Texas Wildfires: Inspiritus Teams Deployed

Dear Friends,
 
On February 26, the largest wildfire in Texas state history broke out causing extensive damage to over 1.1 million acres across the Texas Panhandle. Fueled by dry and windy conditions, this wildfire – known as the Smokehouse Creek fire – is now one of the largest fires in U.S. history, though the initial cause is still unclear. Unfortunately, authorities have confirmed that two people have died in connection to the wildfires, so far. The blaze has also killed thousands of livestock, charred crops, and has burned numerous homes, many uninsured, leaving countless families displaced. On February 27, Randall County, Potter County, and City of Amarillo, Texas declared a local state of disaster.

Unfortunately, many of the communities impacted by the Texas Panhandle Wildfires lack the economic resources and infrastructure needed to recover on their own. It will continue to take the efforts of local and national Response Teams and supporters like you to help affected residents rebuild their lives.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Inspiritus Disaster Response Teams arrived in Amarillo, Texas on Saturday, March 9 and will be assisting survivors on their road to recovery. We have established a base of operations at The Trinity Nazarene Church of Borger. At the request of the Texas Panhandle VOAD, our teams are managing the Volunteer Reception Center located at The Dome Civic and Convention Center. Authorities are allowing homeowners to return this week and our teams will be conducting rapid home assessments, where it is safe to enter. Inspiritus staff have started communications with homeowners and will begin assessments and field work on Tuesday, March 12.
 
This critical work would not be possible without the support of Inspiritus donors, our incredible volunteers, and partners like The Home Depot Foundation, ToolBank USA, Airlink, and International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) - who are generously providing needed tools, volunteer flights, and required personal protective equipment (PPE) for this response.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We hope you will consider joining us in prayer and thoughts for those tragically impacted by the Texas Panhandle Wildfires and the responders who are helping. To learn more about Inspiritus' Disaster Relief efforts and the ways you can help survivors, click the button below.

Thank you for being a vital part of our community and supporting Inspiritus as we accompany these individuals & families on their path from surviving to thriving.

 

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus 

A Veteran's Disaster Experience

Harold McKinley: A Veteran’s Stand Against Adversity with Inspiritus

By Richard Luthmann

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Fort Myers tells a stark tale. It’s about Harold McKinley, 91, a Navy veteran, betrayed by those he trusted to repair his home. He’s out $17,000. Enter Inspiritus. They’re not just a group; they’re his saviors.

Julie Dimitrov from Inspiritus is clearcut in her words. “Our mission is simple yet critical. We step in immediately after disasters. Then we stay. We rebuild homes, lives,” she says. Inspiritus joins forces with SHARC, a Florida state program, and groups like Community College Initiative, Pelican Ministries, and Anthem Church. It’s a strong alliance committed to rebuilding and restoring.

Harold’s from Louisville, Kentucky. His past is like a movie. He played football with Johnny Unitas and Paul Horning. He knew Cassius Clay before the world called him Muhammad Ali. “Those were days of strength,” Harold recalls. His voice, though aged, carries a weight. “Then the hurricane came, and those contractors. They left me with nothing. It felt like the end.”

But it wasn’t. Mike Moultrie, Inspiritus’ project manager, oversees the rebuilding. He’s more than a supervisor; he’s a teacher. “It’s about skills, sure. But it’s about spirit, too. We’re teaching these young volunteers to build, help, and care,” Mike states. He’s a man of few words, but each one counts. 

Inspiritus Volunteers with Harold McKinely, 91, in front of his home. They helped him rebuild after Ian and unlicensed contractors struck.Photo byRichard Luthmann / Sun Bay Paper

Volunteers swarm the site. Among them, Deztiny Carter from Colorado Springs, Manuela Huertas, Ruby Martinez. They’re diverse and driven. “I never knew a hammer could be so powerful, not just in building, but in bringing hope,” says Deztiny. Manuela nods. “We’re here to fix walls, but we’re mending more than that.” Ruby’s view is simple. “Different stories, one purpose. Rebuild, restore.”

Harold’s ordeal is not just his. It speaks to a broader problem. Post-disaster, the vulnerable often face deception. Unlicensed contractors are quick to promise and quicker to flee. Harold’s story brings this to light, a grim reality for many.

“A licensed General Contractor gives the customers a safety net. If they are not licensed they are beholden to no one. Always ask for their license, insurance, and employee vetting process to save yourself headaches,” says Troy Conner of First Priority Restoration, a reputable and licensed GC in Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach.

Mike Moultrie and Julie Dimitrov discuss the ongoing work in Harold McKinley's home. Photo by Richard Luthmann/ Sun Bay Paper

But in this story, there’s a quiet triumph. “This house, it’s not just mine. It’s built by hands of strangers, now friends,” Harold says, looking over the bustling site. “It’s more than a structure. It’s a testament to kindness, to humanity.”

