Hurricane Zeta: Day 11: Georgia Response Update

Day 11: Georgia Response Update

Our chainsaw crews are still working hard in Georgia to help residents (many of whom can not afford high home insurance deductibles) recover from Hurricane Zeta.

The above & below photos illustrate the extensive damage one homeowner experienced after Zeta barrelled through their property. As pictured, their home needed serious repair and their car was totaled. This poor homeowner had just moved into their new home five days before Zeta hit.

Our whole volunteer team has been working daily to cut trees, remove debris and tarp roofs for homeowners who need a little extra help.

To date, 21 jobs have been completed since this rapid response began just two weeks ago.

Inspiritus' disaster relief team has a small operations center in Cartersville, GA, and a new volunteer base in Marietta, GA, thanks to the kind generosity of AirBnB and McEachern Memorial UMC. Your donations at this stage are critical. Your help ensures unserved communities impacted by Hurricane Zeta will receive free roof tarping, chainsawing, debris removal, and spontaneous volunteer leadership.

Curt got to work with his chainsaw and quickly removed the trees and debris from one homeowner's car and new house.

We work in partnership 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 efforts on the ground in the Southeastern region.

This 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.

2020 is the busiest Atlantic hurricane season on record, as there have been 29 named storms. Unfortunately, the season isn't over until November 30th and Hurricane Eta is currently circling in the Gulf of Mexico.

Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most.

Gratefully,

Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

Inspiritus Disaster Response is made possible through partnerships with:

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

Hurricane Zeta: Day 6: Georgia Response Update

Day 6: Georgia Response Update

Our chainsaw crews have been on the ground since Sunday helping residents (many of whom can not afford high home insurance deductibles) recover from Hurricane Zeta. We've been working daily to cut trees, remove debris and tarp roofs for homeowners who need a little extra help.

Our volunteers are an inspiring group. They hail from places as far away as AZ, MA, MI, KY, and of course, GA. Our CEO, John Moeller, joined us this week to volunteer, too. John frequently joins our disaster relief responses, and we are so grateful for his help.

Homeowner, Starr Swims, pictured outside her home

John told us a wonderful story about two homeowners he met; Starr and Billy Swims. Starr and Billy were exhausted from having to deal with 14 downed trees on their property. One struck one side of the house, and another ripped the electrical box right off their house. They tried to remove some of the tree limbs themselves, but due to Billy's health problems, plus the amount of debris, it proved to be too much for them.

They were overjoyed when they learned from the Bartow EMA that help might be available through Inspiritus. Our dedicated volunteer crew showed up and immediately got down to work clearing all the trees and debris off their property. Starr and Billy were so touched by the hard work of our volunteers, Starr cooked up a delicious meal for our volunteers.

"Starr Swims made her signature dish for lunch - chicken and dumplings, corn bread and sweet tea. It was divine and a real treat for volunteers from Arizona and Massachusetts who were trying the meal for the first time. Mmmmm."

Inspiritus' disaster relief team has a small operations center in Cartersville, GA, and a new volunteer base in Marietta, GA, thanks to the kind generosity of AirBnB and McEachern Memorial UMC. Your donations at this stage are critical. Your help ensures unserved communities impacted by Hurricane Zeta will receive free roof tarping, chainsawing, debris removal, and spontaneous volunteer leadership.

We work in partnership 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 efforts on the ground in the Southeastern region.

This 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.

Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most.

Gratefully,

Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

Inspiritus Disaster Response is made possible through partnerships with:

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

Hurricane Zeta: Chainsawers On the Ground in Georgia

Chainsaw Volunteers on the Ground in Georgia

Hurricane Zeta swept quickly through Georgia last week with over 50 mph winds leaving downed trees, power lines, and damaged homes in its' wake.

Our chainsaw crews have been on the ground since Sunday helping residents (many of whom can not afford high home insurance deductibles) recover from this latest deadly storm.

Chainsaw crews and other heavy equipment operators are just some of our home heroes during a disaster. Here's an inspiring story about one of our volunteers:

Preston Mintz donated his time volunteering as a heavy equipment operator in Orange Beach after Hurricane Sally. After Preston returned to his home in North Carolina, he invited his church to donate to our disaster relief efforts. And donate they did. We just received $5,000 from the Mountain View Missionary Baptist Church in North Carolina to support disaster relief. Thank you, Preston, for being a Home Hero.

Inspiritus' disaster relief team has a small operations center in Cartersville, GA, and are preparing to setup a volunteer base camp at McEachern UMC in Cobb County. Your donations at this stage are critical. Your help ensures unserved communities impacted by Hurricane Zeta will receive free roof tarping, chainsawing, debris removal, and spontaneous volunteer leadership.

We work in partnership 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 efforts on the ground in the Southeastern region.

This 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.

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.

Hurricane Zeta: Rapid Response in Georgia

Hurricane Zeta: Rapid Response in Georgia

HURRICANE ZETA

Hurricane Zeta hit the Gulf Coast as a Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday, leaving over 2.5 million customers without power and at least 3 people dead.

Early this morning, Zeta swept through metro Atlanta and parts of NW Georgia with over 50 mph winds creating a wake of downed trees and power lines. The last time metro Atlanta was under such a threat was October 2018 as Hurricane Michael passed over the region. More than 1 million homes and businesses are currently without power (CNN).

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Inspiritus' disaster relief teams are currently assessing regions from metro Atlanta to parts of NW Georgia, and will be putting chainsaw teams to work (as early as tomorrow) to aid in this latest storm crisis clean-up.

We work in partnership 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.

This 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.

Your donations at this stage are critical. Your help ensures unserved communities impacted by Hurricane Zeta will receive free roof tarping, chainsawing, debris removal, and spontaneous volunteer leadership. 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.

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 Season is Here!

Dear Friends,

An above normal 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is expected, according to forecasters at the National Weather Service. The outlook predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season, which runs through November 30.

We've already seen large storms threaten the Southeast as recently as last week, with Tropical Storm Hanna pounding the COVID-ravaged coast of Texas. This weekend, Florida has many a COVID weary soul watching potential Tropical Storm Isaias.

Thanks to ongoing support and funding from Lutheran Disaster Response, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, and the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, we are currently staffing up in hard-hit areas like Cookeville, TN, a town that was devastated by the Nashville Tornado on March 3rd. We’re on the ground in Cookeville, actively supporting our neighbors and preparing to start the long term recovery process to help them rebuild. The need is extensive in Tennessee, as residents have suffered from tornado damages to their homes in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With so many Southeastern states currently overwhelmed with hot spots of this deadly virus, additional storms could be devastating. Inspiritus is preparing to help, and we'd like you to join us.

In anticipation of these severe weather hurdles, we hope you will consider becoming a monthly donor of Inspiritus' disaster relief efforts. Please click here and select 'Monthly' under the 'Donation Frequency' header to join us.

YOUR MONTHLY DONATION WILL SUPPORT:

• Equipment for debris removal, chain sawing & tarping

• Construction supplies for home repairs

• Ongoing hunger relief through our food bank for residents in hard-hit areas

• Long term recovery planning with emergency officials

• PPE safety gear for our recovery & response teams

• Volunteer coordination support

Your much needed help will continue to ensure we have adequate PPE supplies for our teams on the ground, and appropriate response equipment and shelter for future storms. August is a busy month for us, as we prepare for this potentially extreme and dangerous weather, and launch our Cookeville Tornado long term recovery work in Tennessee.

Please stay safe during these unsettling times. We will continue to keep you updated on our progress.

Kind Regards,

Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development

.

"Every disaster requires PPE. For COVID-19 that means masks and gloves. For tornadoes that means helmets, eye and ear protection, and chaps. I was totally impressed with the gear, the training provided before they put a chainsaw in my hands and the oversight they provided during my time on the job site. The ritual at the end of the day, but before dinner, involved thoroughly cleaning the equipment and readying it for the next day."

– CEO, John Moeller, CEO, Easter Tornado Clean-up, Chattanooga, TN.

Nashville Tornado: Week One-On the Ground

WEEK ONE-LIVE UPDATE

WEEK ONE UPDATE:

Over the past weekend, our Inspiritus Disaster Response teams coordinated nearly all of the spontaneous volunteers who showed up to help in Mount Juliet, leading over 1,500 volunteers on Saturday alone!

Emergency officials in Cookeville were overwhelmed by the level of destruction they endured. They had to turn away over 4,000 volunteers until they partnered with us this weekend. We were able to offer the city quick training and free use of our disaster leadership team in Cookeville, to help.

Together with these local city heroes, we helped coordinate over 2,800 volunteers pouring in from all over the country!

In the North Nashville/Germantown community, our MyCanvas art therapy program empowered youth impacted by the storms to process through their experiences and begin to heal. Each day after the tornado, local Lutheran church partners volunteered and generously provided hot cooked meals to local residents and responders, warming many hearts during this dark time.

As we enter week two of our tornado response, we wanted to share our latest information and action steps:    

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

NORTH NASHVILLE / GERMANTOWN 

- Food Box Distribution Site for residents in this hard-hit area

NASHVILLE AREA

- Response teams for debris removal, chainsawing, & tarping

- Volunteer coordination support

- Long-Term recovery planning

COOKEVILLE

- Response teams for debris removal, chainsawing, & tarping

- Volunteer coordination support

- Long-Term recovery planning

THE NEED:

North Nashville / Germantown - Direct hit to homes and businesses; Growing concern about the need for hunger relief for families without power, especially low income or disabled families and children living in the area or families taking shelter in local facilities.

Nashville Area/Mt. Juliet - Initial surveys indicated EF-3 tornado damage in East Nashville, Nashville Donelson's neighborhood and in Mt. Juliet, a town about 20 minutes east of Nashville, the National Weather Service said. Communities inside and outside of metro Nashville were devastated. Local Emergency Management needs support coordinating volunteer and non-profit agency responders seeking to help with debris removal.

Cookeville - Putnam County emergency officials confirmed 18 of the 24 Nashville tornado fatalities occurred in this one community. Local Emergency Management needs support coordinating volunteer and non-profit agency responders seeking to help with debris removal.

HOW TO HELP:

Donate: click here  

Volunteer: click here  

Mail: Gift Cards & Checks

We need gift cards and financial donations, desperately:

• Home Depot and Lowe's cards: for home repair work and debris removal tools

• Gas cards: to get volunteer teams to and from the disaster sites where homeowners are in need

• VISA cards: for clients who have extreme financial needs for survival, and for disaster work supplies

• WalMart cards: to feed volunteer teams, and for clients with extreme financial needs for survival (ex. Pharmacy medications, baby supplies, etc.)

Gift Cards & Checks can be mailed to:

Inspiritus 

Attn: Disaster Response 

P.O. Box 60597 

Nashville, TN 37206

We're so fortunate and grateful to be working closely with our local community partners, especially the SE Synod of the ELCA and Lutheran Disaster Response. As we enter week two, we continue to need your support to keep our teams on the ground and well-equipped to make a difference.

Please consider making a donation, sending us Home Depot and Lowe’s gift cards, hosting a fundraiser on social media, or even signing up to volunteer in the weeks ahead.

To donate, click here and select Nashville 2020 Tornado.

Blessings to all our friends and family in Nashville! 

