The situation:
In late September, Hurricane Helene hit the coast of Florida as a Category 4 hurricane and moved inland as a deadly storm, leaving devastation throughout the southeastern United States. The storm caused shocking, dangerous flooding, especially in western North Carolina and Tennessee, washing away whole towns and roads, leaving millions of people without power, and driving thousands from their homes.
Hurricane Milton hit Florida as a powerful Category 3 hurricane, bringing storm surge, heavy rains, winds and tornadoes. Milton is one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the area in decades. At least four people have died, and millions are without electricity. This storm is particularly devastating because many communities are only beginning to recover from Hurricane Helene, which hit the Southeast just two weeks ago.
Our response:
Lutheran Disaster Response works with its partners to provide immediate relief, such as water, food, clothing, gift cards, tarps and other needs. Since many hurricanes also require a long-term response, Lutheran Disaster Response provides support on the long road to recovery with disaster case management, construction management, attention to unmet needs, and emotional and spiritual care.
What you can do:
Pray
Please pray for the safety of communities impacted by hurricanes, including people in their paths and any emergency services personnel who are responding. May God’s healing presence give them peace and hope in their time of need. Pray that God will deliver comfort to those who mourn and strength to those working diligently to rescue survivors.
Give
Your gifts will support disaster-impacted communities. Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response equip us to respond to those affected by hurricanes and related disasters, such as mudslides, severe storms and flooding. These gifts also empower us to respond to disasters whenever and wherever they strike. Gifts to “Hurricane Response" will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by hurricanes, until the response is complete.
To give by phone, call 800-638-3522. Checks or money orders can be mailed to:
Lutheran Disaster Response
P.O. Box 1809
Merrifield, VA 22116-8009
Share
Spread the word throughout your congregation and community to give Lutheran Disaster Response an even greater impact as it serves our neighbors on the long road to recovery.
- Share this bulletin insert with your congregation and encourage support.
- Download this PowerPoint slide to share during worship, and invite generosity to Lutheran Disaster Response.
- Download this QR code for your bulletin or worship slides to make it easy for members to donate.
- Include ELCA.org/hurricanes and ELCA.org/hurricanes/donate in your next church newsletter and invite giving to Lutheran Disaster Response.
Connect
To learn more about the situation and the ELCA’s response:
- Sign up to receive Lutheran Disaster Response alerts.
- Check the Lutheran Disaster Response blog.
- Read the Lutheran Disaster Response FAQ page.
- “Like” Lutheran Disaster Response on Facebook, follow @ELCALDR on X (formerly Twitter) and follow @ELCA_LDR on Instagram.
