Dear Friends,
Last Thursday, a wave of tornadoes rolled across five southern states, leaving at least six people dead and inflicting heavy damage in its wake. Saturday evening, Nashville, Tennessee experienced the fourth worst flood in the state’s history. This flood has taken the lives of six people, and left hundreds coping with flooded cars, apartments, and homes.
Inspiritus has been called in to help in Birmingham, Alabama; Newnan, Georgia; and Nashville, Tennessee. We've been assembling our three responses and want to give an update on the progress in each of these regions:
ALABAMA:
The Birmingham, Alabama tornado destroyed homes and lives, causing major damage to communities across Central Alabama.
Where:
Inspiritus has set up volunteer operations and a housing station at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Birmingham, AL.
Who:
From this site, we will be providing volunteer response services to the communities impacted (such as Pelham and Columbiana).
What:
In Birmingham, we’re coordinating with Southeastern Synod of ELCA and several congregations who are generously providing meals and airport transportation for our disaster response volunteers.
Our disaster relief volunteers are providing free debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, public road clearing, and other assistance as needed.
GEORGIA:
Where:
The Newnan, GA tornado was one mile wide, and had a 170 mph maximum wind speed.
Our teams are currently on the ground in Newnan, GA where we have set up an operations office at the Coweta County Emergency Operations Center. The University of West Georgia has kindly provided 34 dormitory rooms, as well as, dinner for our volunteers during this response.
Who:
Inspiritus staff, Kevin Burgess, and volunteers are helping officials setup and open the local Volunteer Reception Center. Staff have begun to train local county staff and volunteers to conduct Home Damage Assessments across the region. We will assist with coordinating all spontaneous volunteer efforts and support for local families through this center.
What:
In Newnan, GA, Inspiritus is collaborating with local churches and partners, including the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA to prepare to stay on the ground in the weeks ahead to support local families with debris removal and emotional and spiritual care.
Our disaster relief volunteers are providing free debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, public road clearing, and other assistance as needed.
Yesterday, volunteers brought in much needed tools, provided courtesy of the Atlanta Community Tool Bank.