-Virginia Spencer

Vice President of Development

Inspiritus

Nashville Tornado: Day Four-On The Ground

LIVE UPDATES FROM THE GROUND

Nashville Area DISASTER RESPONSE: Mount Juliet, TN: Today, our Inspiritus Nashville team is leading 40 volunteers in providing debris removal. The devastation to this community is extensive. Inspiritus Disaster staff member (and Cookeville native) Kevin Burgess, is in Cookeville, TN, where he is working to setup a second operation base, now.

MyCanvas Art Therapy Program

North Nashville Our MyCanvas art therapy program is empowering children & youth in North Nashville to process the trauma of the Nashville Tornado that hit their neighborhood. They are working through a “Transforming Destruction” art project, converting debris found on their street into a Rising Phoenix art structure.

As we enter day four of our tornado response, we wanted to share our latest information and action steps:    

We presently have six AmeriCorps members, one team leader and many volunteers on base under the leadership of Sherry Buresh (our Director of Response), Sabrina More (our Volunteer Manager) and Sue Glassnor. Mike Buresh, former Director of a National and International Disaster Organization, will train and lead in our chainsaw teams. Kevin Burgess (our Construction Manager) is a Cookeville native and he's in his hometown now working to coordinate another Inspiritus operation to help there. We've seen a steady stream of volunteers, but we need more. To volunteer, sign up here

NEW PARTNERSHIPS:

• AirLinks is providing free flights for our leads.

• IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) has asked to partner. Two of them will arrive today, and an additional one on Saturday.

• St. Bernard Project (SBP), a Mississippi based organization and known for long term recovery repair/rebuild has asked to partner with us as well.

• Heavy Equipment Coalition, another non-profit, contacted us last night asking to join us. Their sawyer will arrive this weekend. Besides chainsaws they will be bringing in a mini excavator with them. The excavator and operator will be with us for 3 weeks.

• Christian Emergency Network (CEN) has put out an advisory directing their partners to our website if they are interested in helping. They have 113 partners in the Nashville area. 

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

GERMANTOWN 

- Feeding Station for residents & responders

NASHVILLE

- Response teams for debris removal, chainsawing, & tarping

COOKEVILLE

- Response teams for debris removal, chainsawing, & tarping

THE NEED:

Germantown - Direct hit to homes and businesses; Growing concern about the need for hunger relief for families without power, especially low income or disabled families and children living in the area or families taking shelter in local facilities.

Nashville - This continues to be a search and rescue operation and crews are going house to house. At this time, there are 24 confirmed fatalities, including some children, and more than 88 injuries are being treated at Cookeville Regional Medical Center.*

Cookeville - Putnam County emergency officials confirmed 18 of the 24 Nashville tornado fatalities occurred in this one community, 77 remain unaccounted for at this time.**

HOW TO HELP:

Donate: click here  

Volunteer: click here  

Mail: Gift Cards & Checks

We need gift cards and financial donations, desperately:

• Home Depot and Lowe's cards: for home repair work and debris removal tools

• Gas cards: to get volunteer teams to and from the disaster sites where homeowners are in need

• VISA cards: for clients who have extreme financial needs for survival, and for disaster work supplies

• WalMart cards: to feed volunteer teams, and for clients with extreme financial needs for survival (ex. Pharmacy medications, baby supplies, etc.)

Gift Cards & Checks can be mailed to:

Inspiritus 

Attn: Disaster Response 

P.O. Box 60597 

Nashville, TN 37206

We need your help as those vulnerable in the path of this storm will need additional resources and shelter. To that point, we are also collaborating with our friends at Lutheran Disaster Response, the Tennessee VOAD, the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, and the Mid-South District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, as we assess and prepare our short-term and long-term response and recovery work in Middle Tennessee. We are closely monitoring, day-by-day, the emerging needs of the community surrounding our Inspiritus Nashville program site, and will need partners to help us to continue to respond to these needs next week. 

To donate, click here and select Nashville 2020 Tornado. Our prayers are with everyone in this tornado's path.

Blessings to all our friends and family in Nashville! 

-Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

P.S.This was the first donation made at our Feeding Site on our first day. Hundreds of residents & homeless families in North Nashville depend on Inspiritus Nashville for assistance in their times of need. Our program has been rooted in the community for many years. We were so touched as these neighbors keep showing up at our site asking how they can help their more affluent neighbors of Germantown who live "on the other side of the street". Our work could not be possible without their selfless offers to volunteer, to help with serving meals to emergency responders, and even insistently donating $1 and $2 at a time, despite themselves having no power, insufficient food, declining health, and in some cases, no home of their own. We are humbled by and grateful for their living examples of the widow's mite. 

Nashville Tornado: Day Three-On The Ground

As we enter day three of our tornado response, we wanted to share our latest observations and action plans:      

• We've observed a high level of medical difficulties amongst seniors and the disabled in Germantown & North Nashville attending our Feeding site. As days without power tick by, their health concerns increase with limited to no access to medications and support. We've made a call for nurses and will begin to have a nurse there to help starting this Friday. We have an open invitation for medical personnel to serve at our Germantown /Salemtown location at 11am daily at 1628 Rosa Parks Blvd.
   

• To respond to a high volume of hunger relief needs, we will lift our limits on food box distributions occurring at this site, allowing locals to receive as many food boxes as needed during the first month following the tornado.
   

• To respond to growing concern over the health and well-being of low income children impacted by the storm, we will begin offering our MyCanvas art therapy programming at this site to help children who are out of school, and without power and food, to process through the trauma of the storm.

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

GERMANTOWN 

- Feeding Station for residents & responders

NASHVILLE

- Response teams for debris removal, chainsawing, & tarping

COOKEVILLE

- Response teams for debris removal, chainsawing, & tarping

THE NEED:
Germantown - Direct hit to homes and businesses; Growing concern about the need for hunger relief for families without power, especially low income or disabled families and children living in the area or families taking shelter in local facilities.

Nashville - This continues to be a search and rescue operation and crews are going house to house. At this time, there are 24 confirmed fatalities, including some children, and more than 88 injuries are being treated at Cookeville Regional Medical Center.*

Cookeville - Putnam County emergency officials confirmed 18 of the 24 Nashville tornado fatalities occurred in this one community, 77 remain unaccounted for at this time.**

HOW TO HELP:

Donate: click here  
Volunteer: click here 

Mail: Gift Cards & Checks   

We need gift cards and financial donations, desperately: 

• Home Depot and Lowe's cards: for home repair work and debris removal tools

• Gas cards: to get volunteer teams to and from the disaster sites where homeowners are in need

• VISA cards: for clients who have extreme financial needs for survival, and for disaster work supplies

• WalMart cards: to feed volunteer teams, and for clients with extreme financial needs for survival (ex. Pharmacy medications, baby supplies, etc.)

Gift Cards & Checks can be mailed to:

Inspiritus 

Attn: Disaster Response 

P.O. Box 60597  

Nashville, TN 37206

We need your help as those vulnerable in the path of this storm will need additional resources and shelter. To that point, we are also collaborating with our friends at Lutheran Disaster Response, the Tennessee VOAD, the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, and the Mid-South District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, as we assess and prepare our short-term and long-term response and recovery work in Middle Tennessee. We are closely monitoring, day-by-day, the emerging needs of the community surrounding our Inspiritus Nashville program site, and will need partners to help us to continue to respond to these needs next week. 

To donate, click here and select Nashville 2020 Tornado. Our prayers are with everyone in this tornado's path.
Blessings to all our friends and family in Nashville! 

-Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus  

P.S. Volunteers from across the community and the region unloaded 5,807 pounds of food this morning into the Inspiritus food pantry to be distributed into the North Nashville/Germantown communities. Thanks to the Southeastern Synod ELCA, we have a generator to be able to handle cold products. For the duration of the disaster relief the eligibility requirements will be loosened. Thank you Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee!