MESSAGE FROM THE FLORIDA BAPTIST CONVENTION TO CHURCHES

 

 

Over 32 Florida Baptist church buildings were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Charley according to reports from on-site inspection teams.  The group is among 170 churches in four associations that have been visited by assessment teams through August 21.

 

Three churches, all located in the rural area of Arcadia, had their buildings completely destroyed.  The remaining 29 church buildings had damage which was classified as being either minimal (16), moderately damaged (7), or heavily damaged (6).  No dollar figure has been assigned to the loss and damages experienced by churches throughout Southwest Florida.  Assessment teams continue to visit every church within the eight county area where the storm traveled August 13 and 14.  See the current listing at the Florida Baptist Convention website link:

http://www.flbaptist.org/news/hurricane_charley_damaged_churches.htm

 

By late last week (August 19), 18 mobile kitchen units from Florida and 13 other state Baptist conventions had been set-up and operating.  Within a week after feeding operations began over 257,850 meals had been distributed to hurricane victims and emergency response personnel.  These units are expected to remain in operation until electrical power is restored in the local area and/or until no longer needed. See listing of these locations at the following Florida Baptist Convention website link:

http://www.flbaptist.org/news/hurricane_charley_feeding_units.htm

 

The second major thrust of the response effort includes over 120 recovery units and chainsaw teams which have been deployed since August 15.  The recovery and clean-up teams, consisting of more than 1000 volunteers, are assigned to assist homeowners remove fallen trees and install temporary plastic covering over damaged roofs and homes.  By August 22, these teams had completed over 660 recovery projects, while another 2,000 requests for assistance had been received.

 

Volunteers:  Persons interested in serving as volunteers in the response effort should contact the Florida Baptist Men's Department at 1-800-226-8584, extension 3121.

 

Financial donations are being collected by the Florida Baptist Convention.  Donations can be earmarked to assist specific churches or be applied to the general disaster relief response.  Go to the following link for details:  http://www.flbaptist.org/news/hurricane_charley_index.htm#MFD

 

Read updated stories of the Baptist relief effort at the following link:

http://www.floridabaptistwitness.com/charley.fbw

 

Donated Items Needed:  For an updated listing of requested items go to the following link:  http://www.flbaptist.org/news/hurricane_charley_index.htm

 

FEMA Assistance:  Individuals who have sustained losses or damage may be eligible for federal and state disaster aid.  Application can be made by telephone 1-800-621-3362 or for speech and hearing impaired TDD 1-800-462-7585.  See the following link:

http://www.fema.gov/about/process/