In the weeks since Hurricane Harvey first hit, the storm has passed and the floodwaters have receded. However, now begins the difficult task of rebuilding all of the devastation. Current estimates place the damage at approximately $150 to $180 billion. At the same time, Hurricane Irma appears to be dissipating little by little as it makes its way through Florida, after hitting the Caribbean and causing destruction throughout the island nations. Even still, the southeastern United States is still at risk for widespread flooding as a result of Irma. Just recently, approximately 41 million people in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh have been affected by severe flooding as a result of an unusually heavy monsoon season.
Amid all of this pain and devastation, you may be wondering what you can do.
First and foremost, we invite you to continue to pray with us for the residents of Texas, Florida, the Caribbean, and South Asia.
– Pray for the safety of those who are still in the midst of flooding and dangerous weather, and those who are working to ensure their safety and security.
– Pray for health and protection for people trapped in flooded areas and the rescue teams working to free them.
– Pray for full provision and safety for crowded relief shelters.
– Pray for adequate workers and funding to rebuild and repair homes, churches, and businesses affected by the flooding.
If you feel led, you can also give a financial contribution. SEAPC has arranged to receive these through our online giving platform, which you can access at here. Simply follow the links to the donation page, and when prompted, enter your donation under “Global Disaster Relief.” If you would prefer to give by check, you can mail it to SEAPC, PO Box 127, Oakmont, PA 15139 (please ensure that you mark “Global Disaster Relief” on your donation). All donated funds will go towards providing supplies for rebuilding homes and churches in the area affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Lastly, you can join a disaster relief team. Bill Richardson, our missions director and an experienced global disaster relief professional, will be leading a team to Texas to provide assistance.
Dates: TBD. Thanks to feedback from local ministry partners, SEAPC will be solidifying trip dates within the next few weeks.
Project Description: Volunteers will be assisting homeowners affected by Hurricane Harvey. We’ll be tearing out damaged drywall, removing flooring, tarping roofs, and clearing debris.
Additional Information: Meals and sleeping quarters will be provided for overnight volunteers. Volunteers need to bring twin size air mattress or cot, linens/sleeping bag, pillow, towels, and personal hygiene items. Tools will be provided, but volunteers may bring their own tool belts and small hand tools. Volunteers plan to dress in long pants and bring work gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy boots. Volunteers should bring rubber boots for working in flooded areas.
Length of Stay: Minimum stay of three days for overnight volunteers.
Maximum Team Size: 15 people. Both teams and individuals are welcome.
Minimum Age: Volunteers must be at least 14 years or older. Volunteers ages 14-15 must be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian, and 16-17 year olds must be accompanied by an adult chaperone (age 21 or older). All youth must have a signed Youth Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liability. If not accompanied by their parent, this form must be notarized.
Approximate Costs:
Travel Meals: $60.00 to $100.00
Trip cost per person: $400.00 for 7 days
Contact: Bill Richardson, 412-418-7371 or billrichardson@seapc.org or Carly Davis, 412-826-9063 or carlyd@seapc.org.
Thank you for partnering with SEAPC to be God’s hands and feet to those affected by disasters around the world!
