Categories
Disaster Response Fires Local Conference NEWS

Record-Setting Fires Destroy Over 1,000 Homes in Colorado

UPDATE – January 26, 2022

The ACS Disaster Response team at the Rocky Mountain Conference is leading the efforts in response to the recent Marshall Fire, the 6,000-acre wildfire that has destroyed 1,270 homes and businesses in Colorado. The estimates on damage exceed a half-billion dollars, making it the most destructive fire in Colorado history.

The ACS team, under the leadership of Cathy Kissner, Conference ACS director, has been at work serving at the Distribution Center in Broomfield for the past few weeks. The center which is located in Flatiron Mall at a former Nordstrom department store is operating seven days a week. Over 150 volunteers are working hard sorting, moving, and distributing goods to the affected communities. ACS will continue to lead this operation for the next three months or so, before turning it over to a local NGO.


On December 30, 2021, multiple growing and fast-moving grassfires raged through the Colorado suburbs of Louisville and Superior at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder County. These record-setting fires have destroyed more than 1,000 homes and property as powerful winds rained down embers on subdivisions that fires had never before touched. Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated as strong winds continue to blow through these areas and spread the fire to homes.

North American Division Adventist Community Services (NAD ACS) has been in communication with the Rocky Mountain Conference ACS leadership, Colorado Emergency Management, and Colorado VOAD, to determine how our ACS DR teams will be utilized to render assistance to the communities in Boulder.

Let us remember the affected communities in our prayers.

https://adventist.news/news/wildfires-destroy-large-parts-of-superior-and-louisville

Categories
Disaster Response Donations Local Conference NEWS Tornadoes

Deadly Tornadoes Ravage Communities in Six States

UPDATE – DECEMBER 14, 2021

The recent Midwest tornadoes have left communities with considerable damage to homes and property, closed roads, power outage, and numerous fatalities. ACS directors in the affected conferences have spent many hours connecting with members of their Disaster Response team to determine the needs that ACS might be able to assist with. These needs include warehouse management, mobile distribution of goods, and debris removal.

  • Kentucky-Tennessee Conference – Partnering with local churches in the Kentucky area to help with debris removal and putting together a Warehouse Management team.
  • South Central Conference – Preparing to deploy Warehouse teams in Kentucky and Tennessee as needed.
  • Arkansas-Louisiana Conference – Forming multiple teams that will deliver goods throughout the affected areas in Arkansas.
  • Lake Region Conference – Conducting a needs assessment in Illinois.

Please remember the communities affected by this tragedy, as well as those responding to the needs.


On December 10, 2021, a deadly tornado moved across Western Kentucky, causing havoc on numerous towns in the state. Crossing through twelve counties during its lifespan, the tornado was exceptionally long-tracked, traveling over 200 miles that produced a series of strong tornadoes in five other states, as well. At least 45 fatalities have been confirmed, although the total death toll is estimated to be nearly 100. It is declared to be the largest tornado recorded in history.

North American Division Adventist Community Services (NAD ACS) has been in communication with the ACS Disaster Response leaders in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Arkansas, Missouri, and Mississippi. Currently, Kentucky appears to be the State most heavily impacted. Assessment is taking place at present and some of our conferences, Kentucky-Tennessee, South Central, Arkansas-Louisiana, and Georgia- Cumberland, are actively putting together their teams for work. The Kentucky-Tennessee Conference is purchasing supplies to aid in the Relief Efforts. We are also staying connected to the Emergency Management in the affected areas.

If you would like to make a monetary donation towards the tornado relief efforts, please see the links below.

  1. Kentucky-Tennessee Conferencehttps://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANTIII/envelope/start
    Select ‘community services‘. (You can find this option by clicking “more offering categories” under “Conference/Union”)
  2. South Central Conferencehttps://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANTPPP/envelope/start
    Under Conference/union – choose ‘more offering categories‘ and select ACS – Disaster Response
  3. Arkansas-Louisiana Conferencehttps://adventistgiving.org/#/org/ANW444/envelope/start
    You can choose ‘Disaster Relief‘ for either Louisiana or Arkansas.

Categories
Disaster Response Food Pantries Hurricanes Video

Willow Grove ACS Center Serves Communities Impacted by Ida

The Willow Grove Adventist Community Services Center is one of several ACS Centers that are still responding to the needs of communities impacted by Hurricane Ida. They organized a distribution event on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, where boxes of food, clothing, comfort kits, and other items were distributed. North American Division ACS Director, Derrick Lea, visited the center to assess the recovery efforts that have been taking place around New Jersey and Pennsylvania over the last two months.

The distribution was scheduled to start at 11:00 am. However, Lea arrived at 10:30 am to see a line of cars already wrapped around the church, leading to the Community Center. As he got out of his car, he was stopped by a young lady that saw his golden yellow shirt and began thanking him, though he had done nothing at all. As he walked towards the entrance of the Center, he realized why she thanked him as he saw a sea of yellow ACS Disaster Response shirts taking the goods and piling them up in the parking lot. There were around 20 ACS volunteers that were busy at work serving the long line of cars. As they were serving the community, Lea quickly thanked them, and they returned to servicing those who were arriving. Though it was the middle of the work week, people had been coming for over an hour and this continued for three more hours.

“This is the community work that shows our care for those often overlooked, and the looks on the faces, and thanks in the voices of those helped can’t be measured. The Allegheny East Conference had received a grant from the NAD for this type of work, and Director Smith said he had around 25 churches that were able to do the same type of work around the affected area,” stated Lea. “I only had a chance to view one such location, but others similarly are serving their communities as well, and while this work might not get the exposure far and wide, those helped appreciate what the Seventh Day Adventist church is doing in their community,” continued Lea.

Categories
Community Development Disaster Response Donations Hurricanes Local Conference NEWS

Arkansas-Louisiana ACS Distributes Goods to Communities During Ida Recovery

Though Hurricane Ida touched down in Louisiana over a month ago on August 29, 2021, several communities affected by this tragic disaster event continue to struggle. ACS at the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference has been engaged in the Recovery Efforts under the leadership of Lavida Whitson, conference ACS Director, who had been gathering various goods over the past number of years. Fortunately, these much-needed goods that were on hand were ready to be distributed to community members through a Distribution Center that was set up in Hammond. However, there were some families that didn’t have the ability to travel the long distance to Hammond which led to ACS coordinating mobile distributions in certain areas. In addition to giving away supplies, ACS volunteers also assisted with debris cleanup.

On October 9, 2021, Sabbath morning, fifteen ACS team members came together to assist the small town of Maurepas by providing them comfort kits and cleaning tools such as shovels, brooms, mops, and other cleaning supplies. Initially, no one showed up, and then Lavida realized that they had done everything but pray, so she offered the first prayer. And then, another team member gave a closing prayer to request God’s presence in their work. At the close of his prayer, they opened their eyes to see a line of cars patiently waiting on them. At this point the team sprang into action and continued doing so until everything they had was gone.

While assisting in Maurepas, a contact from the Indian Nation had reached out asking for help. During the Katrina Recovery Efforts, ACS assisted the Houma Indian Nation for many months, and based on this history, they were asking if we might be able to assist with Ida Recovery also. NAD ACS Director, Derrick Lea, along with Whitson, met with the Vice Principal Chief of the Houma Nation to get an overview of what the needs were within his community and ascertain how ACS could be of support. The Nation was made up of around 17,000 individuals out of which many had been displaced. Even though rebuilding of the homes was determined to be the greatest need, clothing, bedding, and other household items were also in demand. The local ACS team is putting goods together for distribution in this community. They will carry out similar work in other impacted areas as well, in the next few days. “ACS will continue serving though the news no longer highlights this continued need. One resident approached me as we surveyed the damage to the Houma Nation radio station and asked, “What are we supposed to do?”  While I didn’t have a good answer, I did express to her our intent of helping her and people like her with the goods that we have. My hope is these efforts combined with others will ensure a livable situation for many that have been overlooked,” stated Lea.

Categories
Disaster Response Floods NEWS

Flooding From Ida Affects New York and New Jersey

Flash floods from the remnants of Hurricane Ida swept through the states of New York and New Jersey last Wednesday, August 31, wreaking havoc and killing around 50 people. New York City officials reported that the rain on Wednesday night, 3.1 inches in Central Park within an hour, shattered the record set only few days before, when 1.94 inches of rain fell in the park during Tropical Storm, Henri. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood emergency in New York City for the first time. ACS leaders from both the Northeastern and Greater New York conferences are working closely with their local Disaster Response teams and volunteers in the affected areas to bring relief to communities devastated by this catastrophic flooding.

Let’s remember in our prayers the survivors and those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.

A view of the southbound Sprain Brook Parkway, left, on the Yonkers and Bronxville border in New York after the heavy rainfall overnight, Sept. 2, 2021. Mark Vergari/The Journal News

 

Categories
Disaster Response Food Aid Hurricanes Local Conference NEWS Video

ACS DR Teams Respond to Hurricane Ida

UPDATE – September 7, 2021

The Southwest Region Conference has been housing residents from New Orleans and surrounding areas whose homes had to be evacuated, at various locations around the conference office. The largest facility that was able to accommodate most people was the Lone Star campground in Athens, Texas. In addition to ACS providing aid, other departments from the conference have stopped by such as the Family Ministries Director, W.S. Lee, who met with many individuals on the campground. Since social distancing rules are in place, the number of people will be kept to a reasonable amount before they’re directed to other facilities such as WHO (World Harvest Organization) and Fondren in Houston who have prepared their churches for any overflow. The evacuees are provided with food and other essential items, as well. The Arkansas-Louisiana Conference is preparing to set up a Mobile Distribution into some of the hardest-hit areas by collecting goods that will be used for this operation. However, people are being asked not to come into the area due to the high flood waters, downed power lines, and fallen trees. Hammond and Grand Isle were hit the hardest as the storm swept through these areas as a Category 3 hurricane.


On Sunday afternoon, August 29, 2021, Hurricane Ida made landfall along the U.S. northern Gulf coast as a Category 4 storm, severely affecting Louisiana and Mississippi with drenching rains, relentless winds, and massive storm surge. More than 2,500 people fled Ida’s path and spent Sunday night in community shelters. Over one million residents are currently without power across Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Many neighborhoods that are still recovering from the devastation of hurricanes in 2020 are now facing flooded homes yet again, along with a daunting recovery process. And Hurricane Ida isn’t done yet; expected flash flooding, damaging winds, and significant rainfall will continue as the storm moves north this week.

We have been in constant contact with our ACS leadership at the local conferences who are currently on the ground with their Disaster Response teams rendering support to the affected communities. Southwest Region Conference ACS Director, Durandel Ford, is leading his team in providing food and other needed items through mobile distribution. They are also setting up shelters at a few local churches to house evacuees. ACS Director of Arkansas-Louisiana Conference, Lavida Whitson, is working with her team to compile supplies that will be used either at a specific point of Distribution or take them into the devastated areas.

Please remember in your prayers the communities who have been affected by this disaster event.


Photo Credit: Edmund D. Fountain for The New York Times

Categories
Disaster Response Floods Local Conference NEWS

ACS Responds to Flash Floods in Tennessee

The State of Tennessee was recently hit by devastating flooding on Saturday, August 21, 2021, after a record-breaking rainfall. The Emergency Management authorities have reported that at least 22 people were killed and 50 others remain missing that weekend after catastrophic flash floods swept through Middle Tennessee. ACS was asked to identify a Warehouse Management team to work in Waverly. The South Central Conference ACS Disaster Response will be engaged in this effort, under the leadership of both ACS co-directors, Lillie Buckingham and Barbara Barnes. A 100,000 square foot Warehouse is currently being set up for operations and will serve the community for the next few weeks in partnership with the state. The Kentucky-Tennessee Conference ACS director, Mike Hewitt, visited the site today and we plan to identify local volunteers that can be used to supplement this effort and ultimately take over the operation once trained to do so by the South Central force.

Please remember in your prayers the affected communities and those grieving the loss of their loved ones.

The impact of the flooding in the Waverly area of Tennessee. Photo: Hardin County Fire Department, Savannah Tennessee/Facebook

Categories
ADRA Disaster Response Donations NEWS Partnership

ACS on Standby to Assist in Haiti Earthquake Relief

UPDATE – August 24, 2021

ADRA is on the ground assisting with the Recovery Efforts in response to the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti few days ago. A needs assessment was conducted which reveals that food, shelter, and hygiene kits are the three basic needs. All the humanitarian items that are being distributed to the affected communities are bought in Haiti which is quicker, cheaper, and supports the local economy.

While these efforts continue to take place, ACS teams within the North American Division such as the Texas Conference are finding productive ways to support the work. They have partnered with Reach Out America to send 16 pallets of various items to Haiti, such as new clothing, shoes, blankets, hygiene kits, and clean-up buckets. UPS is supplying a 747 jumbo-jet to transport these items.

If you would like to help, ADRA International is requesting monetary donations at this time, given the hardship of sending supplies overseas. All financial support given to ADRA International will go directly to the local response team, ADRA Haiti, who has been the lead of this current effort.

Let us continue to remember those who have lost loved ones and have been affected by this tragedy, in our prayers.


On August 14, 2021, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Haiti approximately 78 miles (128 km) west of the capital city, Port-au-Prince, with a 6.2 miles (10 km) depth. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates “high casualties are probable and significant damage is likely” with the number of deaths currently estimated in the hundreds and thousands injured, making it the deadliest earthquake of 2021.

While ACS teams respond to disasters and crisis events within the North American Division, history shows us that many of our members are affected by such types of occurrences in the Inter-American Division as they have family and friends that reside there. Given this reality, we are in communication with our colleagues at the Inter-American Division, ADRA International, and ADRA Haiti to ascertain the needs on the ground and determine how we can be of assistance.

Even though ADRA is the responding organization for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, some of our conferences are standing at the ready to supplement and support their efforts as needed. The NAD ACS leadership is in discussion with these conferences such as Northeastern that have expressed concern and their willingness to render aid. Currently, a needs assessment is being conducted in the affected areas. The earthquake has left behind thousands injured, and many hospitals and clinics overwhelmed. ADRA is working in collaboration with these institutions to meet needs support requested such as transportation, food, medication, and other supplies.

Please keep those affected by this tragic event and the responders in your prayers.

Read the latest update by ADRA International.

People search through the rubble of a Hotel after an earthquake hit on August 14, 2021 in Les Cayes, southwest Haiti.
AFP via Getty Images
Categories
Disaster Response

Water Distribution Through Texas ACS Depot

Southwestern Adventist University water was shut down this past week and the Texas ACS (Adventist Community Services) Depot was able to deliver water. This was made possible after the Texas ACS Depot contacted the Johnson County Emergency Manager who was able to give two pallets of water.

Also, the director of Johnson County Emergency asked the Texas ACS Depot to store 10 pallets of water and the Texas ACS Disaster Response team will distribute water to the community.

 

Categories
Disaster Response

Texas Winter Storm Disaster Relief

Millions of people in the State of Texas are dealing with the impact from the huge winter storm that passed over the region this week.

Southwestern Union Conference Adventist Community Services (ACS) began addressing some of the needs by setting up a Distribution of blankets, coats, and sweaters to the community. Additionally, the Texas ACS Depot was used as a temporary shelter for three days due to power outages.

Marshall Gonzales, ACS Director of Southwestern Union and Durandel Ford, ACS Director of Southwest Regional Conference are setting up points of distribution (POD) of water, blankets and hygiene kits.

Our hearts go out to those affected by this winter storm. Please keep them as well as the volunteers in your prayers.

If you would like to help, monetary donations are being accepted online by Texas Conference. Please visit www.texasadventist.org.

OR

The Southwest Region Conference has employed several relief efforts in Texas in response to Winter Storm 2021 and Its residual affects.  For those of you who are desiring to contribute financially to the Texas Winter relief efforts, there are 2 methods you may use to give.

*Zelle (our account is under the email: ACS@swrgc.org).

*Cash App (find it under $SWRGC).

All that you donate will be used to help in the response efforts

 

Distribution Distribution Distribution