Hurricane Fiona and Ian support update

Last week, Bishop Laurie Haller urged the Iowa Conference to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief's (UMCOR) U.S. Disaster Fund to help survivors of Hurricane Ian. Here is an update on how to also support survivors of Hurricane Fiona.

Reminder: Do not self-deploy to go help. First responders and UMCOR will assess the situation and let us know when it is safe to deploy recovery groups. For more information on how you or your church can get involved, visit our Disaster Ministries page.

Puerto Rican Bishop asks for assistance in wake of Fiona

Bishop Lizzette Gabriel Montalvo of the Iglesia Metodista de Puerto Rico provided an update on September 23 about what help is needed.

"Our beloved brothers and sisters from different locations, we kindly ask for support on this journey in which once again we humbly give what we have received by grace," said Montalvo. "Your act of love by sending monetary donations for us to continue purchasing first aid supplies to thousands of families around the Island will make the difference in the lives of many people experiencing difficulties in their recovery process."

Florida CFA asks for donations

The Florida Conference's Council on Finance and Administration has also created a site for direct giving.

"The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church is walking alongside our brothers & sisters devasted by Hurricane Ian. Your prayers and financial support are welcome to assist with our response to this disaster.  All gifts will be used to support the mission of local churches most directly affected by the storm, and will be distributed by the cabinet under the supervision of the Conference Committee on Finance & Administration."
 

What can you do to help?

• Pray
  • Please pray for all those affected by Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian and those who have lost loved ones.
• Give
  • Consider donating money to support the long process of rebuilding homes and lives. You can give to the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s (UMCOR) U.S. Disaster Relief Fund. (Advance #901670) This fund helps both Puerto Ricans and Floridians recover from the disaster. UMCOR is already assisting those in need.
  • Besides UMCOR, Midwest Mission has sent Student Kits to the Dominican Republic after Hurricane Fiona.
  • Midwest Mission is also seeking donations for Cleaning Kits. “Our Cleaning Kit supplies have been depleted. After sending relief to 14 US disasters this year, including the most recent flooding in Kentucky and St. Louis, we need help replenishing so we can get supplies to our partners who are ready to deploy the requested supplies,” says Executive Director Chantel Corrie. Here is a list of what goes in a Cleaning Kit.
  • If you can't build a kit, donate money so Midwest Mission can buy the supplies needed to fill the Cleaning Kits. Donate by texting “Donate” to 855-589-1314 or going to midwestmission.org/donate.