Convoy of Hope Responds to Massive Storms in the Midwest

January 28, 2016 | 6:30 p.m.

BRANSON, MO — Our response continues in the Midwest as we worked in Branson, Missouri, this week to bring hope to those affected by historic flooding. Ten properties in the Branson area received cleanup assistance that was completed by our Disaster Services team and volunteers. Since our response began, we have served thousands of families because of faithful volunteers who have worked with us to complete more than 2,000 volunteer hours.

January 11, 2016 | 2:30 p.m.

ST. LOUIS, MO — Thousands of families have been served in the St. Louis area following historic flooding that caused mass destruction. Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team has distributed more than 135,000 pounds of food, water, and supplies to people in need.

We’ve also mobilized nearly 200 volunteers who have helped with product distribution and clean up in houses affected by the flooding. We have worked with and resourced 17 other partners that include city and county organizations, churches, and other NGO’s. So far, cleanup efforts have been completed at 16 homes. Our work in these areas will continue throughout the week.

In Texas, we have served more than 200 families and volunteers have put in 2,889 volunteer hours. Storm survivors have received food, water, boxes, totes, rakes, shovels, masks, gloves, trash bags, and other much-needed supplies. We will continue to stay in touch with local churches and organizations, as well as affected homeowners in the days ahead.

January 1, 2016 | 11 a.m.

FESTUS, MO — The Disaster Services team is currently loading two trucks of food, water, and supplies to take to affected areas in Eastern Missouri tomorrow. One of those loads is designated for a school in the Jefferson County School District whose water system has been affected by historic flooding. Without water, the school could not resume classes on Monday. But with the water provided by Convoy of Hope, the normal school schedule will remain. We will also be taking additional equipment such as forklifts, trailers, and a box truck to help with debris removal efforts and product resourcing once we are established in the area.

December 30, 2015 | 10:30 a.m.

WAYNESVILLE, MO — Our team continues to field and respond to requests from multiple cities, counties and churches in Texas and Missouri.

This morning we sent a truckload of emergency supplies to Waynesville, Missouri, which is located in the heart of the Ozarks in Pulaski County. In Texas, volunteers alongside our team members continue to work diligently to assist families with debris removal, which will continue in the coming days.

“Requests are coming in and we will do all we can,” says Hal Donaldson, President and co-founder of Convoy of Hope. “In the coming days and weeks, debris removal needs will start to arise in Missouri and in other states. We’re prepared to launch response efforts but won’t know exactly where until the water recedes and assessments can be made.”

At least 20 people have been killed following Winter Storm Goliath. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon activated the National Guard on Tuesday in response to the historic flooding and hundreds of residents have been warned of potential evacuation procedures. Survivors of the tornadoes in Texas continue to reel from the devastating storm.

December 29, 2015 | 7 p.m.

DALLAS, TX — Our team in Texas continues to distribute supplies and coordinate volunteers to assist with debris removal and cleanup work. In addition to water that was sent to Newton County, Missouri, a mixed load of food, water, and cleaning supplies was sent to Pulaski County today for those affected by recent flooding, which has continued at historic levels.

December 28, 2015 | 4 p.m.

JOPLIN, MO — Flooding from the Shoal Creek in Newton County, Missouri, has compromised the water system in Reddings Mill.

Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team is working with the Missouri State Emergency Management team and local authorities to arrange a delivery of potable water for residents until the water system can be fixed.

December 28, 2015 | 10:30 a.m.

DALLAS, TX — The Disaster Services team met with local partners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and have dispatched a much-needed load of premium resources, such as boxes, totes, contractor bags, rakes, and other items that will help survivors clean up after massive storms wreaked havoc.

“Providing tools, resourcing and coordination assistance to families and communities in need helps expedite the recovery process,” says Stacy Lamb, Disaster Services Support Director. The team will be meeting with city officials to gather more information.

In Missouri, where torrential rains have caused widespread flooding, Convoy of Hope is on standby until the water recedes and is prepared to respond.

December 27, 2015 | 11 a.m.

DALLAS, TX — Seventeen are dead and thousands are without power as torrential winds and flooding continue to pummel multiple states including Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois. Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team has engaged with local partners in several states and has a team deployed to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which was hit by tornadoes last night.

“An apartment complex and several residential areas were hit in Texas las night. Our trucks filled with food, water, and emergency supplies are prepared to roll across the Midwest as needed,” says Stacy Lamb, Disaster Services Support Director for Convoy of Hope.