Hurricane Debby Response Update

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Dear Friends,

It has been seven weeks since Hurricane Debby made landfall, leaving a trail of devastation across Georgia, particularly in Lowndes and Chatham counties. In Chatham County, around Savannah, the storm triggered severe flooding, prompting evacuations and water rescues by local emergency responders. Meanwhile, in Lowndes County, areas near Valdosta faced powerful winds and heavy rainfall, leading to tornado warnings and widespread power outages. The State of Georgia deployed National Guard troops to assist in the emergency response, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas.

On August 14, 2024, Inspiritus Disaster Response teams arrived in Lowndes and Chatham counties to support survivors on their road to recovery. Our teams provided free Muck & Gut, Debris Removal, Chainsaw, Roof Tarping, and Heavy Equipment services wherever needed most, with priority on assisting those most vulnerable, including families with children, seniors, veterans, and low-income households.

During our six-week deployment, with the unwavering support of our partners, volunteers, and generous donors, we empowered 722 survivors on their journey from surviving to thriving.

IN THE NEWS: HURRICANE DEBBY COVERAGE

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE TO PLAY NEWS CLIP

Linked below are additional news features highlighting the incredible work led by our staff, volunteer leaders, and Team Depot employees from local stores in response to Hurricane Debby:

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 Lowndes and Chatham counties, they also assisted leaders in other local towns and counties to help them assess and manage the people and resources they needed. 

  • Home Assessments, Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Chainsaw, Roof Tarping and Heavy Equipment Services: Volunteers conducted Home Assessments and provided free Muck & Gut, Debris Removal, Chainsaw, 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.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Hurricane Debby: Inspiritus Teams Deployed

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Dear Friends,

As you may know, Hurricane Debby has caused significant damage throughout the state of Georgia, particularly in Lowndes and Chatham counties. In Savannah, the storm brought about unprecedented flooding, with the city receiving nearly 10 inches of rainβ€”more than twice the typical rainfall for the entire month of August. The flooding severely impacted neighborhoods, submerged roads, and led to widespread power outages. In Lowndes County, the situation was similarly dire, with heavy rains causing rivers and creeks to overflow, leading to road closures and widespread property damage. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has extended the State of Emergency, deploying the National Guard and other state resources to assist with road repairs, debris removal, and emergency services. Sadly, Hurricane Debby has resulted in the death of at least 14 people across several states, including Georgia. 

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Project Tasks & Activities:

Inspiritus Disaster Response Teams have been deployed to Lowndes and Chatham Counties and will arrive on Wednesday, August 14. We will be providing a range of critical services, including debris removal, muck and gut, mold sanitation, chainsaw assistance, and small tarp jobs. Additionally, we have heavy equipment teams on standby, prepared to deploy as needed. These 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.

To support our volunteers and maximize our impact, we have secured housing at Garden City United Methodist Church in Savannah, which is centrally located to allow us to reach impacted homeowners in Bulloch, Chatham, and Effingham counties efficiently. Additionally, we have secured housing accommodations at the Georgia Bible Camp in Hahira, GA, situated in Lowndes County, to support our efforts in assisting the local community. Inspiritus is also partnering with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE), and other organizations to ensure homeowners get the comprehensive support they need during this time. As of now, our teams will remain on the ground for the next 30 days.

Projected Outcomes:

  • Providing Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Chainsaw, and Mold Sanitation, services to communities as needed/available

  • Providing Free Home Needs Assessments

  • ο»ΏSupport Individuals Impacted by the Disaster

Community Benefit:

Inspiritus is working to build local disaster response capacities, while also providing direct services to survivors.

  • Capacity Building: Inspiritus is partnering with local emergency and city/county officials to build local disaster response capacity, as needed.

  • Direct Services: Inspiritus staff and volunteers are providing Home Needs Assessments, Debris Removal, and Chainsaw services, along with emotional care to bring safety and peace of mind to homeowners requesting assistance. 

  • 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:

We encourage you to support our Hurricane Debby Response response efforts by donating. The more funds we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help families and individuals impacted by the storm. Your support will provide free Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Chainsaw, and Mold Sanitation services to help families affected, especially those who can't recover without help.
 

VOLUNTEER:

If you would like to make an impact and empower hurricane survivors on the road to recovery, please consider joining our Disaster Relief Team on the ground in Lowndes and Chatham Counties. Our work would not be possible without the support of volunteers like you, committed to assisting survivors in their darkest hours. If you are interested in volunteering, please click the button below.

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 Beryl. Your support will provide free Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, and Chainsaw services to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

VOLUNTEER:

If you would like to make an impact and empower storm survivors on their road to recovery, please consider joining our Disaster Relief Team on the ground in Matagorda County. Our work would not be possible without the support of volunteers like you, committed to assisting survivors in their darkest hours. If you are interested in volunteering, please click the button below.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Hurricane Debby: Pray for Those Impacted

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Dear Friends,

This morning, Hurricane Debby made landfall along the Big Bend coast of Florida as a Category 1 storm, causing extensive flooding and widespread power outages across the region before it's path continued toward Georgia and South Carolina. According to the National Hurricane Center, Debby, the fourth named storm of what is expected to be a historic hurricane season, made landfall at 7 a.m near the coastal town of Steinhatchee with maximum wind speeds of 80 mph. As the storm's path continues, The National Weather Service is reporting a high risk of flash flooding over southeast and central Georgia on Monday and Tuesday. Officials expect between seven and 10 inches of rain with 13 or more inches possible in the extreme southeast central part of the state. Georgia Governor, Brian Kemp, has officially declared a State of Emergency.

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

Inspiritus Disaster Relief staff are closely monitoring the storms impact, and our teams are preparing to deploy wherever needed most. Our primary focus is on Georgia's east coast, particularly in and around the Savannah area, where Inspiritus offices are located. In anticipation of the storms arrival, Inspiritus offices in the Savannah coastal region are closed. If called to respond, we will provide updates as reports come in and as our teams begin their relief efforts on the ground. 

Thank you for your support.
 

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus