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

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

Pray For Those Impacted By Hurricane Idalia

Dear Friend,
 
Yesterday morning, Hurricane Idalia made landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast as a Category 3 hurricane, submerging neighborhoods and leaving a trail of debris as it thrashed its way across southern Georgia. With 125-mph winds, Florida’s Big Bend area received wide-spread power outages, flooding and wind damage. The storm continued traveling to the southeast corner of Georgia as a Category 2 hurricane with flooding, downed trees, and power outages being reported in Valdosta, Georgia and the surrounding counties. While rescue efforts continue in the impacted regions, authorities have confirmed only one death so far. This morning, Tropical Storm Idalia descended on the Carolinas on its way out to the Atlantic Ocean. 

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

Inspiritus Disaster Relief staff are tracking the impact of the storm and our teams are preparing to deploy where needed most. We will keep you updated as reports come in and our teams touch ground.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

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

Mississippi Tornado Response Update

Dear Friend,

It's been nearly two weeks since powerful storms swept through Mississippi and Alabama on the evening of March 24th, producing 20 tornadoes and tragically taking the lives of over two dozen people. The storm caused catastrophic damages to hundreds of homes and buildings, leaving thousands of residents without power and in need of extensive home repairs. Unfortunately, many of the communities impacted by the tornados 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.

Since deployment, Inspiritus has been working in coordination with emergency teams, local officials, and our partners to help impacted communities on their road to recovery. Inspiritus-trained volunteers are currently helping survivors in Wren, Mississippi (15-minutes west of Amory), by providing free Debris Removal, Roof Tarping, and Chainsaw services for the most vulnerable homeowners.

Last Saturday, Inspiritus helped to coordinate and provide disaster response safety training to 160 community volunteers, to ensure volunteers can safely support the needs of Survivors in the area. In total, our teams provided in-depth safety briefings and has coordinated the clean-up and debris removal efforts of 376 volunteers, serving over 1240 hours in Wren, MS.

It's critical for our teams to take extra care of not just a Survivor's home, but the person impacted. Many of them are faced with horrific memories and the surmounting feeling of loss and grief after such a traumatic event. Several Inspiritus volunteers are trained to provide spiritual, emotional and social support to help Survivors navigate the difficult road ahead of them. Barbara Yates, a seasoned Inspiritus Disaster Relief Volunteer, recalls the terrifying experience of one of the families we are assisting:

"One of the families we are helping was gathered together in their home when thestorm struck. It was a father and mother, and two children (a teenage boy and his younger sister). The teenager, wrapped himself around his sister, while the entire home was picked up and thrown 100 yards and eventually smashed into a line of trees. Miraculously, everyone lived...but, their home is a total loss. Despite the fact that they could walk away, they are forever changed."

- Barbara Yates, Inspiritus Volunteer

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

• Providing free Chainsaw, Roof Tarping, and Debris Removal services to communities, as needed.

• Providing safety briefings to Spontaneous Volunteers, as needed.

• Providing free Home Needs Assessments.

• Supporting individuals and families impacted by the disaster.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT:

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

• 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 and debris removal services, along with emotional care to bring safety and peace of mind to homeowners requesting assistance. We are directly providing home assessments and debris removal (including chainsawing) to homes and public spaces.

• Spiritual & Emotional Care: Disasters can affect a Survivor's physical and emotional well-being. They disrupt everyday life by displacing individuals and families, destroying homes, and splintering communities. Inspiritus' volunteer teams and partner organizations are providing emotional care, spiritual guidance and critical resources to help impacted individuals recover stronger.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Thank you for helping impacted communities find strength and resiliency during this difficult time. We will continue to keep you updated as the work progresses. In the meantime, you can learn more about Inspiritus' Disaster Relief efforts and the ways you can get involved by clicking the button below.

Please join us in prayer for those impacted by this tragic disaster.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Disaster Team Deploys to Mississippi

Dear Friend,

On the evening of March 24, a powerful tornado cut a devastating path of at least 170 miles across Mississippi and Alabama. Tragically, these communities lost over two dozen lives as the tornado obliterated homes and buildings in its wake. It traveled through Amory, Mississippi, a small town of 7,316 residents situated in the northeastern corner of Mississippi, near the Alabama border. Few buildings remained unscathed, with many requiring extensive repairs.

The 70 mph tornado left downed power lines, uprooted trees, and pieces of roofing and siding throughout the streets of Amory. The town has been operating without clean drinking water as the city’s water treatment plant was directly hit. The people who have lived in the small community their whole lives say they've never seen anything quite like the destruction they're facing now.

Thankfully, there were no fatalities within the Amory town limits, however many residents are displaced, managing numerous injuries, and working to salvage their homes and personal items. According to Police Chief Nicholaus Weaver, “All of the residential buildings in the town have been searched and found clear. Now, it’s about the cleanup. It’s going to be a long process.”

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

Project Tasks & Activities:

Inspiritus volunteer teams will help with debris removal & chainsawing wherever needed most in Amory, with priority on assisting those who are the most vulnerable, families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households. 

We are also deploying our WOW Cart (from Waterstep) to provide purified water to residents & responders, as needed. 

Teams will conduct rapid home needs assessments, before providing free clean-up, debris removal, and chainsaw services. Our teams will also be prepared to help deploy spontaneous volunteers to assist with home debris removal jobs, as needed.

W

Projected Outcomes:

• Providing chainsaw & debris removal services to communities as needed/available

• Ensuring Access to Inspiritus’ WOW Cart/Water Purification system

• Providing Free Home Needs Assessments

• Support 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 and debris removal services, along with emotional care to bring safety and peace of mind to homeowners requesting assistance. We are directly providing home assessments and debris removal (including chainsawing) to homes and public spaces. We anticipate our services will be able to help 100+ individuals within 2 weeks from the time we responded.

• Spiritual & Emotional Care: Volunteers will be 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

As things develop, we will keep you updated on the needs for this Response operation. In the meantime, you can learn more about Inspiritus' Disaster Relief efforts and the ways you can get involved by clicking the button below.

Please join us in prayer for those impacted by this tragic disaster.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

AmeriCorps CEO Presents President’s Volunteer Service Award to Inspiritus Volunteer

Dear friend,

Yesterday, Inspiritus Disaster Relief Volunteer, Philip DeRitis, was awarded the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award by AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. This award is in recognition of more than 650 hours of volunteer service Phil has given to his community through his work with Inspiritus.

Established in 2003, the President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes the important role of volunteers in America's strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities and inspires those around them to take action, too.

The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation.

Below Video: Michael Hudak WINK News

Philip DeRitis is one of these individuals.

Phil served all 650+ hours in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. As a storm survivor himself, his motivation to help bring his fellow community members home was personal.

Phil was teaching at a local tennis club when it was forced to close after being destroyed by Hurricane Ian. He lost his home, car and job to the storm. Rather than leave the area, he chose to volunteer with Inspiritus to help others impacted by the devastation.

Phil has inspired so many people that he has been named lead volunteer, and provides training to other volunteers to effectively muck and gut, provide mold sanitation services and complete small home repairs. In addition to his on-the-ground support, he has assisted with administrative tasks and tool and inventory management.

Phil DeRitis receives President’s Volunteer Service Award. Click image above to watch now.

“Anyone who works with Philip walks away with a new skill and a profound sense of hope,” said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. “Not only has he become the go-to volunteer to solve problems, he also embodies the spirit of service communities like Fort Myers’ needs to move forward after disasters. On behalf of AmeriCorps, thank you for volunteering your time and showing that service is a uniting force.”

Even in the aftermath, Phil said his heart remained steadfast and strong as ever.

"It takes faith. To me, it's just about doing the right thing...and having general care and concern for your neighbors."

Inspiritus Disaster Relief teams remain on the ground in Fort Myers, FL empowering storm survivors on their road to recovery by providing free social & emotional support, debris removal, muck & gut, chainsaw, mold sanitation and heavy equipment services.

If you would like to volunteer and join Phil, and the rest of our team on the ground, click here.

If you would like to make a monetary contribution to support our relief efforts, visit www.weinspirit.org/donate

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Message from the CEO

Dear Friend,

I write to you to share reflections from my recent trip to the Long-Term Recovery Disaster Zones in both Waverly, Tennessee and Mayfield, Kentucky where Inspiritus teams are still actively helping survivors recover more than a year after the storms.

How is the recovery going? I love that question. It indicates that people realize that people and communities are still hurting following the devastating effects of a storm.

The Tennessean reported: The floods were trigged by up to 17 inches of rain falling in just one day. The rain shattered the state record for daily rainfall and sent rivers and creeks surging over their boundaries. According to local officials, a total of 20 people were killed during Middle Tennessee's severe storms and extreme flash floods.

It has been well over a year since the massive flood in Waverly brought a wall of water down Main Street that crashed into Diane’s cute little house. Her son was home that night when the trestle gave way sending a tidal wave hurtling through the town of Waverly, Tennessee, a quaint community one hour west of Nashville. Her son quickly ran upstairs with the dogs and cats and climbed out onto the roof of the house as rescue personnel, helicopters, and boats made their way to their street. They were preparing to rescue him when the young man saw their 87 year-old next-door neighbor through the window standing in his house in chest deep water. The young man on the roof pointed the rescuers to help the man in the house instead.

More than a year later, these two neighbors are still traumatized by the events of that night. Every time it rains, Diane finds herself glued to weather news, wondering, and worrying for her safety and that of her dogs. She wonders if she should leave and head for higher ground. Despite the house being ready for move-in, the next-door neighbor has been unable to return. She wonders if he also still hears the screams of the young mother in the house behind them crying out to anyone who could help, “Please save my baby! Please! Save my baby!!!”

During the Long-Term Recovery, which in many cases can take years, Inspiritus provides free construction management services to homeowners who cannot afford to repair their own home properly. Working with volunteers and skilled trades, Inspiritus helps the homeowner manage the construction project until completion, making sure that even the smallest of details, such as that every nail hole is filled, and the paint job is done to the satisfaction of the homeowner. Along the way, Inspiritus staff and volunteers also support the homeowner and their own healing process.

When I inquired this week, neighbors one street over from Diane said that they still aren’t doing well a year and a half after the flood. Margie and Gene still ponder nearly drowning that night. Gene, age 80, was trapped inside the house. Margie, age 68, attempted to go for help. She recounted the miracle of not drowning in her own back yard.

AFTER THE STORM:

Personal belongings from Margie and Gene’s home (photographed July 2021). Everything had to go...it was heartbreaking

AFTER INSPIRITUS CAME IN AND HELPED:

Margie and Gene’s street after Inspiritus helped them return their home to its former glory (photographed December 2022)

As if that wasn’t enough, it was the events following the flood that brought them to their proverbial knees. The day after the storm, their home was burglarized by looters and on the third day they received notification from their insurance company that their homeowners’ policy had been canceled. However, they literally kept their heads down, working daily scrubbing and re-scrubbing their floors to get the mud out of their house. At some point, once the adrenaline had passed, Margie recalled falling into despair as she wondered what their fate would be. She remembers days where she wasn’t able to get out of bed due to waves of depression.

Somehow, she learned about Inspiritus and mustered the energy to call. Ever since that day, Inspiritus has been on the job, committed to returning her home to its former glory. With their small life savings, she and her husband invested funding into stabilizing the foundation of their house. However, that left no money for the huge repairs that remained. Then they met RJ and Robert. RJ and Robert are the dynamic duo of Inspiritus construction managers assigned to the home. They are helping Margie and Gene manage the renovation project with funds raised by Inspiritus. It’s a historic home that has been in Margie’s family since it was built in 1913. First, the home had to be mucked, gutted, and sanitized to prevent the mold.

Left to Right - RJ (Inspiritus), Margie & Gene (homeowners), Robert, Kevin & John Moeller (Inspiritus)

Teams of professionals and staff have been in the house every week since. The day I was there, volunteers were painting the inside of the house from top to bottom. Seeing the progress brought joy to Margie’s face, and I could hear hope in her voice. A year and a half after the storm, she is allowing herself to begin to look forward to moving back in. While they lost everything in the flood, including many family heirlooms and sentimental items, they celebrate that at least they have a mattress and box spring, and a small plastic table and chairs from Walmart that will give them a place to enjoy meals.

Margie admits that she didn’t realize how damaged SHE was in the storm. There continue to be days that she is caught off guard by a range of emotions that arise within her when she realizes what she has lost. She described a recent experience where she was ready to pull a casserole out of the oven, and in the heat of the moment, realized she didn’t even have any potholders. They were another casualty of the flood. She found herself enraged that at this stage in her life, she didn’t even own potholders. That’s not to mention all the other things that have been lost, like trips and vacations that she and Gene were looking forward to taking in retirement with their nest egg, which has been completely wiped out.

Despite all of that, she finds hope beginning to dwell inside her again. She put it this way to me, “Inspiritus is not merely repairing our house, they are helping us heal our lives. We are grateful to know that they won’t leave until we are whole.” I’m glad she sees it that way because that is our aim. After all, the Inspiritus mission is to guide individuals and families on a path from surviving to thriving. Inspiritus empowers those whose lives have been disrupted to realize their strength and resilience and accompanies them all along the way.

However, I am stunned by how hard this work is and how long it takes. Saturday, December 10th marked the one-year anniversary of the winter tornado that struck Mayfield, Kentucky. I have been there several times over the last year to support our team and check on the community’s progress. This week, I was stunned by how much work still remains. Entire neighborhoods remain vacant ghost towns. Full city blocks of homes have been scraped, the debris removed, and all that remains are concrete slabs and house numbers out front. It’s reminiscent of a moonscape. However, when I talk to residents, the Inspiritus team, and those who have survived, I get a completely different picture. They smile with hope and say all kinds of progress is being made. Homes are being repaired, people are returning to the neighborhood, and the city is drawing up a master plan for a revitalized city.

A tribute to the children, women and men who perished on the night of the deadly storm. Behind the sign once stood a stately, yet modern courthouse. It was completely destroyed in the storm.

An entire neighborhood once filled the frame of this photo. Today, nothing remains but concrete slabs, and memories. The good news is that city is committed to rebuilding. In the foreground, there is a memorial garden. Those baby trees will someday grow up to provide shade to the grandchildren and great grandchildren of the storm. Nothing about this storm will ever be a distant memory.

Clarissa was one particular resident that Inspiritus has helped. She recounted to me how she was a renter when the tornado hit, and on the day after the storm, her landlord informed her that he did not have homeowners’ insurance. It was the second devastating blow in two days. Not only was the home she lived in severely damaged, but there was no hope of it being repaired. However, over the course of the year, she was able to secure a title to the property from the struggling homeowner. Friends, neighbors, and members of the faith community have rallied around her, and Inspiritus just completed the final repairs to her house this week. While it’s been a struggle, she and her grandson are finally happily living in the house that she says, “love built.”

Left to Right - Colin, Sandra, Clarissa (homeowner), Kevin and John in front of the “house that love built”. Inspiritus partners with homeowners to help them rebuild following a storm. Clarissa is one of the fortunate ones. Literally hundreds of individuals and families remain in limbo. A full 1/4 of the population of the city has all but disappeared from the area.

If you are reading this, I hope you will prayerfully consider making a gift to help survivors like these.

Sincerely,

Rev. John R. Moeller, Jr.
President & CEO of Inspiritus

Hurricane Ian Survivors & Helpers

Uplifting Unsung Heroes

Disaster Volunteers

“To be a Disaster Relief volunteer is part of being a humanitarian. We have to be there to support our communities and to support the people around us… whether those people are part of our community or not. Why not put that goodwill out there and make a difference if we can?”

-Cammie Cooley,
Inspiritus Disaster Relief Volunteer

---

Strength in Community 

Disaster Partners

Inspiritus Disaster Response teams will be on the ground in Fort Myers, FL through February 2023. Your help is still needed. Join incredible volunteers like Cammie who are on the ground with Hurricane Ian storm survivors facing a long road to recovery. From gutting homes and clearing debris to creating meaningful connections with disaster survivors and fellow volunteers, donating your hearts, hands, and time with Inspiritus Disaster Relief can positively impact your life and the lives of those impacted by this devastating storm. 

If you are available to volunteer for a few hours, days or weeks, our incredible team is looking forward to meeting you! All skill levels are welcomed and training is provided. Learn more or sign up to volunteer here: www.weinspirit.org/drvolunteers.

Our partners at ToolBank USA, deploy staff and trailers filled with tools that help community-based organizations, like Inspiritus, respond faster. They have provided over $340K worth of tools (at no cost) to organizations across Florida to aid in the disaster relief efforts. The tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) that the ToolBank provides our teams are especially critical during large-scale relief efforts like Hurricane Ian. Their continued support helps us meet the needs of Disaster Survivors who do not have the resources to clean up and repair their homes on their own.

If your organization is looking for ways to help, contact Sherry Buresh, Executive Director of Disaster Relief programs at Sherry.Buresh@weinspirit.org

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Your support will empower Hurricane Ian survivors to receive assistance right now, when it’s desperately needed. Prayerfully consider joining us, in whatever way is right for you-- in your hearts, in your actions, and in your prayers.

DONATE

Donate to Inspiritus: The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help homeowners impacted by the Hurricane. You can help storm Survivors receive much needed help: Social, Emotional, & Spiritual Care, Muck & Gut services to remove water damage from their homes, Roof Tarps, Chainsawing, Debris Removal, and even Heavy Equipment Assistance. 

VOLUNTEER

This work would not be possible without hundreds of HEROIC volunteers, and supporters like you.

Prayerfully consider joining us in SW Florida now through the end of February 2023. We especially need Team Leads to guide volunteer groups with Muck & Gut and Debris Removal, but all hands are welcome, and all skills can be helpful. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at (239) 560-1554 or visit www.WeInspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.

SHARE STORIES

We invite you to share, follow and like us on your favorite platform below and learn more about the people impacted by this storm and how neighbors and strangers alike, can make a difference.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareinspiritus/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weareinspiritus

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/inspiritus-inc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/weareinspiritus

We are grateful for your compassion and commitment to empower individuals on their path from Surviving to thriving.



Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

#Inspiritus #SurvivingToThriving #HurricaneIan #DisasterRelief

Uplifting Unsung Heroes: Disaster Volunteers

Disaster relief volunteers are the heartbeat of our work. Whether you’re new to Disaster Relief volunteering or have experienced multiple deployments, there is always a place for you. Nikki Membrere joined us this year during the Eastern Kentucky flooding and then again with Hurricane Ian in SW Florida. Like many volunteers, Nikki was compelled to help where needed. Our teams trained and supported her in volunteer coordination on the ground and in helping us conduct background checks remotely. She traveled cross-country-- from California to Florida-- to help Survivors who's lives have been turned upside down by a disaster. In the video below, she describes the ways you can join us in helping the many individuals and families still on their road to recovery.

For more information on how you can help, visit www.WeInspirit.org/drvolunteers.

"When you put things into perspective, especially hearing and seeing all these stories that have happened to everyday people...it makes you feel appreciative of everything you have, especially when you're not in the situation and on the other side."

-Nikki Membrere,
Inspiritus Disaster Volunteer

---

Strength in Community 

Disaster Partners

We cannot do this work without the individuals and organizations that join us from near and far in delivering life-saving tools, resources and help.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T) is one of our incredible partners that is dedicated to making a lasting impact in communities recovering from a disaster. The critical supplies and funding they donate to Inspiritus helps us meet many of the needs Survivors face in the aftermath of large-scale storms, like Hurricane Ian. Just last week, they organized a fundraiser in Fort Myers, FL to help extend our Response efforts so more individuals and families can get the help they need.

Thanks to the efforts of T2T and supporters like you, we will be on the ground until February 2023!

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Your support will empower Hurricane Ian survivors to receive assistance right now, when it’s desperately needed. Prayerfully consider joining us, in whatever way is right for you-- in your hearts, in your actions, and in your prayers. 

DONATE

Donate to Inspiritus: The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help homeowners impacted by the Hurricane. You can help storm Survivors receive much needed help: Social, Emotional and Spiritual Care, Muck & Gut services to remove water damage from their homes, Roof Tarps, Chainsawing, Debris Removal, and even Heavy Equipment Assistance.

VOLUNTEER

This work would not be possible without hundreds of HEROIC volunteers, and supporters like you.

Prayerfully consider joining us in SW Florida now through November 23. We especially need Team Leads to guide volunteer groups with Muck & Gut and Debris Removal, but all hands are welcome, and all skills can be helpful. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at (239) 560-1554 or visit www.WeInspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.

SHARE STORIES

We invite you to share, follow and like us on your favorite platform below and learn more about the people impacted by this storm and how neighbors and strangers alike, can make a difference.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareinspiritus/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weareinspiritus

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/inspiritus-inc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/weareinspiritus

We are grateful for your compassion and commitment to empower individuals on their path from Surviving to thriving.



Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

#Inspiritus #SurvivingToThriving #HurricaneIan #DisasterRelief

Hurricane Ian Survivors and Helpers

STRENGTH, FAITH & RESILIENCY 

Hurricane Ian Storm Survivors

Response teams know, first hand, how especially hard natural disasters are on vulnerable members of the community. WINK News recently covered the impact of Hurricane Ian on the Benedettis, one of the many Island Park residents that Inspiritus' Disaster teams helped in response to Hurricane Ian. The couple decided to stay home and wait out the storm as the wife had just completed surgery.

Their experience reminds us how challenging it is for some people to evacuate, including elderly, medically-fragile and under-resourced individuals, not to mention, the daunting task of navigating the devastation, needs and resources after a storm hits. Their story reflects the strength, faith and resiliency that many Survivors learn to lean into in the wake of vast loss and destruction.

UPLIFTING UNSUNG HEROES 

Disaster Volunteers

Basecamp meals are essential to uplifting hard working volunteers before and after each workday... Rex Rothrock, knows this well. Through his family foundation, Rothrock Foundation, Rex passionately helps Disaster Survivors by making sure volunteer responders are well fed and nourished, in body and soul.

After a disaster hits, Rex joins in service with Inspiritus' Disaster teams and camps in the volunteer basecamp for weeks and even months on end, when he is able. We are incredibly grateful for his commitment to helping disaster survivors and supporting the volunteers that give so much of their time, talent and hearts in service to individuals that need it the most.  