Harold McKinley’s story, told in rebuilding his home, is a narrative of resilience. It’s a tale of a community’s strength, a veteran’s unwavering spirit, and the power of collective action against the odds. In the simple yet profound acts of rebuilding, there lies a story of hope, a narrative that resonates with the enduring power of human connection and solidarity. 

To learn more about the Inspiritus Disaster Relief Program and how you can get involved visit www.weinspirit.org/disaster-relief

Disaster Teams Deploy to Hendersonville, TN

Dear Friend,

On Saturday, December 9th, a deadly string of tornadoes tore across Tennessee leaving at least six people dead, more than 50 injured, and an extensive amount of damage to countless homes and businesses. While this deadly storm impacted residents across the state, the city of Hendersonville - in Sumner county - was one of the hardest hit communities. Slammed with an EF-2 tornado, Hendersonville experienced max wind speeds of 130 mph with a staggering width of 400 yards. 

Unfortunately, many of the communities impacted by these devastating tornadoes lack the economic resources and infrastructure needed to recover on their own. It will continue to take the efforts of local and national Response Teams, and supporters like you, to help affected residents rebuild their lives.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Project Tasks & Activities:

Inspiritus Disaster Response Teams have been deployed to Hendersonville, TN and are on the ground assisting Tennessee Tornado storm survivors on their road to recovery by providing free Home Assessments, Debris Removal, and Chainsaw services. These services are being provided wherever needed most, with priority on assisting those who are the most vulnerable, families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households.

Arriving on December 12th, our teams have helped over a dozen storm survivors so far, with more homes and families in the queue. Inspiritus volunteers are conducting rapid home needs assessments and are prepared to help deploy spontaneous volunteers to assist with Chainsaw & Debris Removal jobs, as needed.

Our staff are coordinating with County & StateEmergency Management, United Way of Sumner County, Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce, ToolBank USA, and Faith partners including Hendersonville Church of the Nazarene, Concord Mission, and otherTennessee VOAD's (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) in the area to empower these storm survivors on their road to recovery. 

Projected Outcomes:

• Providing Free Debris Removal & Chainsaw Services to Communities as Needed/Available

• Providing Free Home Needs Assessments

• Support Families & 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. We have established a base of operations at Hendersonville Church of the Nazarene, who generously opened their doors to house Inspiritus volunteers. Thanks to the support of Concord Mission, our Response Teams have also been equipped with laundry & shower trailers to utilize over the course of this response operation.

• 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:

As things develop, we will keep you updated on the volunteer needs for this Response operation. In the meantime, we encourage you to support our Tennessee Tornado response efforts by donating. The more funds we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help individuals & families impacted by the storm. 

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 contribution today by clicking the button below. Your support will provide free Home Assessment, Debris Removal, and Chainsaw services to help individuals & families in need, especially those who can't recover without help.

Thank you for being a vital part of our community and supporting Inspiritus in empowering individuals & families on their journey from surviving to thriving.

 

Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Your Favorite Inspiritus Programs: 2022 Highlights

As we look back on 2022, this year tells a story of resilience, strength, and determination despite the storms of life that affect each of us and those we have the honor of serving. From the family arriving from a war-torn country with nothing but the clothes on their back who is given a warm home and welcome from Inspiritus staff and volunteers in Alabama, Georgia, or Tennessee, to the disabled senior veteran whose home has been restored after the tornado (or flood, or hurricane) hit both his home and his hope. On behalf of the 8,504 survivors we accompanied this year through life’s storms, thank you for your compassion and commitment to empowering each one on their path from Surviving to Thriving.

Moeen Amini, Interpreter for the U.S. Military in Afghanistan, was interviewed by Allied News. He reflected, “We really lost hope to live. We faced a lot of Taliban checkpoints. I cannot explain how hard it was facing those people. You know, seeing hundreds of people with guns and stopping us and asking us, ‘Who you are, where are you going? And why are you leaving the country? Are you people the U.S. military supporters, is that why you’re leaving the country?'"

Moeen and his family were resettled in Clarkston, Georgia. Upon arrival, however, no one was willing to hire him. Thanks to supporters like you who help us respond to the urgent needs of refugees, like the newly arriving families from Afghanistan, Moeen and hundreds of others have found housing, work, and schooling this year.

Inspiritus’ mission is to empower families to do more than survive…but to also thrive. In 2022, the Inspiritus Refugee and Immigrant Services team pivoted from resettlement of Afghan Allies to the ‘Long Welcome’— the extended period after a family is housed, when our teams help them pursue upskilling and securing career recertifications so they can earn enough income to fully support their families. We are also helping them to apply for permanent immigration status. Your donations make it possible for families like Moeen’s to thrive again.

