HFI February, 2021 Update

The harsh realities of the seemingly increasing weather events in the U.S. and around the world has coincided with Hope Force International’s (HFI) thrust of regionalizing operations.  The pandemic reinforced our strategy of increasing our presence in strategic areas of the United States in order to shorten our response time for assessments and the mobilization of our HFI Reservists.
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Hope Force is committed to serving not just in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, but we engage in the recovery and rebuild phases as well. January 10-17 a group of Hope Force volunteers and Reservists participated in an important rebuild project in Texas. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey dumped as much as 60 inches of rain on Vidor, TX, which had a devastating impact on the community.  Just two years later, Tropical Storm Imelda came through and flooded the area again. Pastor Skipper and many others had just finished rebuilding the inside of their homes as well as their church – all severely flooded by Harvey – only to be devastated by flooding once again.
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Mr. McDaniel’s neighborhood was devastated by the Nashville March tornado.  Hope Force mounted an effective relief effort with a focus of placing tarps on damaged roofs. Mr. McDaniel’s home was severely impacted — his roof was virtually destroyed.  Hope Force had the privilege of rebuilding his roof, and applying numerous tarps in an effort to prevent further water damage.  Shortly thereafter, in collaboration with a local roofing company, Mr. McDaniel’s home was completely re-shingled and restored to a status that was better than ever.
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Lake Charles, LA was devastated by Hurricane Laura, and the damage was overwhelming.  As if this weren’t enough, a few weeks later, Hurricane Delta struck another blow to this already beleaguered community.  On both occasions, Hope Force provided much needed help and hope to multiple survivors. Yet, there is so much more to be done…

Recently on a trip returning from Vidor, TX Hope Force Staff members traveled back through Lake Charles where we served this past fall.  The amount of damage that remains is overwhelming.  One local source shared that there are over 1800 homes that still need to be tarped.  Thousands more are in need of having their roofs re-shingled.

Unfortunately, Lake Charles has been forgotten, leaving many in peril of losing all they have. In response to this unmet need Hope Force is planning several rebuild trips in March and April.  If you have a desire to serve in Lake Charles, LA, please contact: Joey Stoltzfus.

Hope Force Appalachia exists to alleviate the effects of systemic and generational poverty in McDowell County, WV.  It is a place that is filled with beauty -- not only in the landscape, but also in the people who call it home.  In January, 2020 Hope Force International reintroduced their vision and mission for this part of America by bringing Brian Wagner back on staff to oversee the work, relationships, and partnerships in McDowell.  We are excited to announce that beginning this summer, 2021, we will be facilitating teams that wish to partner with Hope Force in the work here. Click here to read more.

Email Brian Wagner, our Hope Force Appalachia director, if you have any interest in serving in Appalachia or would like more information.

A second team from Hope Force International Mexico was deployed in the relief efforts to Tabasco, Mexico — a region where over 180,000 people continue to be impacted by the flooding caused by Hurricane Eta.  Under the leadership of Zalathiel Rodriguez, these HFI Reservists partnered with local volunteers and area churches to provide aid and to evaluate the scope and breadth of damage in the area.  Taking the proper precautions in the midst of the Covid pandemic, this team is responding to the needs of the most vulnerable communities by providing hygiene kits, food, and thermal blankets.  HFI Mexico has also provided much needed assistance with pressure washers, disinfectants and sanitizers for residents to begin the long process of cleaning their homes after the waters have finally receded.  More than 100 families in the Macuspana municipality have received blankets and food through a partnership with Casa de Oracion Church, and 25 pastors in the Cunduacan municipality have received the same.