The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season starts Monday, June 1, and the probability of having to deal with a multi-crisis event is a real possibility for the poor in the countries served by Food For The Poor.
The charity is getting ready.
“Preparation has always been key for this organization, especially as it prepares for hurricane season, but this is an unprecedented time for all of us as we endure the effects of the coronavirus pandemic,” Food For The Poor President/CEO Ed Raine said.
“We understand there are situations beyond our control, but we’re going to continue to do our best to help those in need by staying the course. We have every confidence, with the support of our partners, donors and with God’s blessings, we’ll be ready.”
The charity is securing critical hurricane supplies for what is forecast to be an “above-normal” hurricane season.
Matthew 25: Ministries provided two tractor-trailer loads of paper products and disaster blankets, and Map International donated a tractor-trailer load of bandages and personal cleansing cloths for hygiene. Food For The Poor also has secured tarps, heavy-duty extension cords, generators, chainsaws and replacement chains, gas canisters, plus oil for both chainsaws and generators.
Food also is a critical need, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, and the charity is making every effort to secure life-saving meals for hungry families as it prepares for hurricane season.
Just last September, Hurricane Dorian hit the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco as a catastrophic Category 5 storm. The hurricane killed more than 70, left more than 280 people unaccounted for, and caused more than $3 billion in damage, according to news reports.
“We’re approaching eight months since Hurricane Dorian’s devastating blow and we cannot forget the Bahamas are still in a state of recovery,” Raine said.
“Food For The Poor committed to being there for the long haul. We will continue to collaborate with our trusted partners to provide relief for families in need, and we will continue to work closely with the Episcopal, the Baptist and Catholic churches in the Bahamas.”
In addition to building materials, Food For The Poor has shipped five tractor-trailer loads of canned beans, canned meats, along with boxed foods, boxed juices and rice to the Bahamas.
But the fallout of the coronavirus is causing new hardships in a country on the road to recovery.
Families displaced by Hurricane Dorian are running low on food. Food For The Poor has committed to purchasing two tractor-trailer loads of beans and rice, which will go to the charity’s partner, HeadKnowles Foundation, for distribution.
After Hurricane Dorian, donors generously gave money to Food For The Poor to purchase water filtration units, solar-powered lights, building materials, and truck chassis to help move and distribute goods.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.
