We need an army of volunteers to help bring relief in Florida after Hurricane Michael.
Families along the Florida Panhandle are still struggling on a long road to recovery after Hurricane Michael slammed into the state in early October. The mighty Category 4 storm devastated coastal cities, leaving them looking like ghost towns.
Volunteers are needed to do mud-outs, which sometimes include removing waterlogged ceilings.
Samaritan’s Purse quickly responded to the disaster and established a base of operations in both Panama City and Wewahitchka, about 20 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Our volunteers have worked hard in Jesus’ Name to serve hurting homeowners in the worst-hit areas.
But we need many more volunteers to come and serve in Florida. Volunteers will clear downed trees and debris; tarp roofs; and remove damaged drywall, sheetrock, floors, and ceilings.
Volunteer Angie Jones said that while the destruction was overwhelming, she’s grateful for an opportunity to help. “I’m so glad I came. God will use whatever gift you have— whether your skill is just talking to the homeowner. You’re going to get so much out of this.”
“When those volunteers roll up, it is a shot of hope.”
Between the two locations, nearly 2,200 Samaritan’s Purse volunteers have helped almost 1,000 families, with many more work orders still to fulfill. We praise God that so far during this response, more than 100 people have prayed to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. [Totals as of Jan. 17.]
Work is expected to continue in Wewahitchka through mid-February and in Panama City through mid-April. [Deployment dates are subject to change; last updated as of Jan. 18.]
“For so many people who have lost hope, they don’t know how to get started. They’re just stuck,” said Luther Stanford, lead pastor of City Church at Northside in Panama City, which is our host church. “But when those volunteers roll up, it is a shot of hope. I hear on a daily basis when I’m out in the community what an incredible impact the volunteers are making.”
If you’re ready to help bring physical relief and the hope of Jesus Christ to people in desperate need, sign up at spvolunteer.org.
Note: This article was originally published Dec. 28, 2018. Edits and updates were made on Jan. 18, 2019.
