Help Empower Tennessee Tornado Storm Survivors

Dear Friend,

Thousands of Tennessee residents remain without power after a deadly string of tornadoes tore through the state on Saturday, December 9th, destroying countless homes, businesses, and killing at least six people. The Nashville suburbs of Hendersonville, Gallatin and Madison − where three people died - were greatly impacted, as they were hit by a tornado with max wind speeds of 125 mph.

In the wake of the devastating tornadoes, Inspiritus is joining hands with Thrivent to make a difference in the lives of those impacted. Your support plays a crucial role in helping us empower survivors, rebuild lives, and address the compounding impact of devastating tornadoes like these. 

To help give hope to as many survivors as possible, Thrivent has made the commitment to match your generosity. For every $2 you donate through our online disaster response campaign, Thrivent will provide a $1 match (up to a maximum of $15,000). We believe in the power of community, and your support can amplify our impact.

You can make a Thrivent contribution today by clicking the button below.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Inspiritus Disaster Response Teams are currently being deployed to Hendersonville, Tennessee to assist local residents on their road to recovery. Our services will be provided wherever needed most, with priority on assisting those who are the most vulnerable, families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households. Inspiritus staff are communicating with local officials and partnering organizations to coordinate our efforts as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

As things develop, we will keep you updated on the need in the Hendersonville community and how you can get involved.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Hurricane Idalia Response Update

Dear Friend,

It's been six weeks since Hurricane Idalia made landfall - striking Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. This devastating storm brought 130 mph winds, 12 ft. storm surges and caused significant damage to thousands of homes and businesses across the southeastern United States. Idalia reached Valdosta, Georgia as a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. Over 1,000 power lines were damaged, leaving 97% of Lowndes county in total darkness.

On September 1, 2023 Inspiritus Disaster Response teams were deployed to Valdosta, GA to assist Hurricane Idalia storm survivors on their road to recovery by providing free Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Roof-Tarping, Chainsaw, and Heavy Equipment services. These services were provided wherever needed most, with priority to those who are most vulnerable, including families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households.

Throughout the 4-week deployment in Valdosta, GA (ending October 1, 2023), Inspiritus Disaster Relief partners, volunteers, and supporters helped empower 237 storm survivors on their path from surviving to thriving.

WHAT WE DID:

• Capacity Building: Inspiritus staff coordinated with local emergency and city/county officials to assist with local capacity building efforts. While staff actively supported operations in and around the Valdosta area, they also assisted leaders in other local towns and counties to help them assess and manage the people and resources they needed. 

• Volunteer Housing: Inspiritus established a volunteer housing base at Valdosta Church of the Nazarene, with the capacity to accommodate overnight volunteers on a daily basis. 

• Home Assessments, Debris Removal, Chainsawing, Muck & Gut, Roof-Tarping and Heavy Equipment Services: Volunteers conducted Home Assessments and provided free Muck & Gut, Chainsawing, Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping and Heavy Equipment services for local residents’ homes where it was safe to enter.

• Support & Care: Volunteers accompanied survivors as they navigated one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.

Thank you for your continued support and helping impacted communities find strength and resiliency during these difficult times. While our Hurricane Idalia response operation has come to a close, you can learn more about Inspiritus' Disaster Relief efforts and the ways you can get involved by clicking the button below.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Hurricane Idalia Response Update: Day 13

Dear Friend,

It has been 2 weeks since Hurricane Idalia made landfall - striking Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Thanks to the generosity of our Disaster Relief partners, volunteers, and supporters like you, Inspiritus Disaster Relief teams are on the ground in Valdosta, Georgia empowering Hurricane Idalia storm survivors on their road to recovery.  

When the storm reached the southeast corner of Georgia, it devastated the city of Valdosta - with flooding, downed trees, and power outages being reported in Valdosta and the surrounding counties. In coordination with local and national partners and government agencies, we have been on the ground, helping to support the hardest-hit communities in Lowndes County, Georgia and have already completed 60 homes since our arrival.

Given the vast amount of downed trees on homes, business and public spaces, the majority of the need so far has been centered around Chainsawing and Debris Removal. We have also tended to homeowners in need of Muck & Gut and Roof-Tarping services. Our help is being provided wherever needed most, and at no cost to the homeowner. Inspiritus teams prioritize assistance to those who are most vulnerable, including families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households.

