Hurricane Ian Disaster Relief Update

Updated 10/12/22:  Here is an update from Pastry Marty Hoffman at Providence Baptist Church in Lecanto:

Great appreciation for your help and prayers.  On Monday (10/10/22) we delivered somewhere around $15K in much useful and needed supplies in 3 trucks and 3 trailers.  It was a very long day, but worth all the effort.  We were told that not 1 member of the church escaped the storm without some damage.  Some just had roof damage and several lost their homes, but thankfully none lost their lives.  I was told that one of the pastors was at the church and was cut off from his wife and children during the storm and when he tried to go home, it was too late.  His house was on Pine Island and was totally devastated by the surge with loss of most all earthly possessions.  Currently the church sanctuary at Grace Baptist is a large supply depot ministering to both the church family and surrounding community.  While we were there, a man and his family pulled up for some much needed supplies.  We had just brought in tarps and he told us how he had a few small ones on his house, but they were not adequately keeping the house dry.  We showed him where whole house tarps were and he was delighted and so appreciative. Probably just a small sample of how what was given is helping those in need.  Here is an update video from Pastor Tom: https://youtu.be/ca-3YpA56cc

     What was most remarkable is the restoration of electric and flow of supplies getting in within a short amount of time.  Our governor has been remarkable in the process of organizing essential services and getting things accomplished in record time after a major storm.  Due to this reality, the need to collect basic supplies no longer exists.  If there is a specific need, we have told them to contact us and we will do our best to meet it.  Their greatest need will now shift to having help rebuilding.  When we were there, full power had not yet been restored to the church.  The need for tree work, debris removal, roof repair, and skilled laborer’s is vital.  We are trying to put together a team of skilled men who can help with tree removal.  We will use funds supplied to help meet that need.  Once there is nothing more we can physically do to help, we will forward remaining funds to them.  Between what we have spent and have yet coming in, we would encourage all donors to give directly to them.  https://truegraceofgod.org/ 

Volunteers are still needed for disaster relief in several Florida cities. Credentialed and non-credentialed volunteers can sign up at https://flbaptist.org/dr-volunteer. Non-credentialed volunteers should follow the steps below to become a Day Volunteer.

Steps to Become a Day Volunteer:

1. You or your church contacts us for partnership. Groups of 4 or less: Complete this form. Groups of 5 or more: Contact Myles Dowdy at [email protected] or (813) 493-9608.
2. Download PDF forms: DR Day Volunteer Forms.
3. You or your church completes Group Form (link above) and email it to us.
4. We identify and notify you with site info where you’ll serve.
5. Onsite Command will be notified of your arrival.
6. You must bring completed roster form PLUS signed hold-harmless forms.
7. Let’s serve!

Have questions? Email Florida Baptist Convention Disaster Relief.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief units are now serving in the following locations

9 Southern Baptist Feeding and 10 Southern Baptist Cleanup Sites Active

Lee County:
McGregor Baptist Church, Fort Myers
3750 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: 855-728-2374

New Hope Baptist, Cape Coral
431 Nicholas Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33990
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER 239-318-0681 [email protected]

Riverside Baptist Church, Fort Myers
8660 Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: 855-728-2374

Crossroads Baptist Church, Fort Myers
10721 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: 601-259-4485

Charlotte County:
Murdock Baptist Church, Port Charlotte
18375 Cochran Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: 904-253-0502  [email protected]

Sarasota County:
First Baptist Church Venice (servicing southern Sarasota county, Englewood and North Port - 312 Miami Ave W., Venice, FL 34285
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CONTACT: [email protected] (Phone to follow soon)

Collier County:
First Baptist Church Naples
3000 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples, FL 34109
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: 318-955-8207

Desoto County:
Calvary Baptist Church Arcadia
48 N Fifteenth Ave, Arcadia, FL 34266
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: 334-613-2389

First Baptist Church Arcadia (Cleanup and Recovery ONLY)
1006 N Brevard Ave, Arcadia, FL 34266
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: 863-494-3622

Hardee County:
First Baptist Church
1570 W Main St, Wauchula, FL 33873
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: 888-246-3576

FLDR Contact Info:
Florida Baptist Convention
Disaster Relief & Recovery
6850 Belfort Oaks Place
Jacksonville, FL. 32216

1-800-226-8584 Ext. 3121
[email protected]