Disaster Relief

Helping People Impacted by Sudden Disasters

In disaster situations, time is a precious commodity and implementing an effective disaster response is critical. Matthew 25: Ministries is constantly monitoring its readiness to meet the needs of a sudden disaster. This includes maintaining the facilities and resources needed, as well as being ready to engage disaster relief volunteers from the local community who want to help provide relief to the victims. In order to provide the most effective disaster response possible, supplies must be sorted prior to being shipped so that they are ready for immediate distribution.

Matthew 25: Ministries’ focus during disasters is typically on moving large amounts of critically needed aid into the affected area. When our Disaster Response Team deploys, we utilize a fleet of specialty vehicles to distribute initial loads of aid and set up distribution channels through partner organizations for future shipments.

WE ARE CURRENTLY MONITORING: [DISASTER NAME]

  • NHC Rating: Currently Tropical Storm, likely Category 2 at landfall (hyperlink to HNC or main source)
  • NWS Flash Flood Potential: Moderate (hyperlink to NWS or main source)
  • Cities Expected to be ImpactedNew Orleans and Lake Charles, LA; Jackson, MS; Mobile, AL; Memphis, TN; Galveston, TX
  • Total Population at Risk: Over 2 Million

EXPECTED IMPACTS

View the chart below for information on the expected impacts on this storm (Level 1 represents the lowest risk, while Level 5 represents the highest).

WIND

LEVEL 1

(brief impact description)





FLOODING

LEVEL 4

(brief impact description)





RAIN

LEVEL 2

(brief impact description)





POWER OUTAGES

LEVEL 5

(brief impact description)





STORM SURGE

LEVEL 3

(brief impact description)





SEVERE WEATHER RISK

LEVEL 5

(brief impact description)





Matthew 25: Ministries has developed this impact scale based on multiple reliable sources, including the National Weather Service, weather forecasting models, and our extensive experience in disaster response. While this scale is carefully constructed for each unique situation to provide helpful insights, as always, we strongly advise those in the storm’s path to stay alert and follow updates from local meteorologists and emergency services. 

Our Recent Disaster Response

Disaster Relief Resource Map

During and immediately following a natural disaster, one of the most important things for those impacted is access to clear and accurate information. In the midst of the initial recovery process, it can be difficult to maneuver the many news and social media outlets to find exactly what supplies or services are needed most.

Matthew 25: Ministries has created a Disaster Relief Resource Map for major disasters that have occurred in the United States. These maps give a list of resources available to people working to recover from recent disasters. Matthew 25 has compiled this data from a variety of reputable sources and put it into easy to access maps that are sorted by the disaster. Each map has a collection of locations where individuals can go to receive supplies, services, or additional information or support. Visit our Disaster Relief Resource Maps for more information.

View Resource Maps

How To Help

We are amazed by the generous outpouring of support we receive during times of disasters. Thank you for your willingness to help! Everyone plays an important role in helping the victims during their time of need.

Our Disaster Response History

2024

JANUARY — Matthew 25: Ministries began the year responding to a severe weather outbreak in the Southeast, where tornadoes, heavy rains, and winds up to 106 mph devastated parts of Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. Our Disaster Response Team deployed to the affected region, distributing aid to those impacted by the severe storms. In total, Matthew 25 shipped over 40,000 pounds of relief aid.

