Category: Disaster Response

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Disaster Response Hurricanes Uncategorized

ACS DR Continues in Fayetteville and New Bern

ACS Team members organizing the donations at the Warehouse.

ACS DR Teams and volunteers from both the Carolina and South Atlantic conferences are working tirelessly to provide relief to communities within the State of North Carolina. On Tuesday morning, they joined the Abney Chapel SDA Church in Fayetteville, NC, to assist with food distribution. Individuals that have been affected arrived at the Community Center to get both hot meals and nonperishable food items. Despite the challenging situation, many had pleasant and even jovial conversations with our Team members. Several of our partners from the city and faith-based communities have made donations to our Community Center. Some of the city leaders have even asked our Teams to assist them also during this tragic time. The Carolina Conference ACS DR Director, Phil Rosburg, opened up a Warehouse in Winnesboro, South Carolina to receive and stock donated products. He delivered a 28-foot truck from the Warehouse stocked with needed items for a Distribution that took place at the Ephesus SDA Church later this week.

The flood waters had severely affected homes in the communities and surrounding areas. Residents were desperate for food as many of their homes had taken on water and contaminated the products they had. With stores still not open, many were unable to obtain necessities needed for daily living. On Wednesday morning, the Ephesus Church building and parking lot turned into a Distribution site for the community. People from the neighborhood who had come for our services were accompanied by our Team members and given food supplies and household items. For seniors and others who could not carry their own items, young volunteers used hand trucks to carry these items for them. Community members were also offered a hot meal prepared by a local chef and served by ACS DR members.

W. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS DR Director, met with the Carolina Conference ACS Director and the pastor and staff of the English SDA Church in New Bern of how best to assist the community. Their sister Church, the New Bern Spanish SDA Church, had been housing over 200 people in their church building who had run out of food, and were apprehensive about seeking governmental help as IDs were being requested. However, the church was decimated with over six feet of water during the height of Florence. The airplane delivery of food was helpful in sustaining the people during their initial recovery. All of those that were being housed had to be evacuated and now were spread out in the city at various shelters.

As the current needs of the affected population are being discussed, it was pointed out that the greatest need was for shelter and cleaning materials. Many stories and testimonies were shared of families that had lost everything. Our Warehouse in Winnesboro will continue to be involved in distributing supplies to the communities in both Fayetteville and New Bern. The Ephesus and the New Bern English churches will work together to determine how supplies are delivered in the most efficient way for the two communities that have experienced this traumatic event.

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Disaster Response Hurricanes

Hurricane Florence Hits the East Coast

#HurricaneFlorence – September 24 Update

Hurricane Florence may have left the United States a week ago, but the effects of this weather-related tragedy are being felt across most of the eastern portions of North Carolina. Some of the most devastated areas include Wilmington, New Bern, and Fayetteville. The Carolina and South Atlantic Conferences that were directly affected by this disaster are working hard to determine how best to assist in this Recovery effort.

The Carolina Conference has set up a Warehouse in Winnesboro, SC, where supplies such as flood buckets, paper towels and tissues, food items, household items, and etc. are being stored. Phil Rosburg, the conference ACS DR Director, operates this facility by loading pallets of items that are being donated, and then transporting them to Centers where they’ll be distributed to those in need. Another area where we are engaged in is New Bern. Assessments of the New Bern community will be done by ACS DR and Southern University students.

The South Atlantic Conference ACS DR Teams met with the city leaders of Wilmington, and also the church leaders of the Ephesus SDA Church. They discussed the situation and developed a plan of action based on a ‘needs list’ for the area. A door to door assessment of the surrounding community will be conducted by local ACS volunteers, followed by Distribution of donated goods for the community. On Tuesday, a food distribution is planned in Fayetteville with the city officials for hot meals. On Wednesday, the Greater New York Conference DR Team, led by Walter Harris, will be arriving to assist in these communities.

Let us continue to remember the communities that have been affected, as well as the DR Teams that are actively involved in the Recovery Efforts.

Hurricane Florence is gradually making its way towards the East Coast mainland and is expected to make landfall late Thursday night/early Friday morning around the Carolinas. W. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS DR Director, met with the directors and coordinators of the Southern and Columbia Unions and some of the Conferences under the respective Unions: Carolina, South Atlantic, Allegheny East, Chesapeake, Potomac, and New Jersey. Our ACS DR Teams in the mentioned conferences appear positioned well. They have developed a plan of action for this type of a crisis event. Flood buckets are in place throughout each State that is in danger. Personal care kits are available and ready for use. Warehousing agreements are in place and our teams await the exact location for operations to begin. Some conferences that may not take a direct hit as anticipated earlier, are on standby to assist with the Recovery Efforts. We continue to have conversation with the State, American Red Cross, and ADRA as to how we might work in concert as Recovery begins. Please keep our ACS DR teams and each of the communities that will be affected in your prayers.

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Disaster Response Educational Events

ACS Participation in Emergency Management Training

ACS and ADRA participated in an innovative Emergency Management Training program from August 26-31. ADRA coordinated the effort, taking the lead in training sessions and managing the simulation exercise.

Five ACS DR Team members started the training with a three-day classroom session, and ended with a simulation that took place for another three days. The participants received expert knowledge in International response. Some of the topics included Communications, Protection, Cultural Parameters around the world, and United Nations assistance. In addition to the onsite classroom work, each person was required to take over 40 hours of online training prior to class attendance.

The second half of the training called for an exciting simulation exercise when ADRA staff whisked the participants away to an undisclosed location. The exercise entailed real life team deployment, hostages by actors from the community, and objectives and deadlines that had to be met in a way that ultimately served the public best. A part of the exercise involved the Team members being awakened at 3 am by local community participants screaming about a flooding that had destroyed a village next door. Though all this was simulated activity, the realism of the participants raised heart rates throughout the camp.

Even though both ACS and ADRA work with partners outside of the church like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and even Governmental authorities; however, up until this time we had not the opportunity to work together in such an endeavor. W. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS DR Director, said “While we both respond to similar disasters, typically the need within the NAD and outside of this area are different. Understanding the rules and environment each of us operates under requires expanding our knowledge, skills and abilities”. Expressing his excitement, Lea continued “I am truly proud of the dedication, enthusiasm and proficiency of our ACS DR team. I also believe a foundation has been laid for more collaborative efforts with ADRA”.

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Disaster Response Fires

ACS Responds to Recent Fires

As the temperatures increase nationwide, so are crisis events in some of our communities around the Division. Wildfires have been raging across the Western States for the past few months. At present, one of the most volatile areas is in Northern California. Fire Departments have reported challenges attempting to extinguish wildfires that have increased over time. In Redding, where several homes have sustained severe damage, only around 35% of the fire has been contained. Jim Oliver, our Northern California Conference ACS DR Coordinator, expressed concern for some of those that reside in this area as he is still out of his home from the impact of last year’s fire destructive fire. Lodging has been secured for those that have been forced out of their homes. Jim is checking with all our local area churches to ascertain what type of support we can offer to those affected by these ravaging forces. While no Warehousing needs have been requested by the County nor State, Jim has teams on standby should a need arise for management of a Warehouse. Additionally, NCC also stands ready to provide shelter to those in need as we have provided training to seven area churches within the Conference in Sheltering earlier this year. At present, the Conference is highlighting the need for financial support in lieu of donated goods.

Northern California is not the only Western State being affected by fires. Oregon is also experiencing dry weather which has led to wildfires. Laura Pascoe, our Oregon Conference ACS Coordinator, has been in contact with State officials. Though the fires have not been as devastating to the community, Laura and her team are on standby should the need arise. Washington State is also dry this time of year and reports have identified a couple of wildfires that the local ACS DR Team is keeping an eye on. The Lake Region Conference has set up and is managing a Warehouse and Distribution Center in Mt. Prospect, IL after a six-story building complex sustained major fire and water damage. Our lead Debra Davis-Moody and her Team is managing this operation.

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Disaster Response

ACS Disaster Response Update

The North American Division ACS DR Team has been partnering with the Southern Union and Southwestern Union to assist with Recovery Efforts in the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria that has left many communities in devastation. We are also collaborating with the Columbia Union as they begin Relief work in response to the recent Ellicott City flooding. Each of these entities have received financial support from the Division for the purchase of equipment and other needed supplies for the long-term Rebuild program.

The Florida Conference retained many of its new purchases to be used for Disaster Response. Trailers that will be used for future DR activities when the need arises, have been retrofitted to house medical equipment that can be utilized to provide health services throughout the year. A 25,000 sq. ft. tent was also purchased that will be used as shelter, office space, and other needs that arise over the course of the year. “Making better use of our resources is laying the foundation for us to be a real benefit to the community we serve,” stated W. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS DR Director.

In addition to the Rebuild program set in place for Irma-affected communities, our first ACS DR Union Instructor Course ‘Powerful, Purposeful Presentations’ was offered at the Southern Union this month from July 6-8. Approximately 50 individuals attended a full weekend of Instruction from our new Collections Center course to Sheltering Fundamentals. This ended with around 20 selected individuals beginning the certification process to become a DR Instructor by taking the foundational course that will be given in each Union over the next ten months.

The Greater New York Conference ACS has recently received and placed in operation a shower van that will be available for use during Disaster Recovery efforts and other needed times. This will expand the number of such units we have around the Division and lead to more efficient use of our resources.

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Disaster Response Emotional & Spiritual Care Local Conference Volcano

ACS Responds to Hawaii Volcano Situation

The Hawaii Conference hosted a ACS Emotional and Spiritual Care session this week in the aftermath of the volcanic eruption that has devastated hundreds of homes and property. Thirty-five pastors and lay members took advantage of the classes that were taught in Oahu by W. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS DR Director. The Hawaii ACS DR Director, William Payne, is also hosting a wonderful series of Disaster Response training that started with Derrick and will continue until the weekend by the Pacific Union ACS Director, Charlene Sargent.

After the sessions, Derrick headed to the Big Island of Hawaii to support Pastor Lopez, our lead on the ground. His Team has been feeding the community at least two days a week and working at two shelters that are housing those whose homes have been overtaken by the lava flow. Currently, Camp Waianae in Oahu has opened its doors to over 30 children who live on the Big Island. This has provided respite and rejuvenation for a group that will be confronting challenges in the long run.

Derrick had an opportunity to speak with some of the children that were flown to Oahu from the Big Island. Each of them was so excited to express how much fun they were having learning new things and taking part in the nightly vespers. “It was thrilling to hear the excitement of the youth and just as encouraging to see the work our young adult Counselors put into making this such a wonderful experience,” said Lea. He added, “While the Camp does provide a respite to the children, as I walked around two of the shelters on the Big Island, I was struck by the reality the children will return to.” Due to limited space, both shelters provide beds closely positioned next to the other. Tents were set up around the parking lot and in the lawn area. This seems to provide some level of privacy, but the daily rain makes this an uncomfortable circumstance.

In addition, there were other challenges that the residents were facing. Breathing in this environment is extremely difficult, even for those without asthma. Many of the occupants and workers talked about having a constant headache for days. Though the Governing authorities suggest the air quality is acceptable, those on site have a differing opinion. The ACS DR Teams continue to work with the local community to ensure a long-term Recovery Plan is being worked on that will meet the needs of the community.

Click here to get a glimpse of the work that ACS was involved in this week.

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Disaster Response Floods

ACS Engages in MD Flooding ‘Muck Out’

On June 10, early Sunday morning, ACS and Youth Ministries members from the Allegheny East and Chesapeake conferences, as well as volunteers from the community, gathered together at the Miracle City SDA Church to help with ‘Muck Out’ in response to the Ellicott City flooding. Despite the uncertain weather, there were 55 individuals who came prepared to work in more than ten areas that had been affected in Baltimore and Catonsville. They headed to the Stillmeadow Community Fellowship Church where the Operations Center was housed. The ACS DR team connected with Team Rubicon, a national partner of ACS DR, and discussed the activities of the day which included removing furniture, carpet, drywall, and etc. Individuals were placed into teams of seven where each team member was provided a skilled worker to accompany them and direct their efforts.

Each home they visited was close to a waterway that had produced a river-like water out in the streets. Much of the wet boxes and furniture still held water from over two weeks ago. Additionally, some of the homes had already begun to develop mold. Since much of the work took place inside homes, the DR Teams were able to talk to the residents of the affected homes about the rushing waters that devastated their community. While many were sincerely grateful to get their homes cleaned out of the remaining debris, some of them spoke of other needs that had not been met such as food, water, and other necessities. Since the DR Teams had gotten a briefing in the morning before heading onto the streets, they were able to provide information on a local school that had opened a Help Center for those that lived in the area. Click here to read some of the stories that the residents shared with us.

Both the Chesapeake and Allegheny East conferences have committed to continue assisting in the days and weeks ahead. The Conferences have also expressed an interest in partnering with us in Rebuild work after the homes are cleaned out. This work will include drywall replacement, painting, flooring, and etc. These Recovery Efforts will be part of a long-term Recovery Plan and will go on for the next year.

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Disaster Response Floods

Maryland Flood Stories

Many residents of homes that were impacted by the floods shared their stories with those who helped out with the ‘Muck Out’ on June 10. Click here to read more information on the Recovery Efforts. One resident who expressed her concern was a young lady named Dionne who lived with her two boys on a second-floor apartment building that got flooded. After she shared her tragic experience, she asked us where we were from. W. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS DR Director, informed her of the Seventh-day Adventist Church at Miracle City which was just two blocks away, and offered to introduce her to Pr. David Franklin who was present on the scene. They had a pleasant conversation, where Pr. David invited her to next Sabbath’s service to which she gladly accepted.

One Health Care worker named Hadie, whose basement was flooded, explained she was not home during the actual storm. She works at the local hospital and was on her night shift as the rains fell. Her husband at home had informed her the water level was raising, but she assumed it would recede as it always had previously. This family had lived on Frederick Road for 20 years, and never experienced anything like the latest rain. Early in the morning, her husband called to inform her that water was getting into the house. Hours later, they had over two feet of water in the basement. As the ‘Muck Out’ work began, she was getting ready to sleep before her night shift once again. While the DR volunteers didn’t mean to wake her up as they worked hard on her home that desperately needed fixing, she was truly appreciative of all the tremendous help that was provided to her family. Besides the residents, the DR volunteers also expressed how grateful they were for this opportunity to be able to help in some way.


Check out the story of Hadie sharing her experience with W. Derrick Lea, North American Division ACS DR Director.

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Disaster Response Floods

Maryland Counties Affected by Flash Floods

Heavy rains over the Memorial Day weekend have caused severe flooding in Maryland, affecting communities in Howard, Frederick, and Washington Counties. Some of the hardest hit places were Baltimore and Ellicott City. ACS Disaster Response leaders from the North American Division, Chesapeake, and Allegheny East Conferences are collaborating with each other and some of our partner organizations on the Recovery efforts in the impacted areas.

The Allegheny East Conference partnered with the Miracle SDA Church in conducting a needs-assessment of the areas close to the church which were affected. Various streets were closed and barriers had been erected near the church. W. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS DR Director, paid a visit to the Church and the affected community. The pastor of Miracle Church, Pr. David Franklin, explained all the damage that his neighborhood had sustained. They discussed what resources could be of help to the community and what role the church was prepared to play. They also visited a very large Baptist church that housed the Operations Center for the local Disaster. There were at least 25 people present from various organizations handling different tasks. Aid workers included personnel from ACS, the Red Cross, and Emergency Management.

The Chesapeake Conference is in contact with the Red Cross who is rendering Emotional & Spiritual Care to those affected in Washington and Frederick Counties. John Belliveau, the ACS DR Director for the Conference, is perusing a possible partnership in this effort that could incorporate our newly trained workers, as well. John and Derrick were able to connect with three other organizations that were interested in working with our DR Teams. John reached out to his newly trained Team and solicited credentialed individuals who could render service. In addition, he offered to shadow an experienced team on the ground and will ensure our members are used as appropriate in the coming days.

ACS Disaster Response is working hard to assist these communities with our Teams all over the region. As the work becomes more established, we will take advantage of additional resources that have been offered from Youth Ministries, which awaits our call for help. Many of our youth are willing to assist and as the need materializes we’ll engage them in activity towards the Recovery Efforts.

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Disaster Response Educational Local Conference

Rocky Mountain Conference ACS DR Simulation

On April 22, Sunday morning, the Rocky Mountain Conference Adventist Community Services held the first Disaster Response Simulation at H.M. Richards Elementary School. The purpose was to give volunteers a hands-on experience needed to respond to a disaster. “The leadership team for Disaster Response felt doing the simulation would allow the volunteers to have an extended training. Before all we did was to give the theory of donations management, now we have given the practical side,” said Cathy Kissner, RMC ACS Director. All the leadership team was involved in the training so that volunteers could meet and interact with each other. “Everyone felt the day was well spent and learned a great deal,” Kissner added. There were 30 individuals trained from three different States. Elder Marshall and Julie Gonzales, Texas Conference ACS/ACSDR Directors, were the guest attendees.