Elizabeth Moore and her husband rushed to get their children to safety as 6 feet of water filled their home, making it uninhabitable. They applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and were rejected three times. On July 26, Inspiritus deployed a team to East Kentucky to provide the critical help needed after these flash floods. Inspiritus leaders helped homeowners, like Elizabeth, navigate FEMA, and volunteers worked endlessly to clean up the debris from flood ravaged homes.

Elizabeth Moore and her husband rushed to get their children to safety as 6 feet of water filled their home, making it uninhabitable. They applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and were rejected three times.

On July 26, Inspiritus deployed a team to East Kentucky to provide the critical help needed after these flash floods. Inspiritus leaders helped homeowners, like Elizabeth, navigate FEMA, and volunteers worked endlessly to clean up the debris from flood ravaged homes.This year, Inspiritus deployed Response teams to help give hope to thousands of survivors impacted by the Mayfield Tornado, East Kentucky Floods, and Hurricane Ian.

In addition, Inspiritus Recovery teams repaired 70+ homes in Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. When partners like you support our work on the ground, we can deploy teams faster to help the most vulnerable recover. Prayerfully consider donating or volunteering today with our disaster relief efforts.

We have come a long way as Inspiritus celebrates almost four years since we merged the organizations of Lutheran Services in Tennessee and Lutheran Services of Georgia. From the beginning, we have dreamed of ways to better meet the local community’s increasing needs from our site at the old St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. We are excited to tell you that we are on the verge of that dream being realized.

In the coming months, you will hear more about Inspiritus’ Campus Redevelopment that will expand our reach with 8,000 square feet of program space including a flagship “client choice grocery market” food pantry, affordable housing for seniors, community enrichment spaces for Inspiritus empowerment programs, and other services. We will not be able to accomplish this redevelopment without your support. We hope you will consider making a pledge or monthly gift to support this campaign, and will let us know if you have any friends, family, organizations, or foundations who might want to learn more about how to partner with us in this effort.

Your gift will empower our neighbors with the supports they need to thrive, right where they are.

Inspiritus’ Foster Care and Disability & Health Services programs provide person- centered housing with compassionate and well-trained Foster Care Parents or Support Companions for adults and children with critical needs. The need is great! If you or someone you know might be interested in learning more about becoming a Foster Parent or Support Companion in your home, please contact us or visit our website: weinspirit.org.

Our Foster Care program specializes in serving infants, children, and teens with significant medical, developmental, mental, physical, and/or behavioral challenges. These children often face harsh odds, and need highly qualified, well-trained foster parents to meet their needs so they can begin to thrive. This year, the program has made it possible for 38 medically vulnerable youth in Georgia to receive the care and support they need.

Inspiritus’ Disability & Health Services accompanies adult individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year, Disability & Health Services empowered 82 adults in Georgia by ensuring they have the compassionate Support Companions and homes they need.

Your end-of-year gift will help empower more individuals and families on their journey from surviving to thriving.

We continue to need your support to keep our programs and services well-equipped to make a difference. Please consider making your end-of-year donation to Inspiritus. We are so grateful for supporters like you. We wish you safe and healthy holiday season!

Your Favorite Inspiritus Programs: 2022 Highlights

As we look back on 2022, this year tells a story of resilience, strength, and determination despite the storms of life that affect each of us and those we have the honor of serving. From the family arriving from a war-torn country with nothing but the clothes on their back who is given a warm home and welcome from Inspiritus staff and volunteers in Alabama, Georgia, or Tennessee, to the disabled senior veteran whose home has been restored after the tornado (or flood, or hurricane) hit both his home and his hope. On behalf of the 8,504 survivors we accompanied this year through life’s storms, thank you for your compassion and commitment to empowering each one on their path from Surviving to Thriving.

Watch Our New Series!

Moeen Amini, Interpreter for the U.S. Military in Afghanistan, was interviewed by Allied News. He reflected, “We really lost hope to live. We faced a lot of Taliban checkpoints. I cannot explain how hard it was facing those people. You know, seeing hundreds of people with guns and stopping us and asking us, ‘Who you are, where are you going? And why are you leaving the country? Are you people the U.S. military supporters, is that why you’re leaving the country?'"

Moeen and his family were resettled in Clarkston, Georgia. Upon arrival, however, no one was willing to hire him. Thanks to supporters like you who help us respond to the urgent needs of refugees, like the newly arriving families from Afghanistan, Moeen and hundreds of others have found housing, work, and schooling this year.

Inspiritus’ mission is to empower families to do more than survive…but to also thrive. In 2022, the Inspiritus Refugee and Immigrant Services team pivoted from resettlement of Afghan Allies to the ‘Long Welcome’— the extended period after a family is housed, when our teams help them pursue upskilling and securing career recertifications so they can earn enough income to fully support their families. We are also helping them to apply for permanent immigration status. Your donations make it possible for families like Moeen’s to thrive again.

Elizabeth Moore and her husband rushed to get their children to safety as 6 feet of water filled their home, making it uninhabitable. They applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and were rejected three times. On July 26, Inspiritus deployed a team to East Kentucky to provide the critical help needed after these flash floods. Inspiritus leaders helped homeowners, like Elizabeth, navigate FEMA, and volunteers worked endlessly to clean up the debris from flood ravaged homes.

This year, Inspiritus deployed Response teams to help give hope to thousands of survivors impacted by the Mayfield Tornado, East Kentucky Floods, and Hurricane Ian.

In addition, Inspiritus Recovery teams repaired 70+ homes this year in Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. When partners like you support our work on the ground, we can deploy teams faster to help the most vulnerable recover. Prayerfully consider donating or volunteering today with our disaster relief efforts.

We have come a long way as Inspiritus celebrates almost four years since we merged the organizations of Lutheran Services in Tennessee and Lutheran Services of Georgia. From the beginning, we have dreamed of ways to better meet the local community’s increasing needs from our site at the old St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. We are excited to tell you that we are on the verge of that dream being realized.

In the coming months, you will hear more about Inspiritus’ Campus Redevelopment that will expand our reach with 8,000 square feet of program space including a flagship “client choice grocery market” food pantry, affordable housing for seniors, community enrichment spaces for Inspiritus empowerment programs, and other services. We will not be able to accomplish this redevelopment without your support. We hope you will consider making a pledge or monthly gift to support this campaign, and will let us know if you have any friends, family, organizations, or foundations who might want to learn more about how to partner with us in this effort.

Your gift will empower our neighbors with the supports they need to thrive, right where they are.

Our disaster relief teams have been on the ground in Middle Tennessee for nearly a year and a half, supporting the needs of families impacted by the 2020 Nashville Tornado, as well as those more recently affected by the floods in March of 2021. Inspiritus has been working closely with our inspiring local partners to respond to the floods: Hands On Nashville, Nashville VOAD, Tennessee VOAD, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, and the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA.

READ HOW INSPIRITUS DISASTER RELIEF RESPONDED TO THE 2021 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FLOODS

Our Children and Family Services teams have been immersed in grant and funding application season while continuing to serve more families through our PSSF (Promoting Safe and Stable Families) contract, plus we're opening new foster care homes!

We've been busy with our various programs: including the A+ Parents Program which involves comprehensive education for families at risk of intervention.

READ HOW INSPIRITUS PROMOTES SAFE AND STABLE FAMILIES

Our Middle Tennessee programs continue to thrive: Inspiritus was selected as a 2021 Thrivent Choice Program Recipient! We are also celebrating 10 years of gardening at Cheatham Place, and to date 200+ gardens have been planted by residents in low-income communities. Our Thrive Studios Youth Arts 'spring breakers' completed a mural with artist Omari Booker, which can be seen on the “Local Distro” building-read more here.

READ HOW INSPIRITUS HAS HELPED EMPOWER CHARLIE TO BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT

We continue to need your support to keep our programs and services well-equipped to make a difference. Please consider making your end-of-year donation to Inspiritus. We are so grateful for supporters like you. We wish you safe and healthy holiday season!

HURRICANE LAURA RESPONSE: DAY 4 ON THE GROUND

HURRICANE LAURA RESPONSE: DAY 4 ON THE GROUND

Today is Day 4 on the ground for our Inspiritus disaster relief team. Our volunteers have been working hard over the past weekend, serving homeowners impacted by Hurricane Laura in collaboration and partnership with the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod and Upbring (Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response).

This past weekend brought heavy rain, heat and high humidity to the area and the communities we're serving. That did not stop Rex Rothrock of the Rothrock Foundation from cooking daily meals for our response team.

WHO WE ARE HELPING:

Our teams have been busy tarping roofs and removing massive debris around homes. Special priority has been given to homeowners who are uninsured, disabled, and/or elderly in the Lake Charles area. Our Hurricane Laura response reach extends to homeowners between Orange County, TX, and the Calcasieu Parish, LA.

Now, on top of everything, Hurricane Sally is projected to hit the of coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama as a Category 2 hurricane Tuesday morning, less than three weeks after Hurricane Laura caused widespread damage across Louisiana.

PICTURED: Hurricane Sally; Serious Threat of Storm Surge, Flooding Rain Headed For Gulf Coast on Tuesday.

Under the supervision of Sherry Buresh, our ground crews will continue to help Texas and Louisiana homeowners this week. We're in conversation now with the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA regarding potential needs of those in the path of Hurricane Sally, especially along the Mississippi and Alabama coastline.

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, as they brace for for more dangerous weather this week.

-Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus