbert, Hurricane Sally Survivor

HURRICANE SALLY

Our disaster relief staff and volunteers are working under intense conditions. Now they're working under the threat of yet another hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast today.

Hurricane Delta is forecast to strike the Gulf Coast "literally less than 25 miles" from where Hurricane Laura made landfall six weeks ago (CNN). Delta is a Category 3 storm with sustained winds up to 115 mph.

We are so grateful for our tireless volunteers. We still have a huge need for volunteers in Alabama. Please join us!

Our sincerest thanks and gratitude go out to The City of Orange Beach for fuel, The Island Church for housing and staging, and The Rothrock Foundation for meals.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We're working closely with the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA to support communities most in need of our assistance. Gifts to the ELCA Southeastern Synod Disaster Response will be used to support disaster relief on the ground, as well.

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.

To learn more about volunteering with this response, please register here.

Not only are we in the midst of COVID-19 and our Hurricane Sally response, now Hurricane Delta will be hitting the Gulf Coast today. Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today. Your help during the early days of a disaster is critical.

Help at this stage ensures unserved communities impacted by Hurricane Sally will receive free roof tarping, muck and gut services, debris removal, and spontaneous volunteer leadership. We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist those impacted by Hurricane Sally. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most.

Not only are we in the midst of COVID-19 and our Hurricane Sally response, now Tropical Storm Delta could hit the Gulf Coast as a hurricane this week. Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today. Your help during the early days of a disaster is critical.

Help at this stage ensures unserved communities impacted by Hurricane Sally will receive free roof tarping, muck and gut services, debris removal, and spontaneous volunteer leadership. We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist those impacted by Hurricane Sally. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most.

Please join us in prayer for the volunteers and local residents along the Gulf Coast.

Gratefully,
Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

Our Hurricane Laura Response is made possible through the above partnerships.

Day 26: Updates from the Gulf Coast

Day 26: Fresh Volunteers Needed Urgently

My position with Inspiritus doesn’t put me in front of survivors very often. I’m more behind the scenes working than anything. I love it when I’m able to go out into the field and speak with survivors. Yesterday I was able to do just that. I was able to visit them, hear their stories and offer them assistance. So many are still in need of help to take those first steps of recovery. Often times, survivors are overwhelmed and are unable to move forward with the weight of destruction on their shoulders. I love it when we are able to bring hope, to take that burden over for them for a little while and help take those first steps."

-Sabrina More (pictured above) with a homeowner in Alabama

HURRICANE SALLY

Our volunteers are making lasting impressions on the homeowners they're serving, and vice versa. Many homeowners' homes have been severely damaged or destroyed. They are so appreciative of our volunteers, even offering home cooked meals in expression of their gratitude. The relationships we form while volunteering makes the work we do that much more rewarding.

We still have a huge need for volunteers in Alabama. Volunteers who've been with us between Hurricane Laura and Sally will begin going home today. We need new volunteers to work through October 22nd ASAP. Please join us!

In Alabama so far, our disaster response volunteer teams have completed:

• 48 job requests

- 32 tree jobs

- 6 debris removals

- 5 muck & gut

- 5 roof tarping jobs

• 66 home assessments

• 17 homes are now ready for work

• 7 homes are underway now

Our sincerest thanks and gratitude go out to The City of Orange Beach for fuel, The Island Church for housing and staging, and The Rothrock Foundation for meals.

The damages from this latest hurricane will be felt for months and years to come, but with your help and new volunteers, we can get more hurricane survivors back on the path from surviving to thriving.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We're working closely with the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA to support communities most in need of our assistance. Gifts to the ELCA Southeastern Synod Disaster Response will be used to support disaster relief on the ground, as well. 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.

Those we're serving are experiencing multiple disasters at the same time: COVID-19 and Hurricane Sally. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most. Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today. Your help during the early days of a disaster is critical.

To learn more about volunteering with this response, please register here.

If you can't join us in person, you can still be one of our "Home Heroes" by fundraising for us. It's so quick & easy, start fundraising now and share your campaign within minutes to your family and friends. If you'd like help setting up your campaign, please email Sarah.Burke@weinspirit.org for a consultation.

It costs approximately $50 per day to make sure our volunteer housing and vehicles are fogged and sanitized daily, and our volunteers have the PPE equipment they need to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Could you please sponsor our volunteers for a day, to help keep them safe?

Not only are we in the midst of COVID-19 and our Hurricane Sally response, now Tropical Storm Delta could hit the Gulf Coast as a hurricane this week. Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today. Your help during the early days of a disaster is critical.

Help at this stage ensures unserved communities impacted by Hurricane Sally will receive free roof tarping, muck and gut services, debris removal, and spontaneous volunteer leadership. We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist those impacted by Hurricane Sally. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most.

Please join us in prayer for the volunteers and local residents along the Gulf Coast.

Gratefully,
Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

Our Hurricane Laura Response is made possible through the above partnerships.