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 homeowners impacted by the Hurricane. Your support will provide free debris removal, muck & gut services and water purification to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

VOLUNTEER

This work would not be possible without hundreds of HEROIC volunteers, and supporters like you.

Prayerfully consider joining us in Fort Myers, FL now through November 23. We especially need Team Leads to guide volunteer groups with Muck & Gut and Debris Removal, but all hands are welcome, and all skills can be helpful. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at (239) 560-1554 or visit www.WeInspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.

SHARE STORIES

We invite you to share, follow and like us on your favorite platform below and learn more about the people impacted by this storm and how neighbors and strangers alike, can make a difference.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareinspiritus/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weareinspiritus

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/inspiritus-inc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/weareinspiritus

Please join us in uplifting all those impacted by storms and those helping Survivors recover. We are grateful for your compassion and commitment to empower individuals on their path from Surviving to Thriving.



Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

#Inspiritus #SurvivingToThriving #HurricaneIan #DisasterRelief

Day 28: Hurricane Ian Updates

Dear Friend,

When disasters strike, they leave trails of catastrophic destruction, instantly uprooting the lives of millions of people each year. Once the cameras leave and the news stories trickle to a stop, what many don't see is the grueling and costly journey Survivors experience for months and often years after a disaster hits. Between 15-75 percent of people who experience a natural disaster later develop PTSD. Natural disasters can also worsen existing physical and mental health conditions and disproportionately impact children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and under-resourced and underinsured individuals. 

Nearly 30 days after Hurricane Ian's landfall, our teams are witnessing the trauma and mental/social anguish continuing to increase for many residents and survivors. Community members are grappling with the surmounting feeling of loss and grief and the reality of the long road ahead. 

“They don’t have any food, they don’t have a dry bed to sleep in, their socks, their clothes, their underwear…everything is soaked. People couldn’t even find their cars. One person lost two cars…but they didn’t know where they floated to.” (Mary Ann Roberts, Inspiritus Disaster Relief Volunteer)

This is why it's critical for our teams to take extra care of not just a Survivor's home and belongings, but the person impacted. This is where resiliency and recovery begins-- the people. Survivors receive spiritual, emotional, and social support from trained staff and volunteers. This is important work that uplifts the soul and often gives them the strength to go on as they navigate the difficult road ahead of them.

Homeowners also receive much needed assistance with their damaged homes from Inspiritus trained volunteers, who help them to salvage their personal belongings from the rubble, provide quality controlled muck & gutting (comparable to that of paid contractors), and mold remediation. These free, high quality services by volunteer teams help each homeowner save a life-changing $25,000-$50,000!

In response to the growing need, Inspiritus teams have expanded their work on the ground to over 8 communities in and around the Fort Myers area (Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Arcadia, Royal Woods, Harlem Heights, Fort Myers Beach, and Pine Island). We are grateful for groups and individuals like you, who come together to help bring care and hope to Survivors. 

It will continue to take the efforts of countless supporters like you to help affected residents rebuild their lives.

Inspiritus, New York City Firefighters, The Home Depot Foundation and Tunnel to Towers teams came together to help a Survivor whose house was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. The homeowner is a U.S. Navy Veteran who suffered a disability in Afghanistan, now facing the devastating loss of his home and a lifetime of family memories and belongings.

WHAT WE ARE DOING (Day 28 Update)

Inspiritus saves each homeowner an average of $25k-$50k in costs during a Response. Our current Hurricane Ian impact:

• 1,000+ Individuals served

• 100+ Volunteers in the field, each day currently

• 5,770+ Volunteer Hours served

• 19 Debris Removal jobs

• 35 Muck & Gut jobs

• 6 Roof Tarping jobs

• 14 Chainsaw jobs

We work with a diverse range of volunteers, partners and donors to ensure individuals get the help they need and that volunteers are well trained and equipped to provide the necessary support. Our work includes:

• Capacity Building: Inspiritus staff are partnering with local emergency and city/county officials to build local disaster response capacity, providing expert disaster response advisement. While staff are actively supporting operations in Fort Myers, they are also actively providing advisement to leaders in other towns and counties to help them assess and manage the people and resources they need. Towards the end of our Response, Inspiritus staff will advise and support the development of Long-Term Recovery planning and committees.

• Assistance Hotline (FL): To better serve homeowners impacted by Hurricane Ian in the Fort Myers and surrounding areas, a hotline number has been setup to receive requests from impacted homeowners for assistance and aid.

• Volunteer Housing: Inspiritus has setup volunteer housing at Anthem Church - Fort Myers, with the capacity to accommodate 50-80 overnight volunteers daily.

• Spontaneous & Network Volunteer Management: We are directly coordinating and managing Spontaneous Volunteers and volunteers from our Partner Network. This collaborative Network includes volunteer teams and leads partnering with Inspiritus from local and national faith groups and partners. Passionate solo volunteers are an essential part of this network as well. More volunteers are needed to ensure all homes receive help. Join us!

• Home Assessments, Heavy Equipment, Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Quality Control, Roof Tarping and Mold Sanitation: Volunteers are conducting home assessments and are providing Muck & Gut, Debris Removal, Roof Tarping and Mold Sanitation work for local residents’ homes where it's safe to enter. Teams are also being deployed to areas needing chainsaw and heavy equipment support.

• Social & Emotional Support: Disasters can affect a Survivor's physical and emotional well-being. They disrupt everyday life by displacing individuals and families, destroying homes, and splintering communities. Inspiritus' volunteer teams and community partners are providing emotional care, spiritual guidance and critical resources to help impacted individuals in and around the Fort Myers area recover stronger.

