Getting Helpful Supplies to Hurricane Ian Victims

getting-supplies-to-hurricane-ian-victims

FLORIDA – Operation Blessing is in coastal Florida partnering with local churches and getting helpful supplies to Hurricane Ian victims. In a matter of hours, the hurricane turned these families’ lives upside down. They now need all the help they can get.

Pastor Greg and his wife have been the leaders of Destiny Church for about 15 years. They said Hurricane Ian was like nothing they’d ever experienced.

“The winds were unbelievably strong. We could see it coming, hear it coming. And the thing that makes this storm different is the storm surge. The waves came in some places, and it just overtook all of those homes. There was no time to get out when it started coming in,” Pastor Greg said.

For many in Florida, the impact of Hurricane Ian is going to be long-lasting. Many residents believe it’s going to take a long time to recover and rebuild. Right now, Pastor Greg and his church are in the recovery stages, helping families get salvageable belongings out of their homes.

Getting Helpful Supplies to Hurricane Ian Victims

Operation Blessing delivered pallets of water, cleaning supply buckets, and other essential items to help families on the long road to recovery. Pastor Greg said, “Operation Blessing were the first ones to respond. Behind me are semi-truckloads full of supplies that we’ve been steadily getting out to the people.”

In the buckets of cleaning supplies are trash bags, gloves, hand sanitizer, and more. Operation Blessing also delivered boxes of ready-made food items that don’t require cooking. This is beyond helpful for many residents still without power.

Thanks to the generosity of our Operation Blessing partners, local churches have what they need to minister to their communities.

Pastor Greg said, “We’re so grateful to everyone who supports Operation Blessing. And we thank all of those that are helping supply all these things because it’s really making a difference.”

Visit ob.org/obdisaster to help victims of disaster now.

To volunteer with Operation Blessing as a disaster relief worker in Florida, visit ob.org/volunteer.

“It’s Like a Warzone” – Damage from Hurricane Ian in Florida

FLORIDA – “Like a warzone.” This is how residents of Florida are describing the damage they face after Hurricane Ian barreled through in late September. The devastation is catastrophic. A reported 76 Floridians even lost their lives to the storm, and the death count only continues to rise. Survivors have just begun the long and arduous process of rebuilding the remnants of towns and homes now heavily damaged by wind and flooding.

Damage from Category 4 Hurricane Ian

For those who did not experience the destruction first-hand, it is hard to understand the scale of the damage. Damage from Category 4 Hurricane Ian includes flooded homes, buildings, schools, and roads. Scores of hurricane victims are now picking up the pieces and in need of help and hope.

“The cleanup here is just going to be enduring for months,” reports CBN’s Brody Carter. But Operation Blessing is poised to provide desperately-needed help to those affected by this historic disaster. U.S. Disaster Relief Deployment Manager David Wright shares, “We have food, pallets of water, tarps to help dry-in the homes, and construction trailers of equipment we can use to help go in and muck-and-gut the houses affected.”

By distributing disaster relief supplies, helping to rebuild, and providing hope to storm victims, Operation Blessing is committed to serving Florida communities in need.

Visit ob.org/obdisaster to help victims of disaster now.

To volunteer with Operation Blessing as a disaster relief worker in Florida, visit ob.org/volunteer.

Loving Our Neighbors After Hurricane Ian

Help Now!

FLORIDA – Our team is on the move in Florida. As soon as roads opened, the compassion of supporters like you got to work, making its way through the flooded streets with help and hope. Hurricane Ian survivors face long days ahead, but together with Operation Blessing, you can be there to walk them through it.

Connecting with Churches to Offer Hurricane Relief

Facing the devastation head-on, our disaster relief team has already delivered aid from our faithful partners to communities like Naples and Cape Coral. We’re handing out critical supplies like tarps for damaged roofs, generators to sustain those without power, and emergency food and water. Many more communities need the same help. Our teams are traveling across the devastated Florida coast assessing damage and preparing to deliver key supplies to the next communities in need.

The U.S. Disaster Relief Team is actively working with local churches who know the needs in their communities and who are motivated to offer hope to the hopeless. We visited Crosspoint Christian Church of Cape Coral, Florida. There, Lead Pastor Matt Swearingen told us their church was actively praying about how they could make a difference. Their prayers are getting answered as the Operation Blessing family equips them with the supplies their neighbors desperately need to experience God’s love in this difficult time.

