Red Cross Funds Hurricane Response

In September the American Red Cross awarded a grant to World Renew’s Disaster Response Services (DRS) program for its Restoring Homes and Hope in Florida project. With up to $760,935 USD, the Red Cross is fully funding a two-year response for World Renew volunteers to repair homes damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton with local recovery partners in southwestern Florida.

Hurricane Helene made landfall on the Florida Gulf coast a year ago on Sept. 26, 2024. With severe winds and heavy rains, this storm caused 252 deaths and about $78.7 billion in damage. Hurricane Milton hit two weeks later on Oct. 9, causing 45 deaths and $34.3 billion in damage. 

Following the traditional model of World Renew DRS, volunteers have been responding since soon after the storm hit. This included some emergency clean-up, an unmet needs assessment, and is now moving into the reconstruction phase. During this phase, skilled, vetted repair teams will volunteer in Sarasota County and an additional county for two years. Working back-to-back, these volunteer teams will provide repair services for hurricane survivors in coordination with case-management and construction supervision from Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRG), a local partner.

“Thanks to the effective World Renew DRS recovery model spanning many decades, we know volunteers will make a lasting impact as Jesus’ hands and feet for hurricane survivors through Restoring Homes and Hope in Florida,” shared Chris Gibson, World Renew DRS director. “To have the Red Cross recognize and financially support these efforts is an honor.”

In 2022, Hurricane Ian brought widespread destruction to southern Florida. Gina – a single mother – saw her home’s roof torn off, floodwaters rise to two feet, and mold render the air unlivable. Eventually her children had to move out of the home due to health risks. With LTRG coordination, World Renew volunteers rebuilt Gina’s roof, repaired structural damage, and made the home safe again. 

With the new Red Cross grant, World Renew anticipates volunteer teams will repair up to 84 homes across southwestern Florida for homeowners like Gina. “These repairs have been an answer to my ongoing prayers,” Gina said.

Red Cross grants have helped World Renew bring relief for many years and in many settings. Back in 2013, for example, Red Cross Canada provided funding for World Renew’s flood response in Alberta. The $1.2 million CAD awarded to World Renew at that time funded 33 home repairs and 235 unmet needs-assessment surveys.

Robby Sofaly, director of Long-Term Recovery for Hurricanes Helene and Milton at the Red Cross, explains, “World Renew DRS has been an active and dedicated recovery partner in Florida for years. We are proud to continue that partnership in support of Florida families still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Through this grant we will be able to help families safely return home and continue their recovery.”