Day 22: Updates from the Gulf Coast

WE NEED NEW VOLUNTEERS ON THE GROUND IN ALABAMA

Our volunteers on the ground in Alabama

HURRICANE SALLY

"Over two days’ time, and in 85+ degree temperatures, a volunteer Lutheran disaster relief organization named Inspiritus descended on my parent’s property like the exact opposite of a biblical plague and voluntarily (FREE OF CHARGE) completed what might’ve been over $25K worth of tree cutting and removal. This is an amazing example of how we all want humans to be. I cannot thank these people and this organization enough for doing for us what we were unable to do for ourselves."

- Aaron Cockson

We have a huge need for volunteers in Alabama. Home damages extend across Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Daphne, Dauphin Island, and Baldwin County. Volunteers who've served 3-4 weeks between Hurricane Laura and Sally will begin going home next Tuesday, so we need new volunteers to work through October 22nd ASAP. Please join us!

Want to see what volunteering on a disaster response mission is like?
Click on the following link to watch: A day In the life of a volunteer

In Alabama so far, our disaster response volunteer teams have completed:

• 750 volunteer hours

• 133 volunteer days

• 55 home assessments

• 19 homes are now ready for work

• 10 homes are underway now

• 33 job requests have been completed

"Inspiritus volunteers are doing an incredible job. They've gone from working in Louisiana to Alabama. After weeks of working, they're tired. We need a new wave of volunteers to join them."

-John Boettner
Southeastern Synod Disaster Ministry Committee
Shepherd of the Hills, Birmingham, AL.

Our sincerest thanks and gratitude go out to The Island Church in Orange Beach for housing and staging, The Rothrock Foundation for generously providing meals, and the St. Clair Baptist Association and the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief (SBC Disaster Relief) for laundry services.

A huge thank you goes out to The City of Orange Beach today. They just brought in a 100 gallon tank of gas to our Island Church camp, to keep equipment and vehicles fueled and ready to do more work in Baldwin County.

The damages from this latest hurricane will be felt for months and years to come, but with your help and new volunteers, we can get more hurricane survivors back on the path from surviving to thriving.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We're working closely with the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA to support communities most in need of our assistance. Gifts to the ELCA Southeastern Synod Disaster Response will be used to support disaster relief on the ground, as well. 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.

Those we're serving are experiencing multiple disasters at the same time: COVID-19 and Hurricane Sally. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most. Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today. Your help during the early days of a disaster is critical.

To learn more about volunteering with this response, please register here.

If you can't join us in person, you can still be one of our "Home Heroes" by fundraising for us. It's so quick & easy, start fundraising now and share your campaign within minutes to your family and friends. If you'd like help setting up your campaign, please email Sarah.Burke@weinspirit.org for a consultation.

It costs approximately $50 per day to make sure our volunteer housing and vehicles are fogged and sanitized daily, and our volunteers have the PPE equipment they need to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Could you please sponsor our volunteers for a day, to help keep them safe?

Help at this stage ensures unserved communities impacted by Hurricane Sally will receive free roof tarping, muck and gut services, debris removal, and spontaneous volunteer leadership. We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist those impacted by Hurricane Sally.

Please join us in prayer for the volunteers and local residents along the Gulf Coast.

Gratefully,
Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

Our Hurricane Laura Response is made possible through the above partnerships.

Day 20: Updates from the Gulf Coast

INSPIRITUS DISASTER RELIEF: ON THE GROUND IN ALABAMA

Sabrina More, our Disaster Relief Volunteer Manager helping a homeowner

HURRICANE SALLY

Currently, we have close to 40 jobs in the queue (with more coming in daily) to be worked on. There is a huge need here, especially in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Daphne, Dauphin Island, and throughout Baldwin County. The storm has now left the current news cycle, and there are not many other organizations on the ground helping these hurricane survivors. If you'd like to volunteer with us, we need your help. Please join us!

Due to the high level of local need for volunteers, we’re extending our Hurricane Sally Response to a 4-week operation. Many of our volunteers have been serving for four weeks, between Hurricane Laura and Sally. New volunteers are needed to provide them with relief, and replace those who need to return home. We need new volunteers to support this two week extension.

If you can't join us in person, you can still be one of our "Home Heroes" by fundraising for us. It's so quick & easy, start here and share your campaign within minutes to your family and friends. If you'd like help setting up your campaign, Sarah Burke is happy to walk you through it. Please email her for a consultation at Sarah.Burke@weinspirit.org

We've heard from so many kind homeowners over the past week. Here is what one homeowner had to say:

"Inspiritus has had a team working at my house for two days now. I could not have done this work by myself. I'm just calling to say thank you."

- Resident of Orange Beach, AL

We even had a visit from Mayor Tony Kennon of the City of Orange Beach. The Mayor stopped by for a tour of our temporary base and to commend our volunteer efforts.

Our sincerest thanks and gratitude go out to The Island Church in Orange Beach for housing our response team, as well as providing a large garage for staging and storing our tools and equipment. Our daily thanks goes out to The Rothrock Foundation for generously providing meals, and to the representatives from the St. Clair Baptist Association and the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief (SBC Disaster Relief) for their assistance with laundry services.

