-Residents Whose Homes Damaged Can Request Free Volunteer Help-
New Bern, NC (September 20, 2018) –The Virginia Beach-based Operation Blessing International has deployed its U.S. Disaster Relief team to New Bern to assist residents with cleanup from Hurricane Florence. Starting today, New Bern residents whose homes were damaged in the storm can request free help (see details below). Operation Blessing is also now coordinating volunteer cleanup efforts and has put out a call for anyone wanting to help (see below for details).
RESIDENTS NEEDING HELP:
Residents are invited come in person to fill out a work request for FREE volunteer help at Without Limits Christian Center (102 Washington Post Rd, New Bern, NC) daily (except for Sundays) from 9:30AM – 4:30PM. All residents must fill out a work order form and sign a release form in person, allowing volunteer teams access to your property. Volunteers will not be able to do work without a form SIGNED BY THE HOMEOWNER. Priority is given based on need (elderly, sick, disabled, etc) and is based on volunteer availability. Volunteer services offered include general debris removal, help finding and sorting salvageable belongings, chainsaw work, debris removal and installing tarps on damaged roofs. For more information on how to apply for help: 757.793.1837.
VOLUNTEER INFO: WANT TO HELP?
Operation Blessing will be accepting volunteers daily, except for Sundays. Volunteers should meet at the Operation Blessing Mobile Command Center located at Without Limits Christian Center (102 Washington Post Rd, New Bern, NC). Orientation takes place two times: 8:30am and 1:00pm (best to arrive a little early). Day volunteers do not need to register in advance. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, dress appropriately for work in the field (long pants and hard soled shoes or work boots) and also provide their own transportation to and from the work site. Starting Monday, housing will be available for out-of-town volunteers. All out-of-town volunteers must register in advance. For any questions about volunteering, either for the day or to register in advance for housing, please call OB’s national volunteer coordinator: 757.226.3407.
The Operation Blessing team arrived in North Carolina prior to Florence making landfall. Specializing in disaster relief and mass volunteer coordination, Operation Blessing’s convoy of equipment includes a mobile command center, a construction trailer loaded with tools and protective equipment, trucks full of volunteer equipment and supplies, a mobile kitchen capable of serving 1,000 hot meals each day, and a KOHLER power generator. Early next week, Operation Blessing expects to also deploy a new Kohler relief trailer for the first time, a 42-foot trailer offering seven showering stalls, a changing room, an equipment room with washer and dryer for clothing, sinks, faucets, charging outlets for mobile devices, and flat-panel televisions to keep workers up-to-date on news and other information regarding the disaster and ongoing relief efforts.
Operation Blessing is currently working with officials in multiple towns in North Carolina. So far this week, the organization has delivered 3 tractor-trailer truckloads of emergency relief supplies to New Bern, Fayetteville and Lumberton. Each truck contained 16 pallets of Home Depot flood kits, food and bottled water. More than 2,400 meals have also been distributed to residents and responders.
For more information on Operation Blessing International: www.ob.org.
ABOUT OPERATION BLESSING INTERNATIONAL:
Operation Blessing International (OBI) provides humanitarian services such as strategic disaster relief, medical aid, hunger relief, clean water and community development in 39 countries in the last year. Founded in 1978, Operation Blessing International has touched the lives of millions of people in more than 90 countries and every state.
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CONTACT:
Chris Roslan
Roslan & Campion Public Relations
212-966-4600
Cell: 917-538-5629
