October 27, 2015 | 8 a.m.
COLUMBIA, SC — Since the beginning of October, Convoy of Hope has been working in South Carolina to assist families affected by recent flooding. More than 3,700 families have received much-needed supplies and debris removal assistance at their homes. Because we have partners in the governmental, non-governmental, and church sectors, we have distributed six loads of product to those in need.
We have only been able to respond to these immediate needs because of our faithful friends, and because of the 155 volunteers who have put in nearly 1,500 volunteer hours.
October 16, 2015 | 10 a.m.
COLUMBIA, SC — The Disaster Services team has begun large-scale distributions and debris removal efforts in South Carolina. To date, six loads have been delivered to resource 3,062 families.
In just a few short days, we’ve served thousands of people affected by the floods,” says Stacy Lamb, Disaster Services Support Director for Convoy of Hope. “We’ve been able to serve those in need through the distribution of much-needed supplies and cleanup efforts.”
The response is in conjunction with volunteers, governmental organizations, churches, and other NGOs in the area.
“Partnerships like this are vital to our relief efforts here in South Carolina,” adds Lamb. “Our efforts are greatly increased by coming alongside these local churches and volunteers to provide immediate support and long-term solutions.”
Volunteers have completed more than 200 volunteer hours through Convoy of Hope so far and will continue to offer help and hope to affected families in the upcoming days.
October 14, 2015 | 4 p.m.
COLUMBIA, SC — A Disaster Services team of eight has arrived in South Carolina and will distribute much-needed supplies to families affected by recent flooding. They will join the team of two already in the area to provide water, sports drinks, paper products, and cleaning supplies.
Debris removal operations will begin there, as well. The Disaster Services team arrived with debris removal equipment and will utilize local volunteers from South Carolina in the upcoming days.
Our work also continues in the Bahamas, where we have purchased eight portable cookstoves and supplies for 300 hygiene kits. This is in addition to the water filters and hygiene kits that have already been distributed in recent days.
October 9, 2015 | 11:12 a.m.
COLUMBIA, SC — With waters receding in South Carolina, Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team continues response work in communities surrounding Columbia, the state’s capital, and in outlying areas.
“Many families in rural and impoverished areas are in need of food, water, supplies, and help cleaning up as they move into the recovery phase,” says Nick Wiersma, Disaster Services Community Engagement Director. “We’ll be there for those families.”
It is reported that 15 people died in the state, hundreds of thousands have been under a “boil water advisory,” hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of property damage has occurred, and many residents have gone without power.
Wiersma says that when impoverished families go without power, their refrigerated food spoils and many don’t have the means to easily replace what is lost.
To help families in need, Wiersma says the Disaster Services team’s full fleet will work in affected areas that may have been overlooked by the media and other organizations. The fleet includes debris removal equipment and teams, tractor-trailers filled with water, food, cleanup supplies, and the team’s Mobile Command Center.
Wiersma notes that forecasters are warning that more rain and flooding could hit South Carolina in the coming days.
“Communities and families are reeling right now and we want to be sure their basic needs are met during these difficult days,” he says.
October 8, 2015 | 4 p.m.
GEORGETOWN, SC — More than 1,200 families have been served in Columbia and Georgetown. We have also received three additional loads of product from partner organizations that include: water, blankets, towels, socks, cleaning supplies, flashlights, and batteries. The Disaster Services team will continue to monitor opportunities for additional needs as they arise.
October 7, 2015 | 1 p.m.
CHARLESTON, SC — Distribution has begun following the arrival of our first tractor-trailer full of supplies. This load consisted of 20 pallets of bottled water and two pallets of flood buckets. Supplies have been distributed directly to affected neighborhoods. The second load containing disaster kits and more water should arrive later today.
October 6, 2015 | 4 p.m.
CHARLESTON, SC — Convoy of Hope has sent an additional tractor-trailer full of bottled water and disaster kits to South Carolina for distribution. Materials in the disaster kits include cleaning supplies and hygiene items.
October 5, 2015 | 4:30 p.m.
Another Disaster Services team is en route to the Bahamas in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Joaquin.
October 5, 2015 | 2 p.m.
CHARLESTON, SC — At least nine people are dead and hundreds have been rescued as torrential rains have caused flash-floods, knocked out electricity, washed out roads, contaminated drinking water, and inundated homes. In response, a Convoy of Hope Disaster Services team has been deployed to South Carolina. A tractor-trailer load of water is also being sent.
“Many communities have been inundated and we are responding,” says Chris Dudley, Disaster Services Response Director. “We are positioning ourselves near flooded areas and are poised to help immediately after the waters recede.”
Already, the team has established contact with the South Carolina Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster to identify needs that will shape the team’s response in the coming days.
“Because the water hasn’t receded yet, we have time to position our team in areas of most need and make solid connections with local agencies and partners who can help us respond effectively,” Dudley adds. “Though much damage has already been done, the worst is yet to come for some communities as the waters continue to rise.”
Currently, South Carolina Emergency Management is reporting drinking water shortages that are expected to increase in the coming days. As the water recedes, updates will be available here.
