NOVEMBER SPECIAL OFFERING: UCC Hurricanes 2022 Relief Fund
Our special offering for November will go to the United Church of Christ’s appeal to support immediate needs for families and communities affected by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian. With wind speeds topping out at 130 miles per hour and 155 miles per hour, respectively, Hurricanes Fiona and Ian have left devastation in their wake. Hurricane Fiona’s winds left communities in Puerto Rico in crisis mode as the delivery of food, drinking water, and medical needs is challenged in hard-to-reach places cut off by downed trees, mudslides, and washed away bridges.
Rev. Edward Rivera-Santiago, Pastor General of Iglesia Evangélica Unida de Puerto Rico shared that congregations across the island are reporting church and community members whose homes are severely damaged, with some facing total loss. Solidarity grants from Global H.O.P.E. and Global Ministries have been sent to assist with immediate needs while basic infrastructure is repaired and more complete assessments can be made.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Ian has brought significant damage to Cuba, Florida, and the Carolinas. Recovery will take years – perhaps a decade.
Emergency response personnel are active. United Church of Christ partners through National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Global Ministries area executive for Latin America Angel Luis Rivera is in touch with bilateral partners. Conference leaders and conference disaster coordinators are making contact, assessing needs, and communicating with the Global H.O.P.E. team so that help can be channeled, now and for the long term. Your generous financial support will be used by our partners in the areas of greatest need, for relief and long-term recovery.