Help in Their Hour of Need After Ian

As the team headed onward to hard-hit Ft. Myers, devastation was everywhere: semi-trucks flipped over, gas station canopies bent out of shape, and trees ripped from the ground. This community and others like it were traumatized by hours of sheltering in place during the storm, wondering if their families would make it through safely. And now, all they see around them is ruin. But with your help, they can also see a way forward.

Together, we can help lift the burdens of overwhelmed disaster victims. We can offer a glimpse of better days ahead. Will you give the gift of hope today?

You can help now here.

Polish Woman Turns Ski Resort to Shelter for Ukrainian Families

POLAND – Many Ukrainian families are still fleeing the war and going to Poland. To help these refugee families, Magdalena Drag turned her ski resort in Poland into a shelter for Ukrainian families.

Magdalena said, “Doing this has taught me to be open to helping other people, because we never know when we could face a similar situation.”

Shelter For Ukrainian Families In Need

The shelter can house up to 70 people at one time. Magdalena says it’s always full as families rotate in and out while getting on their feet in the new country.

“Sometimes families come to us with nothing in their hands. Normally we buy food and other things to meet their basic needs,” explained Magdalena.

Operation Blessing supported the shelter by dropping off critical supplies and food. With the help of our partners, Magdalena can continue to offer shelter to families in need.

Magdalena thanks everyone who supports Operation Blessing.

Disaster Relief Supplies For Historic Hurricane Ian

disaster relief supplies for hurricane ian victims

FLORIDA – Since Hurricane Ian struck southwestern Florida, this historic storm has ravaged cities all along the coastline causing catastrophic damage. High-speed winds and torrential rain leveled areas like Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island. Giant boats lie smashed in the streets. Over twenty people have been reported dead, and hundreds have been rescued—with both of those numbers expected to skyrocket in coming days. Right now, your support is needed more than ever.

Disaster Relief For Naples, Florida

Already, Operation Blessing supporters have reached out in compassion to touch the hurting with tangible aid. Before the storm even made landfall, the Operation Blessing Disaster Relief Team was already on the ground in Florida prepping gear and loading trucks with essential supplies and tools. Now, our team is on the move delivering vital disaster relief supplies for Hurricane Ian. We made it to Naples, Florida, with our first load last night. Today we’ve begun deliveries to multiple other locations, and will be working feverishly throughout the weekend to get aid where it’s needed most. We anticipate months of intensive work ahead of us as we bless the shattered people of Florida.

Operation Blessing Senior Deployment Manager, David Wright, says, “Thanks to the support of Operation Blessings partners, we’re able to be here handing out much needed supplies—things like generators, tarps, and emergency food and water. We’re also partnering with local churches in the area to help find the greatest needs. “

Disaster Relief Supplies For Hurricane Ian Victims

We can’t stress enough how dire disaster relief supplies for Hurricane Ian victims is at a time like this. Floridians need water, food, generators, tarps, cleaning supplies, and help restoring their communities and their lives. Perhaps just as importantly, they need comfort, support, encouragement, and hope! Let’s all work together to make a true difference for disaster victims in urgent need. You can help now here.

Ready to Assist as Florida Endures Hurricane Ian

**UPDATE 9/30/22 – Our disaster relief team is officially on the move and delivering vital supplies to help hurricane victims in hard-hit areas like Naples, Florida!

FLORIDA – Operation Blessing’s Disaster Relief team is on the ground in Florida, ready just outside of harms way. We are preparing our arsenal of disaster relief equipment and supplies to help families recover after Hurricane Ian passes. Damage reports are flooding in and our local partners are reaching out for urgent help! We will roll out just as soon as travel is possible.

While Hurricane Ian was making landfall, our staff was making sure chainsaws and other essential items are all ready to go. Inside and out of our warehouse we staged pallets of bottled water, Gatorade, tarps and cleaning supplies and loading them onto our trucks and trailers ready to deploy to the areas most affected by Hurricane Ian. One of the ways Operation Blessing can help people facing extensive Hurricane Ian damage is by being ready to go into action as soon as it is safe to do so.

