Hope Force Reservists,

Approximately one week ago, heavy rains produced monumental flooding through numerous counties in West Virginia. Ten counties have now received national disaster declarations, making this the third deadliest flood in West Virginia's history. In just a few hours' time, accumulations reached 10 inches in some areas, qualfiying this event to be classified as a 1,000 year flood. The storms responsible for producing the torrential rainfall also attributed to an EF1 tornado -- also causing injuries. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the nearly two dozen people who died as a result of this storm.  

We've determined that Hope Force will begin sending Reservist teams as early as next week. Please find details below.

• We need Reservists initially as early as Monday evening, July 4th
• Reservists are welcome to participate for one day or more
• Transportation to the location is the responsibility of each Reservist
• Housing will be arranged by HFI (this may be mats on a church floor)
• Further specifics to be determined

Our response will involve mucking out and repair work; we will train you if you have not done this before. You are welcome for a few days or longer.  Some of the jobs will include:

• "Mucking out"
• Administrative
• ESC
• Food prep for team
• Logistics
• Communications  (Photos & Stories)

Be prepared for lots of change and uncertainity, with plans "unfolding" as the deployment develops.

• Conduct a self-assessment: "Is this a good time for me to consider deploying?"
• Pray about participating
• If you are available, please REPLY to this with the following:

1. Name
2. Email Address
3. Cell Phone Number
4. Date of availability in July

• Prepare your deployment gear & supplies
• Communicate with family, friends and employer about possible deployment.  (They may well support you in this adventure)
• Complete a background check, immediately, if you have not already done so with Hope Force. (Details to follow)

If you cannot go at this time, please consider giving to the response – and please pray for these efforts!

Once your email is received, we will respond with further details.

Thank you...and we are grateful for you!