The damages from this latest hurricane will be felt for months and years to come:

• Many homes have suffered flooding and water damages, and will require significant mucking and gutting to remove flooring, ceilings, insulation, sheet rock, cabinetry, and damaged household goods and furniture

• Extensive chainsawing and roof tarping services are needed to remove downed trees and protect damaged homes from further water damages.

HURRICANE LAURA

Last week, our Inspiritus disaster response team evacuated from Southwest Louisiana due to the threat from Tropical Storm Beta.  There is more work to be done. It's not too late to donate to efforts there. Thrivent is still matching your donations.

Mayor Tony Kennon discussing response work with volunteers at our Island Church base. To watch his briefing and hear his thoughts on Inspiritus, click here (14:11 min mark):

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We're working closely with the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA to assess the communities most in need of our assistance.

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.

Those we're serving are experiencing multiple disasters at the same time: COVID-19, Hurricane Laura, and now Hurricane Sally. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most. Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today. Your help during the early days of a disaster is critical.

To learn more about volunteering with this response, please register here.

Help at this stage ensures unserved communities impacted by Hurricane Sally will receive free roof tarping, muck and gut services, debris removal, and spontaneous volunteer leadership. We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist those impacted by Hurricane Sally.

Please join us in prayer for the volunteers and local residents along the Gulf Coast.

Gratefully,
Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

Our Hurricane Laura Response is made possible through the above partnerships.

Day 18: Updates from the Gulf Coast

INSPIRITUS DISASTER RELIEF: ON THE GROUND IN ALABAMA

HURRICANE SALLY

It’s a "mini reunion" for our Hurricane Sally response team in Orange Beach, Alabama. Volunteers from other disaster response missions have come together again to help homeowners recover from this latest storm.

Please join us!

The Rothrock Foundation is still here, generously providing delicious meals to all our staff members and volunteers on the ground. A shower trailer has been loaned to us by the Alabama St. Clair Baptist Association. Three dedicated ladies from this association will be providing laundry services for each of our volunteers. Special thanks to these ladies for serving as representatives of the St. Clair Baptist Association and the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief (SBC Disaster Relief).

Our sincerest thanks and gratitude go out to The Island Church in Orange Beach for housing our response team, as well as providing a large garage for staging and storing all our tools and equipment.

The damages are extensive from this latest hurricane:

• Many homes have suffered flooding and water damages, and will require significant mucking and gutting to remove flooring, ceilings, insulation, sheet rock, cabinetry, and damaged household goods and furniture

• Extensive chainsawing and roof tarping services are needed to remove downed trees and protect damaged homes from further water damages.

HURRICANE LAURA

Last week, our Inspiritus disaster response team evacuated from Southwest Louisiana due to the threat from Tropical Storm Beta. 

There is more work to be done. It's not too late to donate to efforts there. Thrivent is still matching your donations.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We're working closely with the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA to assess the communities most in need of our assistance.

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.

Those we're serving are experiencing multiple disasters at the same time: COVID-19, Hurricane Laura, and now Hurricane Sally. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most. Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today. Your help during the early days of a disaster is critical.

To learn more about volunteering with this response, please register here.

Help at this stage ensures unserved communities impacted by Hurricane Sally will receive free roof tarping, muck and gut services, debris removal, and spontaneous volunteer leadership. We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist those impacted by Hurricane Sally.

Please join us in prayer for the volunteers and local residents along the Gulf Coast.

Gratefully,
Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

Our Hurricane Laura Response is made possible through the above partnerships.

Day 15: Updates from the Gulf Coast

INSPIRITUS DISASTER RELIEF: ON THE GROUND IN ALABAMA

HURRICANE LAURA

This past weekend, our Inspiritus disaster response team evacuated from Southwest Louisiana due to the threat from Tropical Storm Beta. 

There is more work to be done. It's not too late to donate to efforts there. Thrivent is still matching your donations.

Special thanks to The Home Depot Foundation for donating much needed supplies to our Inspiritus Disaster Relief efforts.

HURRICANE SALLY

Our disaster response teams are on the ground in Orange Beach, Alabama. They've been working hard assessing damages and clearing debris over the past several days.

What does all this damage from Hurricane Sally mean for residents impacted along the Gulf Coast?

• Widespread power outages (some communities are projected to be without power for up to a month or more)

• Many homes have suffered flooding and water damages, and will require significant mucking and gutting to remove flooring, ceilings, insulation, sheet rock, cabinetry, and damaged household goods and furniture

• Extensive chainsawing is needed to remove downed trees that are slowing local and emergency efforts to restore access to roads and power

• Power outages are creating an unprecedented interruption of jobs and education, as so many households are dependent on electricity to engage in virtual working and learning during this COVID-19 pandemic

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We're working closely with the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA to assess the communities most in need of our assistance.

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.

