Reach Out America has distributed nearly $300,000 in food, water, and supplies to victims of Hurricane Ian, which swept through central Florida in late September, causing extensive devastation.
Working with volunteers from United Pentecostal churches across the Sunshine State and beyond, Reach Out America assisted residents whose lives were upended by the storm, as well as relief workers and first responders who arrived in the wake of the disaster.
“We have been able to deliver six truckloads of emergency supplies to Florida,” said Mark Johnson, Reach Out America’s executive coordinator, who noted that this included a shipment of commercial-grade mold remover, an especially valuable commodity in the aftermath of a flood.
Johnson praised the UPCI’s Florida District for the spirit of cooperation they displayed throughout the ordeal, calling the district’s disaster response team, led by Larry Sims, “one of the best.”
Several Florida churches and leaders played key roles in the response, Johnson said, including Eastwind Pentecostal Church in Palm Bay, led by Pastor David Myers. Eastwind members helped unload semi-trailers filled with supplies. Jimmy Chapman, an Apostolic believer from Mississippi with experience in emergency supply distribution, secured a two-week box truck rental from Enterprise at no charge so the supplies could be disbursed.
“Every day, Jimmy Chapman and some of the folks from the local church were taking box trucks out into damaged areas and delivering food, water, cleaning supplies, diapers, formula—whatever they had from their local supplies along with what Reach Out America could get to them,” Johnson said.
As flood waters receded, Reach Out America was able to move closer to the portions of Florida that had been in the direct path of the storm, including Fort Myers. They provided supplies to food banks and other non-profit organizations in that community that were working to feed relief workers, emergency responders, and residents who had been impacted by the hurricane.
The Apostolics of Arcadia, led by Pastor Ric Sears, provided food to workers at their local airport, which was far enough inland to be spared from the worst effects of the storm and had subsequently become an important transportation hub for supplies, emergency workers, and medical care. The church’s parking lot also became a distribution point for donations.
Flood waters forced some Arcadia-area residents from their homes, Johnson explained, so they were living in tents, waiting for the water to recede. Reach Out America purchased a small quantity of grills so these families would not have to cook meals over an open fire. Pastor Sears and other church members then delivered the grills and other supplies to those in need.
The emergency response to Hurricane Ian may have come to an end, Johnson noted, but the cleanup continues as Florida residents work to rebuild their homes and lives. Meanwhile, Reach Out America is still working to serve victims and preparing to respond to future disasters.
Reach Out America expressed gratitude for the support of their corporate partners, Feed the Children and the UPS Foundation, and for the many volunteers who work to bring donations to hurting communities through UPCI churches and other organizations.
You can learn more about how Reach Out America serves communities during times of crisis by visiting ReachOutAmerica.org. The website also includes a donation portal and a volunteer sign-up form.
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