• Water Purification: Inspiritus volunteers are providing locals with access to clean water thanks to WaterStep, who donated Water on Wheels Carts (WOW Carts) to help communities that have lost access to safe drinking water due to disaster damages.

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 homeowners impacted by the Hurricane. Your support will provide free debris removal, muck & gut services and water purification to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

VOLUNTEER

This work would not be possible without hundreds of HEROIC volunteers, including those who have driven in locally, as well as Team Leads who have come in from around the country and are living in Fort Myers, FL at our local Volunteer Housing Camp.

Prayerfully consider joining us in Fort Myers, FL now through November 23. We especially need Team Leads to guide volunteer groups with Muck & Gut and Debris Removal, but all hands are welcome, and all skills can be helpful. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at (239) 560-1554 or visit www.WeInspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.

SHARE STORIES

We invite you to share, follow and like us on your favorite platform below and learn more about the people impacted by this storm and how neighbors and strangers alike, can make a difference.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareinspiritus/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weareinspiritus

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/inspiritus-inc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/weareinspiritus

OUR PARTNERS

Inspiritus is grateful for the individuals, congregations, and corporate teams from within the following organizations, for your help in this disaster:

• Airbnb

• Airlink

• AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams (ADRT)

• AmeriCorps NCCC

• Anthem Church

• Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

• Christian Emergency Network (CEN)

• Christ in Action

• Church by the Sea

• Church of the Nazarene

• District 6960 SW Florida Rotary

• Florida Division of Emergency Management

• Florida VOAD

• Home Depot Foundation

• International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)

• The Jesus Alliance

• Lee County Emergency Management

• Lowe's

• Mennonite Disaster Services

• Mission on Wheels

• Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)

• Rothrock Foundation

• The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

• The Lutheran Church of the Missouri Synod (LCMS)

• The United Methodist Church

• Toolbank USA

• Tunnel to Towers Foundation

• Volunteer Florida

• WaterStep

We are collaborating extensively with community partners, including a diverse range of churches and businesses from the local area, and those traveling from communities as distant as California, the Bahamas, and the Carolinas to help disaster survivors in SW Florida. 

Thank you to all the Congregations and Individuals who are recruiting friends and family members to join us in service. This disaster relief effort is only possible because of your support (donations, volunteers, and/or professional expertise). Your generosity and compassion is making a difference.

Inspiritus partner, Missions On Wheels, is providing our disaster relief volunteers with a 7-unit portable shower trailer at no cost to our teams.

As we continue helping individuals and families in SW Florida, your prayers and support are deeply appreciated. Thank you for helping impacted communities find strength and resiliency during this difficult time. We will continue to keep you updated as the work progresses.



Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

#Inspiritus #SurvivingToThriving #HurricaneIan #DisasterRelief

Day 19: Hurricane Ian Updates

Dear Friend,

As you are aware, Hurricane Ian was considered one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the U.S., with max wind speeds of 155 mph. Ian caused catastrophic damage with losses currently estimated to reach $67 billion dollars. Damage was mostly from flooding, particularly impacting the cities of Fort Myers Beach and Naples, FL. Sections of Fort Myers were overwhelmed with a 15-foot storm surge, raging floodwaters and winds after the historic storm touched down as a high-level Category 4. Millions were left without power and water in the storm's wake, and many residents were forced to take refuge on their roofs or succumbed to drowning. In total, Hurricane Ian has caused at least 130 fatalities. 

Video: Fort Myers resident, Melinda Meyers on the the impact of Hurricane Ian on her home and how you can help residents devastated by the storm.

Inspiritus deployed a team to Fort Myers and plans to be on location for 8 weeks. We have been coordinating with local and state officials, as well as our partners to bring much needed help to impacted residents in and around the Fort Myers area, including the communities of Royal Woods, Harlem Heights, Pine Island and Little Gasparilla Island.  

Staff and volunteers have setup intake centers and have deployed assessment teams into these communities to determine the extent of support that will be need to help survivors on their path to thriving. Our teams are coordinating and providing Social & Emotional Support, Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Chainsaw and Heavy Equipment services for the most vulnerable homeowners. Responders are seeing that the majority of survivors are highly vulnerable senior citizens who are especially overwhelmed and at severe risk now due to the catastrophic damages to their homes and lives. These seniors have low to modest income and exhibit high levels of both financial and emotional support needs due to underinsurance or resistance from their insurance companies.

There is an urgent need for assistance to continue the work of helping the individuals and families whose homes and lives were devastated. These families continue to be at risk as they remain exposed to life-threatening mold and severe damages in their homes. As we continue our response efforts in Florida, we will keep you updated on ways you can help.

WHAT WE ARE DOING (Day 19 Update)

• Capacity Building: Inspiritus staff are partnering with local emergency and city/county officials to build local disaster response capacity, providing expert disaster response advisement. While staff are actively supporting operations in Fort Myers, they are also actively providing advisement to leaders in other towns and counties to help them assess and manage the people and resources they need. Towards the end of our Response, Inspiritus staff will advise and support the development of Long-Term Recovery planning and committees.

• Assistance Hotline (FL): To better serve homeowners impacted by Hurricane Ian in the Fort Myers and surrounding areas, a hotline number has been setup to receive requests from impacted homeowners for assistance and aid.

• Volunteer Housing: Inspiritus has setup volunteer housing at Anthem Church - Fort Myers, with the capacity to accommodate for 50-80 overnight volunteers daily.

• Spontaneous & Network Volunteer Management: We are directly coordinating and managing Spontaneous Volunteers and volunteers from our Partner Network. This collaborative Network includes volunteer teams and leads partnering with Inspiritus from local and national faith groups and partners. Passionate solo volunteers are an essential part of this network as well. More volunteers are needed to ensure all homes receive help. Join us!

• Home Assessments, Heavy Equipment, Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Roof Tarping and Mold Sanitation: Volunteers are conducting home assessments and are providing Muck & Gut, Debris Removal, Roof Tarping and Mold Sanitation work for local residents’ homes where it's safe to enter. Teams are also being deployed to areas needing chainsaw and heavy equipment support.

• Water Purification: Inspiritus volunteers are providing locals with access to clean water thanks to WaterStep, who donated Water on Wheels Carts (WOW Carts) to help communities that have lost access to safe drinking water due to disaster damages.

"...I marvel at those who answer the call and who give their all to ensure that individuals and families devastated by disaster have a fighting chance of moving from surviving to thriving." (Inspiritus' CEO, John Moeller, in his tribute to Volunteers)

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 homeowners impacted by the Hurricane. Your support will provide free debris removal, muck & gut services and water purification to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

VOLUNTEER

This work would not be possible without hundreds of HEROIC volunteers, including those who have driven in locally, as well as Team Leads who have come in from around the country and are living in Fort Myers, FL at our local Volunteer Housing Camp.

Prayerfully consider joining us in Fort Myers, FL now through November 23. We especially need Team Leads to guide volunteer groups with Muck & Gut and Debris Removal, but all hands are welcome, and all skills can be helpful. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at (239) 560-1554 or visit www.WeInspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.

SURVIVOR STORIES

We take extra care to lift-up the voices and stories of both survivors and helpers of each Response we go on. We invite you to follow us on your favorite platform below and learn more about the people impacted by this storm and how neighbors and strangers alike, can make a difference.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareinspiritus/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weareinspiritus

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/inspiritus-inc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/weareinspiritus

OUR PARTNERS

Inspiritus is grateful for the individuals, congregations, and corporate teams from within the following organizations, for your help in this disaster:

• Airbnb

• Airlink

• Church of the Nazarene

• Florida Division of Emergency Management

• Home Depot Foundation

• International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)

• Lee County Emergency Management

• Lowe's

• Mennonite Disaster Services

• Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)

• The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

• The Lutheran Church of the Missouri Synod (LCMS)

• The United Methodist Church

• Toolbank USA

• Tunnel to Towers Foundation

• WaterStep

This disaster relief effort is only possible because of the support (donations, volunteers, and/or professional expertise) provided from partners and supporters. Your generosity and compassion is making a difference.

Locally, we are collaborating extensively with local community partners, including a diverse range of local churches and businesses. Many of whom are providing care for our volunteers. Local partners are also sending their own volunteers to join us and shadow our disaster relief teams, in order to learn how to be prepared for the next storm and how to build local capacity and readiness. These local partners and volunteers are likely to develop to be key leaders in the Long-Term Recovery process, and Inspiritus is committed to empowering them.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation donated a truckload of much needed supplies (generators, fans, shop-vacs, tools, batteries, etc.) to help empower storm survivors in Fort Myers, FL.

Governor Ron DeSantis and his family came to witness the work on the ground and thank partners like ToolBank USA who has provided our team with the tools needed for a successful Response. Inspiritus' Construction Management Lead, Kevin Burgess, shown updating the Governor on the needs of impacted homeowners.

Anthem Church - Fort Myers has been providing their facility to house volunteers and to support our relief operations. The Sunday School kids tended to the hearts of volunteers with hand-written thank you notes.

Please continue to join us in prayer for those families impacted, and for the strength of the volunteers serving on the ground now. Thank you for your support!



Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

#SurvivingToThriving #HurricaneIan #DisasterRelief

Hurricane Ian: Message from the CEO

Dear Friend,

I am writing to you from the road. Today, I am journeying to Fort Myers, Florida, one of the epicenters of Hurricane Ian‘s landfall. I am bringing a much needed vehicle to the Inspiritus team that will be used to shuttle staff and volunteers around the area during our Response. Unfortunately, there are no rental vehicles to be found in South Florida right now. I’m also here to check on the team and survey our base of operations in SW Florida. My final goal is to gain an understanding of the magnitude of the devastation so that I may be a credible witness to the pain and suffering of those in the region.

I am grateful for our disaster services team’s quick thinking to pre-position resources in south Georgia last weekend to be ready to deploy this week. Thanks to the quick thinking, the team is already conducting assessments and deploying work crews this Tuesday afternoon in the Fort Myers area. I am also grateful for relationships with multiple church bodies that have provided local intelligence and hospitality that have enabled Inspiritus to establish a base of operations so quickly. Donations and financial commitments have poured in over the last couple of days, and the need is great. The Home Depot Foundation, Lowe’s, the Tunnels to Towers Foundation and individuals have generously committed significant funding to fuel the immediate response work. Lastly, I am humbled by the outpouring of people from all across the country who want to volunteer with Inspiritus in the aftermath of the storm. I look forward to shaking their hands and thanking them for their sacrifice and service to survivors of the storm.

Thank you for the meaningful ways you share your care and support as we accompany the most vulnerable among us. I ask that you might prayerfully consider donating to empower survivors to go from surviving to thriving: weinspirit.org/donate. As the days progress, I hope to provide further updates from ground zero.

                                                                       Sincerely,

Rev. John R. Moeller, Jr.
President & CEO,
Inspiritus

Hurricane Ian: Disaster Relief Update 1

Zuram Rodriguez surveys the damage around her home in Davie, Florida, from winds believed to be fueled by Hurricane Ian early on Wednesday. Credit: Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP

Dear Friend,

Hurricane Ian is expected to make landfall this afternoon in Southwest Florida. It is currently a very high Category 4 hurricane with winds reaching 155 mph with 20” or more of rain. The National Hurricane Center has warned of “life-threatening storm surge, catastrophic winds and flooding in the Florida Peninsula", with millions under evacuation orders. Significant river flooding is likely across central Florida with hurricane conditions hitting Florida’s west coast Wednesday into Thursday. Georgia and South Carolina are also anticipating significant rain and flooding later this week.