We continue to be encouraged by the open-arms, strength, and resiliency of the residents of Valdosta. Despite being personally impacted by Hurricane Idalia, the congregants of the Valdosta Church of the Nazarene have opened their doors to feed and house Inspiritus volunteers, joined our response teams in the field, and provided critical support in welcoming and recruiting new volunteers at the Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) this past weekend. They are giving of their time, hands, and hearts to help their neighbors - despite many, including the Pastor and his family, being displaced themselves. 

On behalf of Inspiritus staff and communities impacted by Hurricane Idalia, we are grateful for the generous support from partners, like Valdosta Church of the Nazarene, The Home Depot Foundation, Serve Comm, Rothrock Foundation, local government agencies, volunteers, and numerous others that are helping survivors safely return home.

We will continue our Response in and around the Valdosta area through the end of September. There is still time to help and a great need for assistance of any volunteer skill level. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at (229) 531-3523, to learn how you and/or your group can get involved. The base of operations will be maintained at the Valdosta Church of the Nazarene. Consider joining us there, as we provide urgent help to the individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Idalia.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Project Tasks & Activities:

• Capacity Building: Inspiritus staff are coordinating with local emergency and city/county officials to assist with local capacity building efforts. While staff are actively supporting operations in and around the Valdosta area, they are also assisting leaders in other local towns and counties to help them assess and manage the people and resources they need. Towards the end of our Response, Inspiritus staff plan to offer advisement and support for the development of Long-Term Recovery planning and committees, as needed. 

• Volunteer Housing: Inspiritus has setup volunteer housing at Valdosta Church of the Nazarene, with the capacity to accommodate overnight volunteers on a daily basis. We would like to give a huge thank you to Sever Comm, who has provided our volunteers on base with a shower and laundry trailer.  

• Home Assessments, Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping and Chainsaw Services: Volunteers are conducting home assessments and are providing free Chainsaw, Debris Removal, and Roof-Tarping services for local residents’ homes where it's safe to enter.

• Support & Care: Volunteers are accompanying survivors as they navigate one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

This impactful work would not be possible without the support and generosity of our Disaster Relief Partners.

• Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC)

• Lowndes Emergency Management Agency 

• Rothrock Foundation

• Serve Comm

• Sirens Project

• The Home Depot Foundation

• Valdosta Church of the Nazarene

• Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATE:

Donate to Inspiritus. The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help families and individuals impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Your support will provide free Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping, and Chainsaw services to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

VOLUNTEER:

This work would not be possible without the HEROIC volunteers and Team Leads living at our local Volunteer Housing Camp, who have come in from around the country to lend their time, hands, and hearts to empowering the residents of South Georgia.

Please consider volunteering and joining our team on the ground! You will not only impact the life of storm survivors, but will also be forever changed from this rewarding volunteer experience. You can sign up to volunteer by clicking the button below. You can also sign up to volunteer by calling our Volunteer Hotline at (229) 531-3523. 

Prayerfully consider joining us on the ground in Valdosta, GA now through September 30th. All skills and ages are welcomed. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at (229) 531-3523 or visit www.weinspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.
 

Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Hurricane Idalia Response Update: Day 7

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

"It has been a whirlwind 24 hours. On my visit this week to Ground Zero for Hurricane Idalia in Georgia, I met Lonnie Grant, pastor of the Valdosta Nazarene church. The church has laid out the warm welcome mat and is hosting Inspiritus volunteers around the clock and from around the country.

In the photo above, you will see that his home was nearly destroyed when a 80 foot pine tree came slicing through the side of the house while he and his wife Donna were inside. They have been displaced, are living in a motel, and likely won't be able to return to their home until sometime in 2024. When I asked him about what brings him comfort and support, he said, 'what brings me comfort is offering help to someone else...because I know what it feels like to live through the storm.'

This is the second disaster that Lonnie has been through. That is partly why he and his church members are sacrificing their space, so that Inspiritus volunteers can have a simple place to lay their head at night. The church kitchen, fellowship hall, and every Sunday school classroom is occupied by volunteers.

There is no end in sight to the work. In the photo below, you see a map of all the home owners in Valdosta who have requested help. We learned from the Emergency Management Agency that 1000 homes have either been destroyed or are majorly impacted by the storm in the Valdosta area alone."

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Project Tasks & Activities:

• Capacity Building: Inspiritus staff are coordinating with local emergency and city/county officials to assist with local capacity building efforts. While staff are actively supporting operations in and around the Valdosta area, they are also assisting leaders in other local towns and counties to help them assess and manage the people and resources they need. Towards the end of our Response, Inspiritus staff plan to offer advisement and support for the development of Long-Term Recovery planning and committees, as needed. 

• Volunteer Housing: Inspiritus has setup volunteer housing at Valdosta Church of the Nazarene, with the capacity to accommodate overnight volunteers on a daily basis. We would like to give a huge thank you to Sever Comm, who has provided our volunteers on base with a shower and laundry trailer.  

• Home Assessments, Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping and Chainsaw Services: Volunteers are conducting home assessments and are providing free Chainsaw, Debris Removal, and Roof-Tarping services for local residents’ homes where it's safe to enter.

• Support & Care: Volunteers are accompanying survivors as they navigate one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

VOLUNTEER:

This work would not be possible without the HEROIC volunteers and Team Leads living at our local Volunteer Housing Camp, who have come in from around the country to lend their time, hands, and hearts to empowering the residents of South Georgia.

Inspiritus staff are on the ground setting up a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC), which will be up and running by 7:30am on Saturday, September 9th. The VRC will be located at 1901 Barack Obama Blvd, Valdosta, GA 31601 and will act as a centralized hub to recruit, organize, and manage daily volunteers. Stopby this Saturday between 7:30am-4pm to learn how you can help.

Please consider volunteering and joining our team on the ground! You will not only impact the life of storm survivors, but will also be forever changed from this rewarding volunteer experience. You can sign up to volunteer by clicking the button below.

DONATE:

Donate to Inspiritus. The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help families and individuals impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Your support will provide free Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping, and Chainsaw services to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

Prayerfully consider joining us on the ground in Valdosta, GA now through September 30th. All skills and ages are welcomed. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at 1-800-775-0906 or visit www.weinspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.

Sincerely,

John R. Moeller Jr.
President & CEO
Inspiritus

Hurricane Idalia Response Update

Dear Friend,
 
As you may know, Hurricane Idalia struck central and northern Florida on August 30th, bringing sustained winds speeds near 125-mph and a storm surge of 16ft along Florida’s north-west coastline. The Category 3 hurricane then continued its path of destruction as it tore northward into Georgia and the Carolinas. Once reaching Georgia, Idalia moved through the city of Valdosta as a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 105-mph. Over a thousand power poles in Lowndes County snapped, leaving 97% of the county in total darkness. According to preliminary cost estimates, Hurricane Idalia has caused between $12 billion and $20 billion in damages. 

Inspiritus Disaster Relief has deployed a team to Valdosta, GA and has committed to a 30-day response on the ground. We have established a base of operations at the Valdosta Church of the Nazarene and are assisting Hurricane Idalia storm survivors on their road to recovery by providing free Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping, and Chainsaw services, along with hope and encouragement.

Inspiritus staff are on the ground establishing a VRC (Volunteer Reception Center), which will be up and running by 7:30am on Saturday, September 9th. We are also deploying assessment teams to impacted areas to determine the extent of support that will be needed to help survivors on their path to thriving. We have been coordinating with local and state officials, as well as our partners, to bring much needed assistance to the impacted residents of South Georgia.

There is an urgent need for assistance as we continue to empower the families and individuals impacted by Hurricane Idalia on their journey from surviving to thriving. As we continue our response efforts in Valdosta, GA, volunteers are needed to help survivors recover from this devastating storm. 

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Project Tasks & Activities:

• Capacity Building: Inspiritus staff are coordinating with local emergency and city/county officials to assist with local capacity building efforts. While staff are actively supporting operations in and around the Valdosta area, they are also assisting leaders in other local towns and counties to help them assess and manage the people and resources they need. Towards the end of our Response, Inspiritus staff plan to offer advisement and support for the development of Long-Term Recovery planning and committees, as needed. 

• Volunteer Housing: Inspiritus has setup volunteer housing at Valdosta Church of the Nazarene, with the capacity to accommodate overnight volunteers on a daily basis. This base of operations has been without water and power since our team's arrival. Special thanks to the local Planet Fitness in Valdosta, GA and Valdosta Fire Station No. 4 for opening their shower facilities to the community, including our volunteers on the ground.  

• Home Assessments, Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping and Chainsaw Services: Volunteers are conducting home assessments and are providing free Chainsaw, Debris Removal, and Roof-Tarping services for local residents’ homes where it's safe to enter.

• Support & Care: Volunteers are accompanying survivors as they navigate one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATE:

Donate to Inspiritus. The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help families and individuals impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Your support will provide free Debris Removal, Roof-Tarping, and Chainsaw services to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

VOLUNTEER:

This work would not be possible without the HEROIC volunteers and Team Leads living at our local Volunteer Housing Camp, who have come in from around the country to lend their time, hands, and hearts to empowering the residents of South Georgia.

Please consider volunteering and joining our team on the ground! You will not only impact the life of storm survivors, but will also be forever changed from this rewarding volunteer experience. You can sign up to volunteer by clicking the button below.

Prayerfully consider joining us on the ground in Valdosta, GA now through September 30th. All skills and ages are welcomed. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at 1-800-775-0906 or visit www.weinspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Disaster Teams Deploy to South Georgia

Dear Friend,
 
On the morning of Wednesday, August 30th, Hurricane Idalia made landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast - bringing 125-mph winds, localized flooding, and leaving nearly 300,000 households without power; impacting countless residents of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Touching down in Florida as a Category 3 Hurricane, Idalia made its devastating path across southern Georgia, impacting the city of Valdosta, GA and the surrounding counties. 

Valdosta city officials were asking individuals in that area to shelter in place because of “significant damage” caused by the storm. “Many roads are impassable due to flooding, debris, or lines in the roadway. The recovery efforts are underway, but the damage is vast,” the city said in a Facebook Post.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Inspiritus Disaster Response teams are currently being deployed to Valdosta, Georgia to assist Hurricane Idalia storm survivors on their road to recovery. We will be providing free Chainsaw Services, while assessing the needs of local residents. Through these assessments, Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, and Roof-Tarping jobs will be added to the queue, allowing homeowners to receive the assistance they need. Our services will be provided wherever needed most, with priority on assisting those who are the most vulnerable, families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

As things develop, we will keep you updated on the volunteer needs for this Response operation. In the meantime, we hope you will consider joining us in prayer and thoughts for those tragically impacted by this disaster, and the responders who are helping. If you would like to learn more about Inspiritus' Disaster Relief efforts, and the ways you can help survivors, click the button below. 

Thank you for your support.
 

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

HungerWalkRun 2023 Was A Success!

Hello Friends,

What an amazing Hunger Walk Run we had this year! Even though it was a cold, somewhat rainy day, so many supporters showed up for Inspiritus, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and local food ministries/pantries.

If you did not get a chance to participate, or even if you did, there's still time to donate. You can still donate until March 31:

We had some very impressive totals:

• $43,135.59 in confirmed online donations

• 21 teams

• 247 registered walkers/runners

And, we had some amazing teams joining us this year.

A huge shout out goes to:

• Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Roswell, GA

• Epiphany Lutheran Church, Suwanee, GA

• Epiphany Lutheran Church, Conyers, GA 

• Faith and Grace Lutheran Church, Decatur, GA

• First United Lutheran Church, & Mt. Zion AME, Kennesaw, GA

• Grace Lutheran Church, Carrollton, GA

• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church/Daily Bread, Woodstock, GA 

• Hats for Hunger, Lilburn, GA

• Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Marietta, GA 

• Inspiritus Refugee Services team, Atlanta, GA

• Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta, GA

• Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta, GA

• Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Douglasville GA 

• Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Johns Creek, GA

• Rivercliff Lutheran Church, Sandy Springs, GA

• Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, Stone Mt., GA

• St. John Lutheran Church, Griffin, GA

• St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA

• St Luke's Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA

• St. Luke Lutheran Church, McDonough, GA 

• Trinity Lutheran Church, Lilburn, GA

Hunger Walk was a great success because of you. We won't know the final totals for at least a month since donations will continue to come in through the end of March. We will be in touch once the final numbers come in!

With Gratitude,

– Mary Armstrong-Reiner
Inspiritus Hunger Walk Coordinator
Call/text at: (309)-212-0888

The HungerWalkRun 2021 Results Are In!

Thank you for supporting another successful Hunger Walk Run with Inspiritus. With your support, we raised $92,484.19. This is the most we’ve ever raised!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in the 2021 Hunger Walk Run! This year we had 27 teams from 22 congregations. No matter how big or small your team was, or how much money you raised, YOU made an impact!

Team captains had a great time celebrating together on June 6 – click here for the video!

We'd like to recognize Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Marietta, and team captain Mike Frey, for the most walkers and runners registered online: 43. Also, Don Larsen from Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd was the top fundraiser online: $2,588.

Hunger Walk Run would not be possible without the amazing efforts of our Lutheran congregations who recruit the walkers and runners, raise the lion’s share of the funds, and utilize their percentage of the funds raised to support food ministries in their congregations and in their communities. And this year, with a totally virtual event for the first time, they came through with record setting results!

The TOP TEN CONGREGATIONS:

1. Trinity Lutheran Church, Lilburn $17,564.00

2. Grace Lutheran Church, Carrollton $14,597.55

3. Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta $12,938.64

4. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Johns Creek $11,291.00

5. Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Roswell $6,755.00

6. Rivercliff Lutheran Church, Atlanta $5,540.00

7. St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta $4,310.00

8. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Marietta $3,850.00

9. Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Douglasville $3,773.00

10. St. Luke Lutheran Church, Atlanta $2,625.00

Trinity Lutheran has set an all-time record for amount raised by one congregation!

The Hunger Walk Run is an event of the Atlanta Community Food Bank that unites our community to raise awareness and critical funds for local hunger relief. Proceeds from the event benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and partner organizations like Inspiritus that help recruit participants and receive a percentage of the funds raised to support their hunger relief programs. Hunger Walk funding for Inspiritus is a vital part of our Refugee and Immigrant services programming. The funds will provide culturally appropriate food for newly arrived refugees on their first night in the United States, and longer as needed while they are striving to secure employment and attain self-sufficiency. Emergency food assistance is also available for refugees and immigrants facing food insecurity. We offer meals to families that participate in extended cultural orientation classes to learn how to navigate in their new communities, and snacks for refugee children who attend our summer camp program.

Thanks again to all who participated, and truly went the extra mile to make Hunger Walk Run 2021 a success. We are grateful for your partnership and support, and we look forward to walking together in the fight against hunger in 2022!

With Gratitude,
– Lorraine Dorough
Inspiritus

World Refugee Day is June 20

Dear Friend,

Please join us and our Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies partners as we celebrate World Refugee Day at Refuge Coffee Co., in Clarkston on Jun 20th!

Enjoy delicious food from local vendors, family-friendly activities, and delicious iced tea and coffee drinks as you meet your neighbors. Listen to special guest speakers, gather information at our advocacy booth, and experience incredible music and dance performances by various community groups. Shop locally from refugee and immigrant business owners at our vendor’s market.

Guests are asked to please register in advance. Invite interested friends and family members and share the news on your social channels using the hashtags #GALovesRefugees #RefugeesWelcome

If you have any questions, please contact me at sarah.burke@weinspirit.org

Don't miss this chance to show your support for refugees-RSVP below!

With Gratitude,

– Sarah Burke
Community Engagement Coordinator
Inspiritus

Day 20: Southeastern Tornadoes & Flood Response Update

Dear Friends,

Our disaster relief efforts in Georgia and Tennessee are still going strong following the devastating tornadoes and floods that ravaged the Southeast at the end of March.

We're so fortunate and grateful to be working closely with our local community partners, especially the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, however we continue to need your support to keep our teams on the ground and well-equipped to make a difference.

Inspiritus’ Kevin Burgess led a group of Home Depot volunteers as they removed debris from homes impacted by these catastrophic tornadoes.

Below is how we're helping survivors in Newnan, Georgia and South Nashville, Tennessee:

GEORGIA:

Where:

Our teams are currently on the ground in Newnan. Special thanks to the Go Church for hosting us at one of their properties, the former Palmetto Church of God. The Inspiritus volunteer and housing operation center is located at 84 Smith Circle, Newnan GA 30265. We have space and capacity for additional volunteers to be housed safely at this location, so please consider joining us.