Those we're serving are experiencing multiple disasters at the same time: COVID-19, Hurricane Laura, and now Hurricane Sally. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most. Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today. Your help during the early days of a disaster is critical.

To learn more about volunteering with this response, please register here.

Help at this stage ensures unserved communities impacted by Hurricane Sally will receive free roof tarping, muck and gut services, debris removal, and spontaneous volunteer leadership. We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist those impacted by Hurricane Sally.

Please join us in prayer for the volunteers and local residents along the Gulf Coast.

Gratefully,
Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

Our Hurricane Laura Response is made possible through the above partnerships.

Day 11: Updates from the Gulf Coast

DAY 11: UPDATES FROM THE GULF COAST

HURRICANE LAURA

On Saturday, our Inspiritus disaster response team evacuated from Southwest Louisiana due to the threat from Tropical Storm Beta. Coastal flooding from Beta's storm surge has already occurred on the Texas and Louisiana coasts.

Although our team has moved, it's not too late to donate to our efforts there. Thrivent is still matching your donations, and Inspiritus could still use your assistance!

"My “home” for the next couple of weeks. ️We have moved our base camp over to Orange Beach Alabama where Hurricane Sally has caused a lot of damage."

-Sabrina More, Disaster Relief Volunteer Manager

HURRICANE SALLY

Over the weekend, our response team moved to their new volunteer camp at The Island Church in Orange Beach, Alabama. Orange Beach is an area where Hurricane Sally, a Category 2 hurricane, caused significant destruction last week. Orange Beach received over 29.99 inches of rain, similar to nearby Pensacola, which received 24.80 inches.

What does all this damage from Hurricane Sally mean for residents impacted along the Gulf Coast?

• Widespread power outages (some communities are projected to be without power for up to a month or more)

• Many homes have suffered flooding and water damages, and will require significant mucking and gutting to remove flooring, ceilings, insulation, sheet rock, cabinetry, and damaged household goods and furniture

• Extensive chainsawing is needed to remove downed trees that are slowing local and emergency efforts to restore access to roads and power

• Power outages are creating an unprecedented interruption of jobs and education, as so many households are dependent on electricity to engage in virtual working and learning during this COVID-19 pandemic

• More flooding this week with over-flowing rivers and streams (according to the National Weather Service)

Temperatures get checked twice a day, as part of our COVID-19 safety measures

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

We're working closely with the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA to assess the communities most in need of our assistance.

Those we're serving are experiencing multiple disasters at the same time: COVID-19, Hurricane Laura, and now Hurricane Sally. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most.

Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today. Your help during the early days of a disaster is critical.

To learn more about volunteering with this response, please register here.

Help at this stage ensures unserved communities impacted by Hurricane Sally will receive free roof tarping, muck and gut services, debris removal, and spontaneous volunteer leadership. We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist those impacted by Hurricane Sally.

We're also keeping a watchful eye on other developing storms. This hurricane season has produced almost twice the average number of storms with 23 named so far. The average hurricane season produces 12.

Please join us in prayer for the volunteers and local residents along the Gulf Coast.

Gratefully,
Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

Our Hurricane Laura Response is made possible through the above partnerships.

Day 8: Two Hurricanes in One Week

DAY 8: UPDATES FROM THE GROUND

HURRICANE LAURA

Today is Day 8 on the ground for our Inspiritus disaster response team in Louisiana and Texas.

Here are the services that our teams are providing:

• Muck and gutting water-damaged sheet rock, insulation, ceilings and floors, etc.

• Tarping wind-damaged roofs to prevent further water damage

• Chainsawing large fallen trees (up to 20+ feet in diameter)

The Rothrock Foundation has kindly served over 500+ volunteer meals to our teams, and will continue to stay on site at our volunteer camp into the next week.

HURRICANE SALLY

Hurricane Sally made landfall this week as a Category 2 hurricane. With wind speeds of over 105 mph, it has brought severe flooding, downed trees, and massive power outages.

Our team of disaster response volunteers are preparing to deploy as needed. Currently, we are on the ground in Louisiana cleaning up debris, mucking and gutting, and tarping roofs after Hurricane Laura's impact. If needed, we are preparing to set up a second volunteer base to assist with clean-up from Hurricane Sally.

We are working closely with our partners in the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA to assess the communities most in need of our assistance across Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Together, we are also in communication with local VOADs and emergency management officials to ensure we are aware of communities with unmet needs.

What does all this damage from Hurricane Sally mean for residents impacted along the Gulf Coast?

• Widespread power outages (some communities are projected to be without power for up to a month or more)

• Many homes have suffered flooding and water damages, and will require significant mucking and gutting to remove flooring, ceilings, insulation, sheet rock, cabinetry, and damaged household goods and furniture

• Extensive chainsawing is needed to remove downed trees that are slowing local and emergency efforts to restore access to roads and power

• Power outages are creating an unprecedented interruption of jobs and education, as so many households are dependent on electricity to engage in virtual working and learning during this COVID-19 pandemic

• More flooding is on the way this weekend and next week with over-flowing rivers and streams (according to the National Weather Service)

Temperatures get checked twice a day, as part of our COVID-19 safety measures

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Those we're serving are experiencing multiple disasters at the same time: COVID-19, Hurricane Laura, and now Hurricane Sally. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most.
Please donate today. Your help during the early days of a disaster is critical.

To learn more about volunteering with this response, please register here.

We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist Hurricane Laura survivors and prepare to assist those impacted by Hurricane Sally.

Another tropical storm is brewing in the Gulf of Mexico now, which is anticipated to impact the Gulf Coast next week. We are monitoring the trajectory of this storm closely and preparing.

Please join us in prayer for the volunteers and local residents along the Gulf Coast.

Gratefully,
Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

Our Hurricane Laura Response is made possible through the above partnerships.

Day 6: Two Hurricanes in One Week

DAY 6: UPDATES FROM THE GROUND

HURRICANE LAURA

Today is Day 6 on the ground for our Inspiritus disaster response team in Louisana and Texas. We've accomplished a lot over the past week.

Here's what's happened:

• Completed 53 volunteer days (served over 5 days)

• 7 homes received roof tarping and/or muck and gutting

• Chainsawed 15+ large trees (up to 20 feet in diameter)

• The Rothrock Foundation has kindly served over 500 volunteer meals

HURRICANE SALLY

Now, Hurricane Sally made landfall yesterday as a Category 2 hurricane. With wind speeds of over 105 mph, it has brought the threat of deadly flooding, debris, and massive power outages to an already vulnerable region.

Our team of disaster response volunteers are preparing to deploy as needed. Currently, we are on the ground in Louisiana cleaning up debris, mucking and gutting, and tarping roofs after Hurricane Laura's impact. If needed, we are preparing to set up a second volunteer base in Alabama, Georgia or Mississippi to assist with clean-up from Hurricane Sally.

We are working closely with our partners, the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA and Lutheran Disaster Response, to assess the communities most in need of our assistance across Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Together, we are also in communication with local VOADs and emergency management officials to ensure we are collaborating and prioritizing communities with unmet needs.

OUR PARTNERS:

We’re extremely grateful for our collaborative partners during this difficult time, especially:

• Southeastern Synod of the ELCA

• Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the ELCA

• Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response (Upbring)

• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Bridge City, TX)

• Lutheran Disaster Response

• Rothrock Foundation

• Christian Emergency Network

• Thrivent

• Home Depot

Those we're serving are experiencing three disasters at the same time: COVID-19, Hurricane Laura, and now Hurricane Sally. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most. Please donate today. Your help during the early days of a disaster is critical.

We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist Hurricane Laura survivors and prepare to assist those in the path of Hurricane Sally.

Please join us in prayer for the volunteers and local residents along the Gulf Coast.

Gratefully,
Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

Our Hurricane Laura Response is made possible through the above partnerships.

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)

HURRICANE LAURA RESPONSE: DAY 4 ON THE GROUND

HURRICANE LAURA RESPONSE: DAY 4 ON THE GROUND

Today is Day 4 on the ground for our Inspiritus disaster relief team. Our volunteers have been working hard over the past weekend, serving homeowners impacted by Hurricane Laura in collaboration and partnership with the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod and Upbring (Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response).

This past weekend brought heavy rain, heat and high humidity to the area and the communities we're serving. That did not stop Rex Rothrock of the Rothrock Foundation from cooking daily meals for our response team.

WHO WE ARE HELPING:

Our teams have been busy tarping roofs and removing massive debris around homes. Special priority has been given to homeowners who are uninsured, disabled, and/or elderly in the Lake Charles area. Our Hurricane Laura response reach extends to homeowners between Orange County, TX, and the Calcasieu Parish, LA.

Now, on top of everything, Hurricane Sally is projected to hit the of coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama as a Category 2 hurricane Tuesday morning, less than three weeks after Hurricane Laura caused widespread damage across Louisiana.

PICTURED: Hurricane Sally; Serious Threat of Storm Surge, Flooding Rain Headed For Gulf Coast on Tuesday.

Under the supervision of Sherry Buresh, our ground crews will continue to help Texas and Louisiana homeowners this week. We're in conversation now with the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA regarding potential needs of those in the path of Hurricane Sally, especially along the Mississippi and Alabama coastline.

We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist Hurricane Laura survivors and prepare to assist those in the path of Hurricane Sally.

Please join us in prayer for the volunteers and local residents along the Gulf Coast, as they brace for for more dangerous weather this week.

-Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

Concordia Students Reflect on Serving with LSG!

In early May, 11 students from Concordia University traveled from Portland, Oregon to serve with Lutheran Services of Georgia! Together, the students visited refugee families, assisted with cultural orientation classes, and helped set up an apartment for newly arrived refugees. After their week of service, some of the students shared their reflections on their time with LSG. Here’s what they had to say:

Mari: “Working with these families and children was an eye-opening experience. Despite the hardships these families have faced, and the difficulties they face in the future in adjusting to life in America, they were motivated and thankful for the opportunity to start a new life here. I saw first-hand the difficulties of not knowing a major language, especially when trying to get a job and support one’s family. These experiences have affirmed my interest in serving others and learning more about different groups of people.”