Later in the month, we assisted residents in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, facing a prolonged water crisis caused by storm damage. The team deployed with the Tide Loads of Hope Mobile Laundry Unit, provided free laundry and distributed bottled water and essential hygiene supplies to support the impacted community.
FEBRUARY — Matthew 25: Ministries responded to a series of tornadoes that swept through Ohio, leaving behind widespread destruction across multiple counties. The Disaster Response Team distributed critical relief aid, including personal care products, cleaning supplies, tools, tarps, and baby essentials, helping impacted residents begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding.
MARCH — Devastating storms and tornadoes struck parts of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, causing widespread destruction across several towns. Matthew 25 quickly mobilized the Disaster Response Team, delivering nearly 25,000 pounds of relief supplies and offered critical services, such as the Tide Loads of Hope Mobile Laundry Unit, mobile showers, and charging stations. The team also provided tools and additional supplies to support families in cleaning up their homes and properties.
APRIL — Matthew 25 responded to destructive tornadoes that tore through parts of the Great Plains in April. The team distributed critical relief items, including personal care kits, diapers, and cleaning supplies. The Tide Loads of Hope Mobile Laundry Unit and mobile showers were also deployed to provide essential services, while the Duracell PowerForward truck offered battery charging stations for those without power. In total, Matthew 25 shipped over 78,000 pounds of aid to the impacted communities.
MAY — Severe storms and tornadoes caused widespread damage across the Midwest, South, and Great Plains. Communities across several states were left reeling from demolished homes, power outages, and significant debris accumulation. Matthew 25: Ministries’ Disaster Response Team provided free services, including laundry and shower services and distributed and shipped over 18,000 pounds of supplies to the areas hit by the storms.
JUNE — Matthew 25: Ministries responded to historic flooding that devastated parts of the Northern Midwest in late June. Matthew 25: Ministries deployed disaster response vehicles, including a Tide Loads of Hope Mobile Laundry unit, mobile showers, and co-branded trucks, to provide critical services and distribute relief supplies, such as cleaning supplies, insect repellant, and baby products to affected areas.
JULY — Hurricane Beryl made landfall internationally as a Category 4 hurricane, before weakening to a Category 1 when it made landfall in the United States. Matthew 25 shipped over 160,000 pounds of essential supplies, including diapers, tarps, and cleaning products, to regions impacted by the storm, both domestically and internationally. The hurricane caused widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and power outages, severely impacting the regions hit by the storm.
AUGUST — Matthew 25: Ministries responded to Tropical Storm Debby, which caused widespread flooding, record-breaking rainfall, and tornado damage across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Our Disaster Response Team quickly deployed to the affected areas, providing free laundry services and charging stations to support those in need. The team also distributed essential supplies, including personal care kits, baby products, and cleaning tools to help families start their recovery process. In total, Matthew 25 shipped over 160,000 pounds of essential aid.
SEPTEMBER — Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a powerful Category 4 storm, causing over 200 fatalities and catastrophic flooding across the southeastern United States. Our team responded by delivering relief aid, including supplies transported through 18 airlifts to isolated communities. The team provided vital services, such as laundry, showers, and medical care, and distributed personal care kits, batteries, and cleaning tools. Relief efforts continued for weeks, reaching tens of thousands of people across the disaster region. In total, Matthew 25 has shipped over 1.2 million pounds of essential aid to those impacted by the hurricane.
OCTOBER — Matthew 25: Ministries responded to Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm that devastated communities in the Florida Gulf region and compounded the challenges faced by families still recovering from Hurricane Helene. In addition to powerful winds and storm surge, Milton spawned several tornadoes, causing further destruction across the region. We shipped nearly 375,000 pounds of aid, including essential supplies, to support those impacted as they began the difficult process of recovery.

2023

FEBRUARY — Matthew 25: Ministries responded to the destructive storms that swept across the southern United States in December 2022 and January 2023. Severe weather, including multiple tornadoes, impacted parts of the south leaving residents trapped in collapsed homes and causing extensive damage to hospitals and businesses. We shipped more than 155,000 pounds of aid to the disaster region to help meet immediate needs of impacted residents.

We also shipped aid in response to devastating earthquakes that struck areas of Syria and Turkey and the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The shipments included medical products, personal care items, clothing, blankets, bottled water, and more to assist people affected.
MARCH — Matthew 25 deployed our Disaster Response Team to provide relief services for those impacted by the severe storms and tornadoes that tore through Mississippi. The team provided laundry services and distributed supplies such as personal care kits, paper products, first aid and safety kits, batteries, portable chargers, cleanup tools, and more throughout impacted communities.
APRIL — Matthew 25: Ministries responded to the widespread tornado outbreak across the United States. The storms caused extensive damage throughout communities in Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee. Our team provided supplies and services and we shipped aid to partners in the affected areas.

Matthew 25 also responded to historic flooding in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The Fort Lauderdale area received more than 2 feet of rain within a 12-hour period, flooding roads, shutting down schools and businesses, and damaging and destroying houses. We deployed our team to provide laundry services and distribute relief supplies to people impacted by the flooding.

We shipped aid to partners in the central Oklahoma area in response to severe storms and tornadoes that swept through communities. The shipments included tarps, batteries, bottled water, food, blankets, personal care items, and more to help meet immediate and ongoing needs of those impacted.
JUNE — Matthew 25 responded to a destructive tornado that struck Perryton, Texas, leaving behind an 8-mile trail of devastation, causing several fatalities and injuring dozens. Our team provided laundry services and relief supplies to help those recovering and cleaning up their homes and properties.

We also provided aid to partners in response to a hailstorm in Kentucky and tornadoes in Indiana.
JULY — We deployed our Disaster Response Team to areas of New York and Vermont in response to historic rains and severe flooding. Our team distributed supplies such as personal care kits, baby supplies, paper products, insect repellant, cleaning supplies, first aid and safety kits, and more to areas impacted by the flooding. The team also distributed cleanup supplies such as fans, shovels, and more.

We also shipped aid to partners in India in response to immense flooding that forced thousands to evacuate from their homes.
AUGUST — Matthew 25: Ministries responded to the devastating wildfires that swept across Maui, burning vegetation, knocking out power lines, and destroying communities including the historic town of Lahaina. We shipped over 30,000 pounds of essential aid to impacted areas and our team deployed to assist with supply distribution, provide additional services, and work with partners to plan for ongoing needs.

We also shipped aid in response to devastating flooding that impacted multiple counties across West Virginia, damaging homes and businesses.

Matthew 25 deployed our Disaster Response Team to provide supplies and services to people affected by Hurricane Idalia, which damaged communities throughout Florida and along the southeastern U.S. coastline. Our team provided laundry services, personal care supplies, cleaning items, and more to those recovering from the storm.
SEPTEMBER — Matthew 25 shipped aid to partners in Morocco to help those recovering from a strong 6.8 magnitude earthquake. This earthquake was the strongest to hit Morocco in over 100 years, and left thousands of people injured or killed, and approximately half a million people displaced.
OCTOBER — Matthew 25 responded to the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We shipped containers of aid to partners serving the crisis area, loaded with essential supplies such as personal care items, paper products, blankets, and more.

We also shipped aid in response to Hurricane Otis, which tore through Acapulco, Mexico as a category 5 storm, leaving the town in ruins and causing dozens of fatalities.
DECEMBER — Matthew 25: Ministries responded to tornadoes that ripped through portions of Middle Tennessee, causing severe and widespread destruction. Our team deployed to provide laundry services and distribute supplies including personal care kits, first aid and safety kits, diapers, cleaning supplies, batteries, device chargers, and additional cleanup tools and supplies throughout the region.

2022

FEBRUARY — Matthew 25: Ministries responded to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The crisis escalated as a result of active conflict that began in February 2022. In 2022, we shipped over 2 million pounds of aid to assist people who have been impacted by this crisis. In addition to shipping supplies, Matthew 25 helped support the delivery of internally-sourced supplies and relief programs including feeding, shelter, medical care, essential supplies, transportation assistance and educational services for Ukrainians in need or fleeing conflict.
MARCH — Matthew 25: Ministries responded to the storm system that spawned devastating tornadoes across Texas, Louisiana, and additional states. Matthew 25 shipped aid to partner organizations in the impacted areas in order to assist with immediate needs and help as many people as possible.
JULY — Powerful storms and two confirmed tornadoes tore through the Greater Cincinnati area on July 6 leaving behind heavy damage. Matthew 25: Ministries’ Disaster Response Team delivered humanitarian aid to residents impacted by the storm. Matthew 25 provided items such as personal care kits, first aid and safety kits, paper products, tarps, garbage bags, rakes, batteries, diapers and water.

Matthew 25: Ministries responded to the severe flash flooding that occurred in Buchanan County, VA in July. Matthew 25: Ministries’ Disaster Response Team deployed to Virginia to provide supplies and services to those affected by the flooding.

Matthew 25: Ministries responded to severe flooding that deluged numerous counties in eastern Kentucky on the evening of July 27 into the following morning. Matthew 25: Ministries deployed to provide supplies and services to those affected by the flooding. Additionally, in 2022, Matthew 25 shipped more than 55 truckloads of aid (nearly 1.2 million pounds).
SEPTEMBER — Matthew 25 responded to the water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi in August. As a result of sustained, heavy rainfall, localized flooding lead to damage at main water treatment plants, cutting off access to clean, reliable water for local residents. Matthew 25 shipped two truckloads of bottled water to help provide safe drinking water while the community awaited full water restoration.

Matthew 25: Ministries responded to severe flooding in Pakistan that started in mid-June and was fueled by weeks of historic rainfall. This was the worst flooding to impact Pakistan since the devastating flood in 2010. Matthew 25: Ministries shipped relief aid to assist Pakistani citizens affected by this disaster.

Matthew 25: Ministries responded to the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico. The Category 1 hurricane struck Puerto Rico with destructive winds on September 18, leaving behind life-threatening flash flooding and triggering mudslides and landslides. Matthew 25 shipped containers of supplies needed to help with the recovery process and to help bring aid to those affected by this disaster.

Matthew 25: Ministries responded to Hurricane Ian which made landfall in Cayo Costa, FL as a Category 4 hurricane on September 28. Matthew 25: Ministries’ Disaster Response Team distributed essential products and provided much-needed services throughout the impacted areas. Additionally, Matthew 25 shipped over 45 truckloads of aid in 2022.
OCTOBER — Matthew 25: Ministries responded to the deadly flooding that occurred in El Salvador in the fall of 2022. The flooding was a result of days of torrential downpours. 10 people were killed and several thousand displaced from their homes. Matthew 25 provided a container of supplies to assist the communities in their immediate recovery.
DECEMBER — Matthew 25: Ministries responded to the destructive storms that swept across the southern United States in December 2022. Severe weather, including multiple tornadoes, impacted parts of the south on December 13, leaving residents trapped in collapsed homes and causing extensive damage to hospitals and businesses. In 2022, Matthew 25 shipped more than 115,000 pounds of aid to the disaster region.