On the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall in the New Orleans area, Hurricane Ida slammed into Louisiana this morning as a Category 4 storm with winds of 150 miles per hour.  "We're in bad, dire shape" Chief Scooter Resweber told Paul Goodloe of The Weather Channel.  He said that Hurricane Ida is the worst storm Grand Isle has experienced, and that the wind gauge broke at 148 mph.

Hope Force has already begun staging at a safe location.  Joey Stoltzfus, Hope Force Director of Disaster Operations, and three others are currently en route to Starkville, MS, to wait until it is safe to move on into Louisiana.

At the writing of this alert, Hope Force is responding simultaneously to four separate disasters.  The devastating 7.2 earthquake in Haiti, deadly flooding in Waverly, TN, Hurricane Grace’s aftermath in Mexico, and the anticipated impact zone of one of the most powerful storms in history -- Hurricane Ida.  In the midst of this, we are reminded of our dependency on God and the great gift of relationships through our partnership network. 

Currently, we are on the ground in Haiti with our longtime partner, Crossroads Church of Cincinnati in these early operations and assessment stage for Hurricane Ida.  Joey Stoltzfus is joined by three members of their Initial Response Team.  This partnership brings strength and courage in the throes of such a demanding set of circumstances.  Our efforts rely heavily upon our networking with other like-minded organizations.  

Your financial support is greatly appreciated!  You can donate through the "DONATE" button below.

• Hope Force staff are poised to go into Louisiana once the dangerous storm bands have moved out.

• Significant flooding has already begun to hit many in Louisiana and Mississipi
• Numerous homes will most likely be flooded and will need mucking out and blue tarps applied

• Specifics on location and timing of deployment

• If deployed, we can expect initial plans and set-up to take time as things develop.
• If you can’t deploy immediately, you could still have the opportunity to serve in a later phase.
• HFI will keep our social media platforms active and updated.

We are asking for all Hope Force Reservists to be on standby alert for a possible deployment to the Gulf Coast area.  Please check your calendars, and prayerfully assess logistics for you to determine if this is a good time for you to respond.  If you are available, or even think you may be, please EMAIL Connie with the following:

• Name
• Email
• Cell phone number
• Dates of availability (as best you know)

Also:

• Conduct a self-assessment regarding your ability to deploy (physically, emotionally, family circumstances, etc.)
• Prayerfully seek God about whether or not you should deploy at this time
• Prepare your deployment gear and supplies
• Communication with family, friends and employers about possible deployment
• If you cannot go at this time, please prayerfully consider giving financially to the response efforts.

This could be a great opportunity for those of you who haven't been able to deploy for a while. Your willingness to serve others with compassionate action is greatly appreciated...and we need you!

Please pray for the people impacted by this devastating Hurricane Ida.  We’d also appreciate your prayers for wisdom as we continue to assess the changing situation.

Thank you!