Karissa: “Practicing English with the refugees in their ESL class was great. There was one large realization, though. At Concordia, I live with ESL students, so I get to watch them learn English on a daily basis. We laugh through our struggles, and it’s fine because they are learning in a fun way by choice. These people in Atlanta, however, are learning English because they have to. They are learning because they were forced out of their homes to this foreign place with a new language. It’s not a format in which they can laugh through their struggles, and that is sad to me. This really made me think about how difficult it would be to learn a new language and a completely new life all at once.”

Sarah: “Initially, I saw this Alternative Break Trip as a chance to experience the South while doing volunteer work. What I did not realize is that this trip would allow me to gain valuable life knowledge. At the Clarkston Community Center, I was able to work with children of refugees. I have a huge place in my heart for children. Helping with homework and playing with these young children really helped me realize that as a teacher I cannot control what students will walk into my classroom. The culture, language, and traditions are much different than the American norm. As a teacher, I need to provide an accepting environment for these children. Not only that, but it will be my responsibility to exhibit a tolerance for equality in the classroom.”

Tito: “While in Atlanta, I had an opportunity to understand the lives of several refugee families. Getting to know everything they need to go through to transition into a new life was overwhelming. Much of the work could be overwhelming for the volunteers. It must be even more overwhelming for a refugee that is moving to the United States permanently and has not visited before. Many of these families have been driven from their homes forcefully and are unable to return. It is a tragic experience for these families. Oftentimes they arrive not knowing anyone. This transition is difficult.”

D’Anne: “I learned that I need to be more open to different possibilities and experiences no matter where I am. We are all human. Some people have more experiences and difficulties than others, but that is what allows us to have different stories. Through this experience, I have decided to minor in Spanish so that I can better educate myself and have meaningful conversations with more people than just English-speaking people. This trip allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and talk to unfamiliar people and figure out ways to interact with them. I believe this experience has opened me up and allowed me to be the person I am supposed to be.”

LSG thanks the Concordia students for their passion, enthusiasm, and hard work during their week of service. LSG is also excited that Tito Vasquez, quoted above, is continuing to serve refugees this summer as an intern with LSG’s Refugee and Immigration Services. Click here for more photos from Concordia’s time with LSG.

ASB with LSG

During March, college students and faculty from Bowdoin College and New York University volunteered with Lutheran Services of Georgia for alternative spring break (ASB) trips. ASB trips give college students the opportunity to explore a specific theme through service and travel.

Twelve Bowdoin College students traveled from Maine to learn more about Georgia’s immigrant and refugee communities. During their week of service, the students tutored children in Clarkston, visited newly arrived refugee families, and assisted with cultural orientation classes. Bowdoin students also became the first ASB group to participate in LSG’s Friends in Hope program, serving families at El Refugio and visiting immigrant detainees at Stewart Detention Center.

Students found the trip eye-opening. One student, Alex Sukles, described his experience at Stewart as “surreal. We’re coming from Maine where there’s a foot of snow on the ground,” he said. “We arrived at Stewart and the sun is shining and there’s a manicured lawn. But there is also barbed wire and people held in cinderblock cells. Something doesn’t match up.” Alex recently returned to Georgia for a summer internship with LSG’s Refugee and Immigration Services department.

Later in the month, fourteen NYU freshmen joined LSG and other community organizations for a week of service exploring the theme of Diversity. This incredibly diverse group of students were all part of NYU’s Comm*Unity, a group which builds community among freshmen commuter students. Students spoke several languages and a few even interpreted during visits with refugee families. Along with serving at LSG, the students helped out at the Clarkston Community Center, MedShare, and Jolly Community Garden. Although this was the fifth year that NYU students came to Atlanta for ASB, it was their first year with LSG.

Students from both groups shared their motivations for service. Bowdoin student Pieter’s mother was a European immigrant from Belgium, so he wanted to learn more about the immigration experience. Sewheat, a Bowdoin student whose parents emigrated from Eritrea, worked with Somali immigrants in her hometown of Seattle and wanted to continue serving immigrant populations in other parts of the country. Myra, an NYU elementary education major, joined the trip to discover ways to promote diversity in her work. She especially enjoyed tutoring refugee children in Clarkston and learning about the unique challenges they face. Kendi, an NYU Psychology major, wanted to expand his knowledge of people and cultures from all over the world.

During their ASB trips, Bowdoin and NYU students learned more about immigrants, refugees, and diversity in Georgia. They also brought incredible passion and enthusiasm to LSG. Clients enjoyed spending time with the students and LSG staff appreciated having extra hands willing to do good work. LSG looks forward to ASB students serving with us in the future.

For more photos from the ASB trips, visit our Facebook page.

Volunteers Serve Refugees at the 2014 Lutheran Day of Service

Volunteers poured through the doors of Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, their arms full of children's books, rice, batteries, granola bars, flashlights, and first aid kits. Other volunteers, armed with hot coffee and check-in sheets, greeted them warmly. They've all come to serve refugees and to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 9th annual Lutheran MLK Day of Service.

"The Lutheran MLK Day of Service offers an opportunity for Lutheran congregations and other volunteers to join LSG in welcoming refugees from around the world by providing essential items needed for the 400-500 refugees resettled each year by LSG,” said Melanie Johnson, LSG’s Program Manager for Volunteer, Congregation, and Community Engagement. LSG partners with the Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Southeastern Synod to coordinate the event. The first Day of Service took place in 2006 and drew 50 volunteers from local congregations. This year, school groups, families, community members, Girl Scouts, LSG staff, and refugees joined Lutheran congregations in service, totaling 234 volunteers.

This year’s Day of Service began with a gathering in Rock of Age’s gym. Gene Lewis, one of the day’s leading organizers, welcomed volunteers and thanked Pastor Randy Palm for Rock of Age’s hospitality. Natalie Yasson, LSG’s Director of Refugee and Immigration Services, recognized Hope Worldwide and the Corporation for National and Community Service’s support. Thanks to Hope Worldwide’s Disaster Preparedness grant, LSG will provide disaster preparedness education through the Extended Cultural Orientation program along with basic emergency kits for every refugee household in 2014.

To celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s life, the Rev. Kevin Dudley, Senior Pastor of The Church at North Pointe, reflected on Dr. King’s beliefs regarding service and justice. “In order to serve,” paraphrased The Rev. Dudley, “we gotta be a little bit crazy.” Floyd R. Blair, LSG’s President and CEO, led the gathering in prayers of intercessions that challenged the church to be “disturbers of the status quo.” Volunteers formed a circle around the rice and bowed their heads as Blair offered a blessing for the day.

A bustle of voices and movement filled the church as volunteers dispersed to help prepare various items to be given to refugees. “These essential items are rice, the staple food item for refugees from around the world; basic emergency kits, so that newly arrived refugees don’t have to face any future emergency unprepared; and books for refugee children, a lifeline to learning about their new country and new language,” said Melanie. Together, the volunteers….

--Packed over 1500 lbs of rice into over 1000 family-sized bags for newly arrived refugees

--Prepared over 150 Basic Disaster Preparedness kits for refugee households

--Donated and sorted over 600 books for distribution to

• Students in LSG’s Afterschool Academic/Arts Program (ASAP) sites in the Clarkston area who will each receive a book
• Newly arrived refugee children who will choose a book to take home when they visit LSG’s Refugee Clothes Closet during their first week in the U.S.

--Read books to 25 children who each got to choose a book to take home from the Day of Service

--Distributed 400 door hangers with Fire Prevention Info in 2 apartment complexes in Clarkston where many refugees resettled by LSG live.

LSG thanks all the volunteers for their help welcoming refugees and looks forward to serving again next year!

During the Lutheran MLK Day of Service, over 65 volunteers and LSG staff shared their stories of why they serve refugees. Their photos are available on our Facebook page. If you couldn’t attend the Day of Service but would like to share your story of serving refugees in other ways, contact Abby Koning at akoning@lsga.org.

Serve with LSG on the 2014 Lutheran MLK Day of Service!

On January 20, 2014, the city of Atlanta will remember Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King believed that all people had the ability and the responsibility to serve others and work to create a better world . This year, you are invited to celebrate MLK day by serving some of the most vulnerable people in contemporary society: refugees.

Volunteers will gather at Rock of Ages Lutheran Church (5135 Memorial Dr., Stone Mountain, GA 30083) at 9:00 a.m (Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.) and serve until 1:00 p.m. You may choose from any of the following projects:

• Packaging Rice for Refugees—Bring as many bags of rice as you can. We will repackage rice in family-size bags and give them to newly arrived refugee families.
• Books for Refugees—Bring new or gently used children's books to give to refugee children. You can also sign up to read to refugees and other children during the Day of Service.
• Preparing Disaster Kits for Refugees—Help refugees be prepared for disasters by putting together a disaster kit for each household.

Click here to sign up for a project by January 17, 2014.

We strongly encourage you to bring one or more of the following items to the Day of Service: a bag of rice (any size); new or gently used children's books; AAA batteries; granola/energy bars; first aid kits. Click here to download and share a flyer about needed donations.

Individuals and families may bring donations to the Day of Service. Congregation groups are encouraged to gather donations and deliver them to Rock of Ages Lutheran Church before January 20, 2014. Contact Gene Lewis at gene1950@gmail.com or 404-299-8880 to arrange deliveries.

If you have questions, please contact Abby Koning, LSG's Communications Coordinator, at akoning@lsga.org or at 678-686-9633.

