Hurricane Isaac DISASTER RELIEF


MATTHEW 25: MINISTRIES Begins Relief to the gulf coast

Updated Friday, August 31, 2012 4:23 PM EST

Matthew 25: Ministries began disaster relief to the Gulf Coast on Thursday, August 30.

Our Advance Team, led by Vice President and Disaster Relief Coordinator Tim Mettey, left for the Gulf Coast area on Thursday, August 30 to assess damage from the storm. They are meeting with partners in Pass Christian, Gulfport and New Orleans who worked with the ministry during Hurricane Katrina as well as visiting hard-hit St. John the Baptist and Plaquemine Parishes. They are working to begin relief operations for those left homeless and destitute as a result of the storm. Our first truckload of aid left early Friday, August 31, with cleaning supplies, water, and disaster relief kits.

Tim Mettey said, "There are thousands that desperately need our help as a result of Hurricane Isaac. It's very important that we reach out to help these people during this time of crisis. Many of them have lost everything."

Extensive Devastation

Hurricane Isaac deluged a wide area with heavy rain, flooding areas north and south of New Orleans. Up to 20 inches of rain fell in some areas. The storm spawned life-threatening hazards including storm surges, tornadoes and local flooding. In Plaquemine Parish approximately 3,000 people were evacuated as waters rose rapidly. As many as 50,000 people in Tangipahoa Parish were ordered to evacuate and St. John the Baptist Parish also evacuated more than 3,500 residents.

While the extent of the storm’s damage is not as far-reaching as that left by Hurricane Katrina seven years ago, for the thousands in those areas hit hardest by the storm the damage is equally complete and devastating.

Matthew 25: Ministries will continue to monitor the impact of Hurricane Isaac and will post more information regarding our response as it becomes available. Please continue to check this webpage and follow Matthew 25: Ministries on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information.

Impact on Haiti and the Dominican Republic

Isaac went through the Dominican Republic and Haiti as a tropical storm, causing flooding and other damage. In recent months, Matthew 25 has shipped disaster preparedness supplies including blankets to both of these countries, along with medical supplies, personal care products and clothing. These supplies are currently being used for distribution.


DISASTER RELIEF DONATIONS

Matthew 25: Ministries is currently requesting first response support including:

  • Monetary Donations: Donate online or mail checks to Matthew 25: Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242. Or text CARING to 50555 to make a $10 donation. 
  • Non-Perishable Food: PULL TOP canned vegetables, fruits etc.; ready to eat dry goods such as nuts, peanut butter, dried fruits, granola and trail mixes, jerkies, ready to eat snacks; bottled water; ready- to-eat meals or MREs etc.
  • Personal Care Products: Antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, lotion etc.
  • Cleaning supplies: Laundry detergents, general cleaner, sponges, bleach (powdered form is preferred), mops, scrub brushes, buckets, rubber gloves etc.
  • Paper products: Toilet paper, paper towels etc.
  • Baby and infant supplies: Diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment, baby wash, baby shampoo, baby lotion etc.
  • First-Aid items: Bandages, gauze, pads, first aid tape, antiseptic creams, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, latex gloves, instant cold packs etc.

Donors who would like to designate their financial gifts for Hurricane Isaac Relief may do so by writing "Hurricane Isaac Relief" in the memo line of their check or by typing it in the "in honor of" field of our online giving form. 100% of designated funds are used for the purpose intended.