Being Prepared And Assessing Hurricane Ian Damage

As the Hurricane Ian damage gets assessed, Operation Blessing can begin devising a plan to help distribute the supplies. The goal is to get supplies to the places they are most desperately needed. Accordingly, Operation Blessing will work with our local partners to determine how to distribute items the most effectively.

Thanks to the support of Operation Blessing partners, the disaster relief team is equipped to mobilize ahead of the storm to help families take their first steps towards recovery.

Please keep Florida in your prayers. You can help desperate disaster victims now here.

Hurricane Ian Slams Florida as Catastrophic Category 4 Storm

Hurricane Ian slams Florida as a Category 4 storm

**UPDATE 9/30/22 – Our disaster relief team is officially on the move and delivering vital supplies to help hurricane victims in hard-hit areas like Naples, Florida!

FLORIDA – Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida as a catastrophic category 4 storm, about 90 miles south of Tampa Bay near Caya Costa. However, it wreaked havoc over a far larger area including much of Florida’s southwestern coast. Storm surges reportedly reached as high as 18 feet. Buildings were flattened and houses washed away. Authorities fear hundreds are dead.

Roughly 2.17 million residents are without power, and over 10,000 people have hunkered down in shelters. Storm conditions led to the closing of multiple airports, railroads, and ports. The Coast Guard made over 20 rescues yesterday. A large portion of them took place in Ft. Myers. Damage reports will be pouring in throughout the day. Catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surge are forecast to continue as Tropical Storm Ian moves towards Georgia and South Carolina.

As Hurricane Ian Slams Florida Operation Blessing Stands Ready

Thankfully, our USDR team weathered the storm safely. We remain on standby with large quantities of disaster relief supplies and equipment in Ocala, Florida, outside the hardest hit areas. Right now we’re assessing the damage and reaching out to local partners. We will move into the harder hit areas with disaster aid just as soon as travel is possible.

During this tragic time, please keep Florida in your prayers! And pray for our disaster relief team as they reach out to heartbroken survivors. You can give a special gift to disaster victims today at ob.org/disasterrelief

HELP NOW!

Hurricane Ian Threatens the Gulf Coast of Florida

Hurricane Ian threatens Gulf Coast of Florida

**UPDATE 9/30/22 – Our disaster relief team is officially on the move and delivering vital supplies to help hurricane victims in hard-hit areas like Naples, Florida!

For all the latest Hurricane relief efforts, follow us at https://ob.org/tag/hurricane-ian

UPDATE 9/29/22: Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida as a catastrophic category 4 storm, about 90 miles south of Tampa near Caya Costa, but wreaking havoc over much of Florida’s southwestern coast. Storm surges reportedly reached as high as 18 feet as buildings were flattened and houses washed away. Hundreds are feared dead. Please keep Florida in your prayers! Operation Blessing is on standby in Florida and ready to move into the hard-hit areas as soon as possible with vital disaster aid for victims in need.

HELP NOW

UPDATE 9/28/22: Hurricane Ian has strengthened! It’s still barreling toward the western coast of Florida, officially as a category 4 storm with destructive winds and giant storm surges. The powerful center of the storm will make landfall soon, just south of Tampa. However, most of the state will be impacted due to the massive size. During any hurricane we can expect flooding, downed trees loss of power, damaged homes and businesses, and worse. But a category 4 hurricane can completely decimate a city, leaving devastation that looks like a bomb struck it. Please keep them in your prayers!**

FLORIDA – An Operation Blessing disaster response team has already been deployed to Florida with emergency supplies and equipment as Hurricane Ian approaches the Gulf Coast. According to forecasts, the storm could hit the Gulf Coast of Florida with as high as a Category 4 storm surge, along with strong winds and heavy rainfall.

“It’s important to point out to folks that the path of this is still uncertain,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The impacts will be broad throughout the state of Florida.”

Staying Ahead of Hurricane Ian

We are moving out in advance of powerful Hurricane Ian. Our team will be setting up at our warehouse in Ocala, Florida, so they will be ready to respond to storm damage at a moment’s notice – wherever it is most needed along the Gulf Coast. We are already in contact with pastors and relief partners throughout the area to continue to prepare for Hurricane Ian’s landfall later this week. Survivors will need food, water, supplies, encouragement, and assistance with repairs.

