In the wake of the devastating destruction left in Hurricane Ian’s path after it made landfall in Florida Wednesday afternoon, humanitarian aid organizations are already on the ground actively conducting rescue and relief efforts. According to Southern Living, among those helping Floridians who have been displaced and are in need of support include the American Red Cross, Mercy Chefs, Operation BBQ Relief, Team Rubicon, the Salvation Army, and the Southern Smoke Foundation. Also on the ground and preparing to send more aid is Samaritan’s Purse which has prepared two disaster relief units and is building up their team of volunteers to help with recovery.
Franklin Graham, the president of Samaritan’s Purse, has asked for prayers for the people whose lives have been impacted by Hurricane Ian and the people who are making their way to the affected areas to provide assistance. On their website, Samaritan’s Purse shared “Please pray for the safety of area residents and for our teams. Pray for local churches facing their own losses even as they seek to minister to hurting homeowners. Pray for God’s mercy on these hurting Florida communities and that He would touch and transform many lives as we work in Jesus’ Name.”
According to Southern Living, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army have set up shelters across the state and are providing food and water to those in need. On the ground ready to serve much needed hot meals are Mercy Chefs, which believes this may be their “largest deployment ever,” and Operation BBQ Relief which is preparing to serve over 60,000 meals each day. Additionally, Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian aid organization that had a team in Florida ahead of Hurricane Ian’s arrival, is preparing to clear trees and debris from roadways to help residents access their homes and communities.
These efforts of America’s incredible humanitarian aid organizations are providing hope and faith to the people who have been impacted by Hurricane Ian. Through their swift response and commitment to helping all, these compassionate volunteers are reminding our brothers and sisters in Florida that they are remembered, cared about, and loved. As Hurricane Ian continues to move up the coast, these organizations are prepared to answer the call for help wherever it is made.