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Disaster Response Hurricanes

ACS Responds to Hurricane Irma

A photo taken on September 6, 2017 shows the Hotel Mercure in Marigot, near the Bay of Nettle, on the French Collectivity of Saint Martin, during the passage of Hurricane Irma. France, the Netherlands and Britain on September 7 sent water, emergency rations and rescue teams to their stricken territories in the Caribbean hit by Hurricane Irma, which has killed at least 10 people. The worst-affected island so far is Saint Martin, which is divided between the Netherlands and France, where eight of the 10 confirmed deaths took place. / AFP PHOTO / Lionel CHAMOISEAU (Photo credit should read LIONEL CHAMOISEAU/AFP/Getty Images)

The ACS Disaster Response Teams are currently in Florida assisting with the Recovery Efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. They are working with the State, as well as the Florida and Southeastern Regional Conferences, to determine how and where a Warehouse will be placed. The Florida Conference is looking for ways to support those affected by the devastating flooding in Jacksonville and other areas nearby. Flood Buckets have been located and will be secured and delivered in the next couple of days. The Florida Conference has also assisted a couple of communities in debris removal after trees were blown down in the devastating winds.

The Southeastern Regional Conference conducted a needs assessment of the Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and St. Lucie areas to ascertain how these communities were recovering after the Hurricane. It appeared that these areas sustained little structural damage to their homes; however, the power outage was noted as the biggest challenge in several neighborhoods. They also were able to visit with five churches in these areas and spoke with both members and pastors who felt blessed to have made it unscathed through Irma.

Additionally, food has been a necessity and NAD was able to secure food packets for those in need. Conrad Duncan, Florida ACS Director, transported and distributed them to the affected areas last Saturday. Furthermore, several Distribution sites have been set up and are actively functioning in the State. Donations are currently being accepted at these locations. Though we await the State’s decision on where and when a Warehouse will be secured, we are providing services to those in need from the following locations:

Westchester Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church
9500 SW 16th St.
Miami, FL 33165-7667

Ft. Myers Seventh-day Adventist Church
3451 Ortiz Ave.
Fort Myers, FL 33905-7801

Jacksonville Southpoint Seventh-day Adventist Church
3208 Herring Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32216

South Orlando Seventh-day Adventist Church
1112 W Oak Ridge Rd.
Orlando, FL 32809-4712

Brandon Seventh-day Adventist Church
1221 Victoria St.
Brandon, FL 33510

Southeastern Camp Ground
1771 FL Hwy 20
Hawthorne, FL 32640

Please remember all those who have been affected by this devastating tragedy.