Give now for Hurricane Ida relief
Dear friends,
I’m writing to you with an update to my email earlier this week. Just last night the remnants of Hurricane Ida barreled through the Northeast, leaving devastation in their wake. New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey were hit with historic flash flooding and tornadoes touched down in Maryland and New Jersey. Homes and subways filled with water, and cars were swept away. The death toll is expected to rise, and authorities continue to work on restoring transportation services.
Meanwhile, information regarding the extent of the destruction in Louisiana and parts of Mississippi continues to trickle in, and the damage will undoubtedly be more severe than we know today. In Louisiana, some evacuees have been told not to return because many areas remain without electricity and people are struggling to find gas, food and clean water. With power lines down and communication hindered, many are waiting for relief in dangerous 90-degree heat.
You can accompany our neighbors who have been affected by this disaster. Please give now. Lutheran Disaster Response is developing plans to accompany on-the-ground partners, including social ministry organizations and synods, in the areas impacted. Immediate needs are expected to include food and shelter, while long-term recovery could include helping people repair or rebuild their damaged homes.
With your support, hurricane survivors will know they’re not alone. This is an important part of Christ’s call on our church.
To stay up to date on our ongoing response, follow Lutheran Disaster Response on Facebook or visit our website.
Thank you.
In Christ’s service,
The Rev. Daniel Rift
Director, ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response Fund
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
“Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress” (Psalm 71:3)
Dear friends,
The headlines are filled with the devastation from Hurricane Ida, which made landfall near New Orleans on Aug. 29 — exactly 16 years after Hurricane Katrina. As a strong Category 4 storm, Hurricane Ida’s 150 mph winds, torrential rain and strong storm surge caused widespread flooding and wind damage in southeastern Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. Homes are flooded and residents are awaiting rescue, which is hampered by the high waters and debris-clogged roads. Strong winds knocked out power lines and electrical substations, leaving more than 1 million people without power, including the entirety of New Orleans. In some areas, electricity is not expected to be restored for weeks. Ida weakened into a tropical storm as it moved inland and will likely cause heavy flooding in Mississippi, Alabama, and the Tennessee and Upper Ohio valleys.
The impact of Ida is yet to be fully assessed, but with a hurricane of this scale, rebuilding will be costly and take years. With extensive experience in accompanying communities throughout the relief and long-term recovery phases, Lutheran Disaster Response is working with local ELCA synods and Lutheran social service organizations to coordinate a response to Hurricane Ida. Immediate needs will include food, basic necessities and temporary housing. Long after the headlines change, Lutheran Disaster Response will continue to accompany communities on the journey of rebuilding their homes and lives.
Your gifts will support survivors of Hurricane Ida. Gifts to "U.S. Hurricanes" will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by hurricanes until the response is complete.
We pray that God’s presence will be felt in the midst of suffering and bring comfort to those who are hurting. Together, we can show our neighbors that they are not alone.
In Christ’s service,
The Rev. Daniel Rift
Director, ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response Fund
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Additional Ways to Give
Checks or money orders can be sent to:
Lutheran Disaster Response
P.O. Box 1809
Merrifield, VA 22116-8009
Write "Hurricane Ida" on your check memo line.
Give by phone at 800-638-3522 or online.