LSG Brings Words of Hope to Detainees

Behind bars at the North Georgia Detention Center, men and women wait anxiously, wondering what the future holds. Located in Gainesville, the NGDC houses immigrants, migrants, and asylum seekers awaiting deportation proceedings. Since the NGDC is a transitional facility, many will be transferred to other detention centers around the country, isolated far from their families and friends. Although they have built lives for themselves in the United States, very few will escape deportation to countries they no longer call home. In the midst of such fear and uncertainty, men and women in detention must hold on to hope.

This fall, Lutheran Services of Georgia will bring Words of Hope to women detainees at the NGDC. Words of Hope is a new ministry of Friends in Hope, LSG’s detention visitation program in which volunteers become a compassionate presence for detainees. Adrainne Gray, student at Columbia Theological Seminary and LSG volunteer, will coordinate this ministry. Female volunteers will travel to Gainesville, where they will use storytelling and story gathering to share inspiring Bible stories. Each volunteer group will include at least one fluent Spanish speaker. Since women at NGDC are often referred to by their detainee numbers rather than their names, Adrainne expects they will relate to the stories of Jesus’ encounters with unnamed women. She reflects, “By telling the stories, I hope that the women are touched with the hope that Jesus promises to all people.”

Redeemer Lutheran Church hosted the first Words of Hope volunteer training in mid-August. Six volunteers from two different Lutheran congregations came out to learn about detention and prepare themselves to visit the NGDC. Christ Lutheran Church in Gainesville will host a second training session on Saturday, October 5, 2013 with at least two volunteers from their Hispanic congregation. All interested volunteers must participate in a criminal background check and a mandatory volunteer training conducted by the NGDC chaplain on Saturday, October 19. Contact Melanie Johnson at mjohnson@lsga.org or 687-686-9619 for more information on Friends in Hope Detention Visitation Ministry: how you can join LSG in bringing Words of Hope to women detainees at the NGDC or become a volunteer visitor to men detainees in the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, GA.

New Country, New Home

When Bal and Aita arrived in Atlanta at 1:00 a.m. on a Tuesday summer morning with their three-year-old son Abishek, they were exhausted from their long journey. They had been traveling from Nepal, where they had lived as refugees after leaving Bhutan, their country of birth, many years earlier. After several long flights, they just wanted to sleep.

Thanks to some folks from Valparaiso University, Bal, Aita, and Abishek could go straight to their new home, crawl into bed, and sleep the night away. A few days earlier, on Saturday, June 8, members of the Valparaiso University Alumni Association and the Valparaiso University Guild drove over to Clarkston to set up an apartment for this family from Bhutan. When the volunteers arrived at the apartment, it was empty. Three hours later, it looked like a home.

In the weeks before the apartment set-up on June 8, the group had set up a storage unit in the parking lot of Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Stone Mountain so that people could donate furniture and other household items before they took them over to Clarkston. Valparaiso alumni and friends across Atlanta responded generously. People from Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Grace Lutheran Church in Atlanta, and Rock of Ages Lutheran Church brought extra furniture for the Bhutanese family and food for their pantry.

At the end of the morning, after the crew had hauled the furniture inside and arranged it properly, one of LSG’s new staff members, Cynthia McGuinness, popped in with a surprise. In addition to providing four chairs for the family’s dining room, her two children brought stuffed animals and toys for three-year-old Abishek. While growing up in the refugee camp in Nepal, Abishek probably never had a stuffed animal or toy to play with. Thanks to Cynthia’s children, he now has many!

The volunteers were delighted to be able to welcome a family to the United States. “We had a really great time helping out,” said Ashley, one of the Valparaiso alumnae. LSG thanks these volunteers from Valparaiso University who helped set up the apartment, all the donors who contributed the furniture, and PODS for providing the storage unit. If you would like to set up an apartment for refugees with your company, congregation, or other group, please contact Melanie Johnson at mjohnson@lsga.org or 678-686-9619.

Volunteers and Refugee Services Clients Show LSG Some Love!

 

Volunteers and clients are at the heart of LSG's mission and work. LSG recently asked volunteers and Refugee Services clients to reflect on their experiences with LSG. Here's what they had to say!

Why do volunteers love working with LSG?

I  love to volunteer with LSG because I am able to live out my faith in a tangible way, providing care and relationship to the "stranger, widow, and orphan". --Blair Trygstad, student at Candler School of Theology

I love to volunteer with LSG because I'm given the opportunity to make a small difference in someone's life. --Maxwell Ndungu, attorney for King & Spalding.

I love to volunteer with LSG because I am a Lutheran! But mostly because LSG's dedicated employees are a beacon in the community. LSG has always been a vocal advocate of all those who have lost their voices and LSG offers me an opportunity, through volunteering, to enter into their stories. --Adrainne Gray, member of Lutheran Church of the Messiah

Why do refugee clients like coming to ESL and job training with LSG's Refugee Services?

I like to learn more about jobs, transportation, and laws. --Hadija Tambwe, refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo

I like to help people understand English and to learn new things. --Nouraldin Abdalla, refugee from Sudan and translator for Arabic clients.

Thanks so much to our dedicated volunteers and Refugee Services clients for showing some love to LSG!