Presbyterians mobilize to help southeast U.S. recover from Hurricane Florence

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance seeks to bring hope and healing in the midst of tragic event

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance News | Presbyterian News Service

And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has given to us. —Romans 5:5

Hurricane Florence satellite image. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

LOUISVILLE – As news comes in of the devastating effects of Hurricane Florence in North Carolina and South Carolina, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is organizing a response that will help sustain life and restore hope in the coming days. “Our hearts break and rise up in prayer for the people along the Atlantic coast and the inland areas of the Carolinas,” says the Rev. Dr. Laurie Kraus, PDA director. “Right now, we need the church’s prayers and financial assistance.”

Hurricane Florence made landfall Friday morning about 7:30 a.m. Eastern time near Wrightsville, North Carolina, bearing sustained 90 mph winds. Although downgraded from recent days to a Category 1 storm, over the next 48 hours it’s expected to drop up to 30 inches of rain and create storm surges up to 11 feet in some areas in North Carolina. More than 500,000 homes and businesses are currently without power, a number that is certain to rise over the next several days as its projected to head westward toward South Carolina before turning north next week.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has been in communication with mid councils and pastors in the area to provide resources and guidance. Kraus and her colleagues in the Presbyterian Mission Agency and throughout the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are working with our partners to meet immediate needs and support long-term recovery.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is the emergency response and refugee program of the denomination, committed to the long-term journey of recovery of communities adversely affected by a crisis or catastrophic event. It is funded by the One Great Hour of Sharing and has designated funds for responding to specific disasters.

To support recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Florence, click here.  You’ll be taken to the PC(USA) website to donate securely and quickly.

If you prefer to mail a check, you may send it to:

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA, 15264-3700

You may also call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EST), at 1-800-872-3283 and donate by phone.

Visit pda.pcusa.org for continuing updates.