On the evening of Thursday, September 26, 2024 Hurrican Helene arrived at Florida’s Gulf Coast and carved a path of destruction throughout the Southern Region. In total, seven states and millions of people were impacted by this devastating weather event which reminds us of a number of other natural disasters that have impacted our region and country.
In the days since, Unitarian Universalists near and far have moved into position to respond to the dire needs of those impacted by the storm. Your Regional Staff have connected with congregational leaders to assess needs and provide initial care, national leaders have coordinated largescale responses that include financial relief, and most importantly, sibling congregations have connected with one another along the path of the Hurricane to check in, offer prayers, and to provide a variety of needed and necessary resources.
Like all-natural disasters of this scale, recovery will be slow and heartbreaking. Thousands still lack reliable access to food, water and electricity, many remain cut off due to washed out roads, churches have been greatly damaged, and over 200 people have lost their lives. But as covenanted people who are steadfast in our mutual love and care for one another, we will remain in place to offer our hearts and our resources to those impacted by the storm for the long haul. This will include ongoing efforts to raise money for the Disaster Relief Fund, coordinate the collection and distribution of goods in partnership with local organizations and religious communities, and to connect those in spiritual crisis with the Trauma Response Team.
In the coming days and weeks needs will increase. Individuals and congregations like yours can aid in the efforts by giving generously to the Disaster Relief Fund. We will also be providing further updates and ways you might be able to support Unitarian Universalists in affected areas as Hurricane Milton makes landfall and the storm season rages on.
The one thing that your Southern Region staff would like you to know during the upcoming months is that you are not alone. Your Regional Staff, President Sofia Betancourt, Executive Vice President Carey McDonald, Vice President for Programs and Ministries Ashley Horan, Director of Congregational Life Jessica York, and all of your UU sibling congregations are holding you, praying for you, and working within and beyond the UUA to bring you emotional, structural, and financial support both in these first few weeks and into the future. We see you. We grieve with you. We love you. We are with you for the long haul.