Who:

As of today, our Inspiritus staff and volunteers have completed:

• Over 215 volunteer hours

• 60 assessments

• 10 saw jobs

• 12 debris removal projects

What:

Inspiritus is collaborating with local churches and partners, including ITDRC, and the Siren Project to prepare to stay a few more weeks. We're supporting local families with damage and needs assessment coordination, debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, emotional and spiritual care, and other assistance as needed.

Our special thanks goes out to Home Depot and the Home Depot Foundation for their continued generosity and support as we empower disaster survivors on their journey from surviving to thriving!

#NewnanStrong

TENNESSEE:

Tennessee's flood event 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 has been on the ground in South Nashville since Monday evening, completing damage assessments for flood survivors. Special thanks to Christ Lutheran Church in Nashville for hosting us for this effort.

Who:

Our disaster relief staff are working closely with our partners: Hands On Nashville, TN VOAD, and the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA.

What:

Our crews are currently assessing and preparing to provide the following services:

• muck & gut

• mold sanitation

• mitigation

• chainsaw

• debris removal

• sort & salvage

HOW TO HELP:

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

If you'd like to volunteer in Newnan, Georgia, please contact Sabrina More: sabrina.more@weinspirit.org

To volunteer in Nashville, please sign up through Hands On Nashville HERE

DONATE TODAY: click here or checks can be mailed to:

Inspiritus
Attn: Disaster Response
731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30308

If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking below. Thank you for your continued prayers and generous support.

Kind Regards,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Day 11: Southeastern Tornadoes & Flood Response Update

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 at the end of March.

Thousands of individuals have been impacted by these tragic weather events, and our hearts go out to each and every one of them.

Click the image below to see how you can help empower the survivors of the Southeastern Tornadoes & Floods:

Below is how we're helping survivors in Newnan, Georgia and Middle Tennessee:

GEORGIA:

Where:

Our teams are currently on the ground in Newnan. Special thanks to the Go Church for hosting us at one of their properties, the former Palmetto Church of God. The Inspiritus volunteer and housing operation center is located at 84 Smith Circle, Newnan GA 30265. We have space and capacity for additional volunteers to be housed safely at this location, so please consider joining us.

Additional thanks to Community Incident Response Foundation for loaning us their Shower Trailer for this effort, and Blue Diamond for loaning their skid loader.

Who:

Since Tuesday, Inspiritus has been training county staff and volunteers to conduct Damage Assessments across the region. Inspiritus staff and volunteers are on the ground now leading volunteer response teams with debris removal efforts. To date, 1700+ homes have been reported as affected by the tornadoes, and the count rises daily.

What:

Inspiritus is collaborating with local churches and partners, including Home Depot, the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, ITDRC, and the Siren Project to prepare to stay in the weeks ahead. We're supporting local families with damage and needs assessment coordination, debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, public road clearing, emotional and spiritual care, and other assistance as needed.

#NewnanStrong

Inspiritus Volunteers on the ground

TENNESSEE:

Tennessee's flood event 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 and recovery efforts in the Middle Tennessee region.

Who:

Our disaster relief staff are working closely with local Emergency Management officials, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), the Tennessee VOAD, the SE Synod of the ELCA, and our local partners to assess and identify ways to help. In the weeks ahead, Inspiritus will be leading efforts to serve outside of the Nashville area in communities that haven't received sufficient assistance.

What:

Five Inspiritus volunteers are currently helping with the crisis cleanup phone lines, helping to process requests for assistance from local homeowners.

We are continuing to work with our partners to identify local unmet needs and will provide updates soon.

HOW TO HELP:

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

If you'd like to volunteer in Newnan, Georgia or Middle Tennessee, please contact Sabrina More: sabrina.more@weinspirit.org

DONATE TODAY: click here or 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

Day 7: Southeastern Tornadoes & Flood Response Update

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

This Good Friday: A Message From John Moeller

Dear friends and colleagues,

I hope each of you are looking forward to a long Easter weekend. As a faith-based organization, Inspiritus recognizes Good Friday as a holiday. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the holiday, on Good Friday Christians commemorate the passion, suffering and ultimately gruesome death of their Lord, Jesus Christ, on a cross at the hands of fellow human beings. It is the beginning of a 3 day vigil that chronicles Jesus’ death, burial and culminates with the celebration of His resurrection from the grave.

