Day 7: Southeastern Tornadoes & Flood Response Update
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Dear Friends,
Inspiritus Disaster Response teams are providing relief in Newnan, Georgia and Middle Tennessee following the devastating southeastern tornadoes and floods that ravaged five states last week.
Thousands of individuals have been impacted by these tragic weather events, and our hearts go out to each and every one of them. The upcoming Easter holiday is a sacred time usually spent with family and friends, however, many of the individuals and families in these regions have lost everything.
Click on image below to see WSB-TV news coverage of Inspiritus' efforts in Newnan:
*Also, read more about Inspiritus and work we're doing on the ground in the latest issue of the Newnan-Times Herald
Below is how we're helping survivors:
GEORGIA:
Where:
The Newnan, GA tornado was one mile wide, and had a 170 mph maximum wind speed.
Our teams are currently on the ground in Newnan, GA where we have set up an operations office at the Coweta County Emergency Operations Center. The University of West Georgia has kindly provided 34 dormitory rooms, as well as, dinner for our volunteers during this response.
Who:
Since Tuesday, Inspiritus disaster relief lead construction manager, Kevin Burgess, along with a group of experts, have been training volunteers to conduct Home Damage Assessments across the region:
"It's a needs assessment training–we're training individuals to go out, knock on doors and ask questions of what is needed, how we can help, and then we're taking that information, bringing it back here, and we're using that information to get the proper volunteers and the proper resources to the right place."
– Kevin Burgess
What:
In Newnan, GA, Inspiritus is collaborating with local churches and partners, including the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA and Home Depot, to prepare to stay in the weeks ahead. We're supporting local families with damage and needs assessment coordination, management of the volunteer reception center, debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, public road clearing, emotional and spiritual care, and other assistance as needed.
Kevin Burgess with Pastor Terry Lemons, Pastor of Newnan Chapel UMC, the congregation that hosted our training for all damage assessors.
TENNESSEE:
Tennessee's flood event last Saturday has left six people dead, hundreds rescued from flooded cars and homes, and extensive damages to businesses and homes. It is marked as the worst flood in the last decade.
Where:
Inspiritus disaster relief services have been requested to assist in flood response efforts in the Middle Tennessee region.
Who:
Our disaster relief staff are working closely with local Emergency Management officials, the SE Synod of the ELCA, and our local partners to assess and identify ways to help.
What:
Inspiritus is providing remote volunteers to help with the crisis cleanup phone lines and intake requests for assistance from local homeowners.
We are working with partners to identify local unmet needs and will provide updates soon.
Inspiritus' Kevin Burgess coordinating volunteers on the ground
ALABAMA:
The Birmingham, Alabama tornado destroyed homes and lives, causing major damage to communities across Central Alabama.
Special thanks to John Boettner, the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, and the many generous individuals and groups who helped host our volunteers last week.
HOW TO HELP:
VOLUNTEER WITH US!
If you'd like to volunteer in the Southeastern Tornadoes and Flood response efforts, please contact Sabrina More: sabrina.more@weinspirit.org
Inspiritus is coordinating volunteers from local communities and afar. People are contacting us from all over the country, and we have volunteers flying in from as far away as Washington and Michigan to help out on the ground. Volunteers are even helping remotely from their homes, supporting Crisis Cleanup requests in Nashville, as well as other opportunities across all three states.
DONATE TODAY: click here
Checks can be mailed to:
Inspiritus
Attn: Disaster Response
731 Peachtree Street NE
Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30308
Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking below. Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee are in our prayers during this unprecedented time of disaster. Thank you for your prayers and generous support.
Kind Regards,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus
