LCC COORDINATING DISASTER RESPONSE PLANS AFTER HURRICANE HELENE

As the tragic news of Hurricane Helene unfolds, Lutheran Church Charities is coordinating disaster response plans with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, three LCMS districts, and multiple Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) participating in recovery efforts.
 
Over the weekend, LCC began preparations to provide aid and recovery support to the Florida-Georgia, Southeastern, and Mid-South districts of the LCMS, as well as assisting early response teams throughout the region.
 
On Tuesday, the Synod launched official on-site assessments of the region and determined that the size and scope of Helene’s impact necessitates a long-term, highly synchronized response. Areas in six states are significantly impacted.

Photo: Florida-Georgia District of the LCM

DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND

Photo: Florida-Georgia District of the LCMS

The Category 4 hurricane barreled in from the Gulf of Mexico on Friday, carving a deadly path of damage and debris across Florida, Georgia, the western parts of the Carolinas, and eastern Tennessee and Kentucky.
 
By Tuesday afternoon, the storm’s death toll was nearing 160 people as search crews trudged through muck and high water looking for hundreds more who remain missing after spin-off tornadoes and flooding.
 
This week, LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer and LCC Disaster Response Director Kathy O’Day have been collaborating with Rev. Ross Johnson, Director of LCMS Disaster Response and Jay Wendland, Florida-Georgia District Disaster Response Coordinator, on when and where it is safe to deploy early responders and volunteers.

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LCC is also engaged in ongoing conversations with multiple LCMS pastors and local congregations. Yesterday, Rev. Singer issued a special appeal for prayer and financial support for families, individuals, and LCMS churches devastated by Helene.

Photo: Florida-Georgia District of the LCMS

“We know that so many lives have been upended and torn apart. They are entering this week without loved ones, homes, power, and basic needs. They need our prayers right now,” he said. “As the waters recede and power is restored, LCC stands ready to offer emergency assistance, tangible support, and most importantly, the comfort and hope found only in Jesus Christ.”
 
But until LERT camp locations are finalized, LCC will continue to monitor communication with other disaster response personnel across the affected districts.  
 
“At this time, most of these areas do not have electricity or water and some are inaccessible. Search and rescue operations are still occurring,” Deaconess O’Day said in an email to volunteers. “When we do deploy, we will need to be self-sufficient to not put a further strain on the communities we serve.” 

Even if power is restored in the next few days, and some disaster response teams can set up camp and coordinate the timing and arrival of heavy equipment, recovery will be long and difficult.
 
“This process will take months to years,” Kathy O’Day said. “There will be opportunities to serve in several states and various areas — flood work, chainsaw work, debris removal, food service, spiritual and emotional care, rebuilding, showing mercy to the survivors of this catastrophic hurricane.”

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THE HUMAN IMPACT & HOW YOU CAN HELP

Lisa Kauffman, a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, St. Petersburg, Fla., stands outside her home in Gulfport, Fla., on Oct. 1 after it sustained severe damage from Hurricane Helene. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

The human impact of Helene is huge.
 
In the aftermath of a disaster of this size (or any size), LCC’s first response is with prayer. Please join us in praying for all those affected by these events — especially those who are missing. Also, please pray for those who engage in rescue, recovery, and relief efforts. It is dangerous and taxing work.  
 
In addition to continued prayer, you can support the recovery efforts through a gift to LCC’s Disaster Response fund. This fund resources the day-to-day operations of LCC’s relief teams and directly supports storm victims’ immediate needs.
 
LCC is able to provide this assistance because of faithful, generous donors like you.
 
“The financial support you can offer right now will go directly to helping families and LCMS congregations across the region affected by Helene,” Chris Singer said.

The extensive impact of Helene has already been felt broadly — in the number of deaths, the massive geographic area, and the level of devastation.
 
But also in the heart to help.

“I am receiving multiple phone calls, emails, and texts from pastors, supporters, and church affiliates who are asking for assistance, offering to give help, and in some cases, trying to find their bearings again,” LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer wrote to the Lutheran Church Charities staff on Monday.
 
“We are anticipating a long-term engagement to serve in multiple ways, locations, and months.”

Thanks to you, Lutheran Church Charities will continue to BE THERE to provide the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are struggling, suffering, and in need.
 
Your earnest prayers and kindhearted support are greatly appreciated by the many people affected by Hurricane Helene and those who are responding with help.

DONATE — LCC DISASTER RESPONSE FUND