As we strive to stay ahead of this destructive storm, we want to be ready for whatever might come our way. You can help! You can join us in providing much-needed assistance to disaster victims.

With the help of partners like you, we have also been on the ground in Puerto Rico, helping residents recover after the devastation that Hurricane Fiona left in its wake last week. Our team is providing disaster relief like food, solar lamps, clean water support, and encouragement that so many need during their darkest hours.

Please pray in the days ahead for our team and those in the path of Hurricane Ian that God will weaken the storm. Let’s stand together, so that no one has to face storms like Hurricane Ian alone. Give a special gift to help disaster victims now.

HELP DISASTER VICTIMS NOW

Food for Hurricane Fiona Victims

food for hurricane fiona survivors in puerto rico

PUERTO RICO – In the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, masses of Puerto Rico residents are without even the most basic necessities. Beyond massive flooding of their homes, roads, businesses, churches, and schools are deeper ongoing problems. The lack of power and access to clean water and supplies is presenting hunger challenges for many Puerto Ricans. One of the biggest challenges is the need for food for Hurricane Fiona victims.

Food Insecurity Issues Following Hurricane Fiona

Compounding the food insecurity issues from Hurricane Fiona is the lack of on-hand provisions for many people on the island. Lillian Doval Estepa, director of a nonprofit help center in Puerto Nuevo, Puerto Rico said, “Most of the people were not prepared.”

Since the storm, she and her team have been working hard to provide food to Hurricane Fiona survivors. They have served hundreds of meals to hungry people who do not have the supplies or facilities to prepare their own.

The situation is so dire that the center workers were forced to go door to door asking for food donations before Operation Blessing arrived. This is a difficult position to be in, since even people who have food must ration it to sustain themselves as the island moves toward recovery. But your generosity changed all that!

Operation Blessing Donors Provide Food for Hurricane Survivors

The endless generosity of Operation Blessing donors has helped to provide food for Hurricane Fiona survivors. Your partnership helped provide ample food and supplies to hungry people whose lives have been decimated by Hurricane Fiona. You helped provide groceries, cleaning supplies, and other essential items to help people get back on their feet. This includes giving hurricane victims access to hot meals. Hot meals help provide comfort to people facing a long road to recovery as the island must rebound from the second massive storm in five years.

Lillian and so many other people are very grateful. She says, “It’s the best thing you can do, because when you feed a person, you give them love, and they feel it.” Thank you for sharing your love with people suffering in Puerto Rico. Even a simple hot meal can help provide solace to those facing so much devastation after the storm.

You can give a special gift to bless disaster victims today!

Hurricane Relief in Ponce, Puerto Rico

distributing disaster relief in Ponce, Puerto Rico, after Hurricane Fiona

PUERTO RICO – Operation Blessing is on the ground in Ponce, Puerto Rico helping hurting residents after Hurricane Fiona. Flood waters from the storm ravaged communities, causing extensive damage.

Since the hurricane hit, around 1 million homes have been left without power, and many lack clean water.

Pastor Giovanni Sasde of Gosèn Family Church shared his personal experience in the aftermath of the storm. ” Like what happened before with Hurricane Maria, we have been greatly impacted by this hurricane. As of now, every sector of the country is still without power. My home doesn’t have any electricity. I don’t have any water.”

Operation Blessing in Ponce, Puerto Rico

Thanks to the generous support of Operation Blessing partners, the Disaster Relief team visited several communities and churches to distribute rechargeable solar lamps and Aquatabs, including Ponce. These tablets purify water and provide residents with clean water to drink and cook with.

Pastor Giovanni said, “That is exactly what we need now in this time where there are so many people with fear and anxiety. We feel blessed that we have Operation Blessing here, because we know their heart. We know that they are urged by the Lord to come and help us.”

The Disaster Relief team is able to be on the ground helping families in Ponce, Puerto Rico, take their first steps towards recovery thanks to the generosity of Operation Blessing partners.

Pastor Giovanni said, “I know that Operation Blessing does great things, and the Lord is always with them. Thank you, and God bless every single person that made this happen.”

To make a special gift to disaster victims in need please visit ob.org/disasterrelief.