I find the weekend particularly meaningful because of the suffering and trauma that our staff and I see every day in our shared ministry at Inspiritus with people. At any given time we are either suffering ourselves or suffering with another human being. Our lives, our work and the lives of those whom we accompany are full of struggle. Sometimes the struggle is very dark and grim and death ensues. For sure, death is a very present danger in our work.

While Good Friday is about death, the Easter story culminates in a resurrection. And that’s what I want to draw your attention to this weekend. While our lives are intricately woven together with our clients and together are full of heartache and challenge, we at Inspiritus also get the benefit of seeing life triumph over death. We witness storm victims celebrating their very lives in the midst of losing every worldly possession. We witness children who are placed in our foster care, tenaciously clinging to life with little hope for a healthy future, awaken in the loving embrace of a foster family.

We witness adults who have intellectual or developmental disabilities move from a limited existence to a vibrant life in the care of host home support companions. We witness daily the return of life to the eyes of refugees and asylum seekers who, fleeing death upon their arrival in our presence, could offer nothing but blank stares and weary eyes. We witness ever present smiles and words of gratitude in food bank lines despite the fact that they have to come to make ends meet week after long week. Everyday individuals and families that the world has written off are painstakingly stitched back together, relationships are healed and life is reborn.

Our work is holy. Our work is resurrection work. You and I ultimately believe that life triumphs over death. Let us never forget this truth.

God bless you during this season and always!

Rev. John R. Moeller, Jr

President & CEO of Inspiritus

Day 5: Southeastern Tornadoes & Flood Response Update

Dear Friends,

Last Thursday, a wave of tornadoes rolled across five southern states, leaving at least six people dead and inflicting heavy damage in its wake. Saturday evening, Nashville, Tennessee experienced the fourth worst flood in the state’s history. This flood has taken the lives of six people, and left hundreds coping with flooded cars, apartments, and homes.

Inspiritus has been called in to help in Birmingham, Alabama; Newnan, Georgia; and Nashville, Tennessee. We've been assembling our three responses and want to give an update on the progress in each of these regions:

ALABAMA:

The Birmingham, Alabama tornado destroyed homes and lives, causing major damage to communities across Central Alabama.

Where:

Inspiritus has set up volunteer operations and a housing station at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Birmingham, AL.

Who:

From this site, we will be providing volunteer response services to the communities impacted (such as Pelham and Columbiana).

What:

In Birmingham, we’re coordinating with Southeastern Synod of ELCA and several congregations who are generously providing meals and airport transportation for our disaster response volunteers.

Our disaster relief volunteers are providing free debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, public road clearing, and other assistance as needed.

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:

Inspiritus staff, Kevin Burgess, and volunteers are helping officials setup and open the local Volunteer Reception Center. Staff have begun to train local county staff and volunteers to conduct Home Damage Assessments across the region. We will assist with coordinating all spontaneous volunteer efforts and support for local families through this center.

What:

In Newnan, GA, Inspiritus is collaborating with local churches and partners, including the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA to prepare to stay on the ground in the weeks ahead to support local families with debris removal and emotional and spiritual care.

Our disaster relief volunteers are providing free debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, public road clearing, and other assistance as needed.

Yesterday, volunteers brought in much needed tools, provided courtesy of the Atlanta Community Tool Bank.

TENNESSEE:

Torrential rains slammed into the Nashville region Saturday night, causing rivers and creeks throughout 4 counties to flood. This flood event 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.

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

Day 1: Preparing to Help After Deadly Tornadoes

A wave of tornadoes rolled across five southern states on Thursday, leaving at least six people dead and inflicting heavy damage in its wake. Fourteen tornadoes alone were reported in Alabama, according to the National Weather Service. All in all, there were 22 tornado reports across Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi. (CNN)

Inspiritus stands ready to help as part of our ongoing commitment to assisting impacted communities with basic needs, stability and safety, and we are currently in touch with on-the-ground authorities and partners in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

Image c/o Patch/Alabama

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.

Our disaster relief teams are preparing to help lead volunteers in debris removal, chain-sawing, roof tarping, and other supports to damaged homes and properties. Please consider volunteering to help. We will update you soon with details of where and when we could use your assistance.

To stay on top of our latest information, please follow us on our website weinspirit.org and on all our social channels found at the bottom of this email.

We will continue to keep you informed on any plans for an organized disaster response as they develop. Our hearts are heavy for those impacted by these terrible tornadoes. Please join us in prayer for their swift recovery.

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Giving Tuesday was a success because of you!

Hi Friends,

By now you are thinking, PLEASE not another Giving Tuesday email from Inspiritus!

Well, we have to send just one more to let you know that because of you're overwhelming generosity and support, we exceeded our goal of $5,000. We reached over $12,000 in donations, including a generous $5,000 match grant from Jill & Eli Flournoy and The Bash Party Rentals.

You made such an impact this Giving Tuesday. We are beyond grateful. Thank you again for all your support!

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer

Vice President of Development

Inspiritus

Giving Tuesday is a week away

Giving Tuesday is one short week away.

Join us next Tuesday, December 1st for a day of giving and celebration. The goal is simple and powerful: to connect more Georgians to Inspiritus for the largest day of giving in our state. Here are a few ways you can participate:

POST. Share all our Facebook posts about Giving Tuesday on your social media channels (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and help us spread the word! Use the hashtags #GAGives #GivingTuesday

EMAIL. Forward this email with our "GIVE VIDEO" below to your personal network of friends & family, and ask them to forward on to their network. After all, sharing is caring!

DONATE. Please show your support and make a donation to Inspiritus by donating here.

Early donations are now accepted and will go towards our overall goal. Give today to receive a 100% match up to $5,000, courtesy of Jill & Eli Flournoy and The BASH Party Rentals

WATCH & SHARE. Watch and share our "GIVE HOPE" video below. Please share this video with your faith congregation, friends & family today to support our #GivingTuesday efforts.

Your gift will help more individuals and families get back on the path from surviving to thriving. Thank you from all of us here at Inspiritus. We hope you have a safe & healthy Thanksgiving and holiday season!

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer

Vice President of Development

Inspiritus

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.

Give Hope This Holiday Season

This year, give the gift of hope...

The Inspiritus Hope Tree program gives the gift of hope to children in foster care, refugee and immigrant families seeking a new life, and adults with developmental disabilities who may not otherwise receive a gift.

We are living in unprecedented times. Everyone has been impacted in some way by this year's worldwide pandemic. Christmas will look different this year. Whether it is different because family gatherings are scaled back or cancelled, or because of the recession’s financial impact, there will likely be fewer presents under the tree.

We understand that even if you have traditionally participated in our Hope Tree Christmas giving, you may not be able to this year, and that is ok. This year we are offering a virtual option for those who are able to give to those in need. All of the individuals and families we support have been impacted in some way by the pandemic. Some have experienced job loss or reductions in pay, students have had interrupted educations because they haven't been able to sustain virtual learning, and our adults with developmental disabilities and some of our children in foster care are STILL under shelter-in-place orders because of their compromised health conditions.

If you are able, please support this year's Hope Tree program by signing up to purchase a $25 gift card(s) and mailing them to Inspiritus P.O. Box 7829 Atlanta, GA 30357 by DECEMBER 16th.

You may also choose to purchase a coat. You can sign-up for both gift card and coat donations here. There you will also see instructions for coat drop-offs. Gift card donations will be used by Inspiritus staff to purchase coats for one of the children or adults that Inspiritus accompanies. Where coats are not needed, gift cards will be given to host home providers to purchase Christmas gifts for individuals with disabilities who live in their homes.

If you have questions, please reach out to Sarah Burke, our Community Engagement Coordinator at Sarah.Burke@weinspirit.org or 706-992-2421

Thank you for the meaningful ways you and your congregations live out your lives as people of faith. Inspiritus is blessed to partner with you as we accompany the most vulnerable among us on their journey from surviving to thriving.

Also, be sure to join us for #GivingTuesday - the Global Day of Giving on Tuesday, Dec 1, 2020.

We're proud to be a part of this global celebration of giving through GAGives. In this time of uncertainty, there's a fundamental truth that gives us hope - that together we can do extraordinary things.

Save the date and be sure to bookmark this link: https://www.gagives.org/organization/Inspiritus

Gratefully,

Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

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.