March 9, 2020

Since the March 3 tornado outbreak that struck middle Tennessee, Hope Force International (HFI) has been hard at work at four different disaster sites – covering a 60-mile swath of destruction.   HFI responders from 15 states have converged upon Hope Force’s home office area to come alongside those who have experienced great trauma and loss – augmenting our local HFI Reservist cadre.

Currently, all teams have converged upon a hard-hit area in northwest Nashville where many homeowners were afraid that they would be overlooked.  While it took a while for the homeowners to trust that we were there with good intentions and to not take advantage (police had gone around the neighborhood telling them not to sign anything due to activity by unscrupulous individuals), there are many homeowners now giving permission for HFI to tarp their roofs.  This will protect the contents of their homes from further damage – and alleviate the mounting stress that is understandable for all who experienced the harrowing, tornadic storm. 

As four experienced HFI Chaplains have been going door to door (one is a therapist with her therapy dog) – allowing the survivors to tell their story and finding those who are in need -- the teams are working diligently as another storm system is preparing to move in.  It is becoming evident that this is not a sprint…but will be a marathon for all disaster agencies to work through the three phases of disaster:  Relief, Recovery and Rebuild.

We are grateful for our partnerships and donors who have made this work possible – allowing HFI to offer services at no cost.  Please pray that God will enable us to do the most good possible, for the safety of our team members – and for guidance as we seek out those who are in great need.

Thank you to all who are praying, giving…and for all those who have responded!