Owners board their Gulf Bistro Restaurant in St. Pete Beach Florida in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Ian. on Tuesday. Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Inspiritus’ disaster teams are currently staging in Georgia and preparing to respond where needed. While it is not yet clear precisely where Ian will land ashore, Inspiritus staff has been in touch with local officials and partnering organizations in Florida and Georgia to coordinate our efforts as quickly and efficiently as possible. In the coming days, we will share more information about the storm’s impact and how Inspiritus is helping.

Photo: Damage is seen at the Kings Point condos in Delray Beach, Florida, on Wednesday. Officials believe it was caused by a tornado fueled by Hurricane Ian. Credit: Greg Lovett/The Palm Beach Post/USA Today Network

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 homeowners impacted by the Hurricane. Your support will provide free debris removal, muck & gut services and water purification to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

VOLUNTEER

As Hurricane Ian develops, we will keep you updated on the volunteer needs for this Response operation. In the meantime, you can learn more about volunteering with Inspiritus here:

Please join us in prayer for the residents and responders that are currently in the path of this catastrophic Hurricane. May the winds and waves find calm and those who are on its path, reach safety and refuge from harm.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Let's Go All the Way to 100K! 👟

Hello Friends!

We're just 6 shorts days away from Hunger Walk/Run 2022. The forecast (right now) calls for sunny skies with a high of 78 degrees! That's perfect weather to celebrate the 38th anniversary of Hunger Walk/Run, and to take steps in the fight against local hunger. We're so proud of our team captains and participants who have registered and started fundraising right away. Together, we've raised over $30,000! This year our goal is 100K, so let's race to spread the word to our network of family and friends over the next few days.

Here are 6 ways you can participate over the next 6 days:

1. REGISTER!

2. Join a team or donate to one

3. Become a Champion!

4. Donate to Inspiritus!

5. Grab your Parking Pass today! You can buy your pass on event day but the fee will be much higher.

6. Join a Hunger Walk virtual event

*Get Social! Make sure to include a link to your personal or team fundraising page in every Facebook, Instagram and Twitter post about the Hunger Walk Run. Be sure to tag the Food Bank @ACFB (on Instagram and Twitter) and use the hashtag #HWR2022. Also, send thank you notes to supporters...it's important to thank everyone that is supporting you!

Join the Hunger Walk Champions Club

We've had a big jump in Champions! Remember that anyone who raises $500 or more earns a spot in Hunger Walk's Champions Club and is eligible for special benefits and privileges.

Click here to learn more about the Champions Club.

Congratulations to our VIP Champions:

• Tina Blackney, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Atlanta

• Jennifer Carson, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Johns Creek

• Don Larsen, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Douglasville

• Mike Frey, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta

• Amanda Masters, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Marietta

• Joe Masters, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Marietta

• Rachel Thornton, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta

Congratulations to our Champions:

• Lorraine Dorough, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta

• Malcolm McKendrick, Rivercliff Lutheran Church, Sandy Springs

• Karen Palmiotti, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Johns Creek

• Berti Schmidt, Grace Lutheran Church, Carrollton

• Wayne Smith, Rivercliff Lutheran Church, Sandy Springs

• Chuck Storla, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta

• Gail Tverberg, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Woodstock

• Heather Wallace, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Atlanta

Team Captains 2021

Don’t Forget to Pick Up Your T-Shirts:

All walkers and runners who register online are eligible to receive one official Hunger Walk Run event t-shirt per person. This year the walker shirt is orange and the runner shirt is plum-check them out here. T-shirts will be distributed the day of the event and are subject to availability. If you or your team would like to grab your t-shirts before Hunger Walk, we're offering two pick up days prior to the event. Pick up your shirts March 2nd or 3rd from 11:30am - 2:30pm at the Food Drive dock on the front right side of the building: Atlanta Community Food Bank, 3400 N. Desert Drive, Atlanta, GA 30344. T-shirts will also be mailed to all virtual participants.

See you on the 6th at the Home Depot Backyard!

We are planning on being in person at The Home Depot Backyard on Sunday, March 6. We will continue to monitor the environment and coordinate with local officials in the weeks leading up to the event. The Food Bank has safety protocols in place to ensure participants have a safe and fun experience. See their COVID-19 Participation Guide and COVID-19 Safety Flyer for more information.

Event Details:
Sunday, March 6, 2022
Noon: Event Opens, Onsite Registration & Entertainment Begins
2:00pm: 5K Fun Walk & Run Begins
4:00pm: Event Ends

Or find a trail near you!

Join your team, family or friends and get active in your community, walking or running at any time or join us virtually on March 6. Find a great outdoor trail near you to get your steps in and help feed a hungry neighbor. Help us keep the energy of Hunger WalkRun going by posting your photos to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, tagging the Food Bank (@ACFB on Instagram and Twitter) and using the hashtag #HWR2022

Team Inspiritus : Hunger WalkRun 2021

We have over 154 registered walkers and runners, 20 teams and $30,650 in confirmed gifts. Let's keep this momentum going to reach 100K. We want our strongest turnout yet!

Please contact me at Lorraine Dorough if you have any last minute questions. Hunger Walk is a great chance to get outside, get active AND support a great cause!

With Gratitude,
– Lorraine Dorough
Inspiritus

Did you know that ACFB’s goal is $800,000 this year? Inspiritus raised over $92,000 last year so let's try to surpass that goal this year. Together, we can do it!