On September 26, Hurricane Helene made its devastating landfall on Florida’s coast. The storm was so strong that it affected more than just the Sunshine State. Its winds and downpouring rain reached the Carolinas, Georgia, and beyond. Even today, news networks report that millions of those impacted by the storm still don’t have power.
But the hurricane season didn’t end there.
Just a few weeks later, on October 10, Hurricane Milton also shook Florida. At the time this blog was written, there were at least 17 reported deaths as a result of the October storm, while more than 200 deaths were reported from Helene.
These storms caused devastation, loss, and tragedy beyond imagination. Families have been forever changed, as have the towns, states, and locations caught in these natural disasters’ paths.
But in the middle of the storms, one ministry is continuing to step out in faith and offer hope to those reeling in the aftermath of these hurricanes. That ministry is Eight Days of Hope (EDOH).
EDOH is well-known for its many different ministry facets. These include its Safe House Ministry, Rebuilding Ministry, Rapid Response Ministry, and Mass Feeding Ministry. Since its beginning in 2005, EDOH’s website reports that it has served 10,527 families and 28,730 meals. Thanks to the help of its supporters and faithful volunteers, it has also been able to offer more than $84 million worth of work to hurting communities.
When these storms caused chaos across our nation’s southern coast this fall, just as always, EDOH hit the ground running to help those in need.
Hannah Fletcher, EDOH’s communications director, recently shared with The Stand some of the ministry’s accomplishments during their multiple deployments to the different areas hit. In regards to Hurricane Helene, she explained that EDOH’s Rapid Response and Mass Feeding ministries had completed the following:
- On September 28-30, we brought roughly 20 volunteers and utilized members of the local church to provide 5,296 meals to those in Perry, Florida, and the surrounding community.
- On October 1-13, 305 volunteers from across the United States joined to help the community of Valdosta, Georgia. The Rapid Response Ministry served 93 families with tree removal, roof tarping, debris clean-up, and more.
- On October 3-9, our Mass Feeding Ministry, along with our shower and laundry trailer, left Perry for Canton, North Carolina, to serve those still without power in the aftermath of Helene. Three thousand eighty-eight meals were served, and 196 loads of laundry were completed for those impacted by the storm.
- From October 8-26, our Rapid Response Ministry is serving in Haywood County, North Carolina. We are currently averaging 100+ volunteers a day as we serve many in need across the county. We also have secured and set up a water distribution center in Swannanoa, North Carolina, where their only water supply was contaminated in the storm. This allows residents to have clean drinking water, take showers, and more.
When it came to Hurricane Milton, when this blog was published, EDOH teams were also still on the ground in Sarasota, Florida, offering hope in the form of food.
“Our team of volunteers, in collaboration with the local church, is providing thousands of meals daily for the Sarasota community,” Fletcher explained. “In the first few days, we served over 3,000 meals. We will stay in the area until the need subsides and power is restored.”
For the last 19 years, following its first mission to help Hurricane Katrina victims, EDOH has continued to show the love of Christ amid disasters. EDOH reports rebuilding more than 4,000 houses, partnering with ministries to build “6 long-term restorative homes and 7 counseling and care spaces” for human trafficking victims, responding to more than 50 rapid response missions, and has already been able to minister to thousands via food with its Mass Feeding Ministry after starting it last year. The Mass Feeding Ministry has the potential to offer up to 8,000 meals to those in need for eight days and also allow those in need a chance to wash clothes.
“Eight Days of Hope was founded in the wake of disasters - in fact, our entire mission is to love and serve those in need who have been impacted by natural and human disasters,” Fletcher stated.
However, EDOH’s biggest desire is to share the love of Jesus with those in need. Over the last month, many individuals who support this mission have shown up and helped serve alongside EDOH.
“We are beyond humbled to help so many after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton because we know that God is bringing hope and restoration to the brokenhearted through the hands and feet of His servants,” said Fletcher. “It is exciting to see how God is moving each day as we serve, planting seeds of faith, as well as bringing growth and expanding His kingdom.”
There has never been a better time to get involved with this amazing ministry!
Although the Hurricane Helene and Milton volunteering windows have closed, you can learn more about future deployment trips and volunteering opportunities by texting “HOPE” to 86373. But more than anything, Fletcher explained that praying for them and the communities they serve is one of the best ways to help EDOH.
“We cherish your prayers,” she said. “Please join us in praying for the leaders and volunteers who are serving in the devastated communities, as well as for every person who we will encounter - that they would see the love of Christ in the midst of their loss.”
For more information about how to get involved, visit eightdaysofhope.com.
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God (1 Peter 4:10).
Note: EDOH provided the graphic for this blog.
