Catching Hope

When disasters strike, survivors experience confusion, shock, crazy swings of emotion and a heavy sense of being alone.  Whether from flood, hurricane, fire, tornado or earthquake -- such responses hit hard.

Many states now offer a program to come alongside disaster survivors to address the overwhelming circumstances with Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCS).

After securing a location in an affected community, a host of emergency disaster relief agencies-- both private and public -- gather together to meet with survivors.  Rather than spend days or weeks trying to contact various organizations, make sense of the forms and procedures and keep track of all the steps, people enter the MARC and systematically move from table to table, gathering assistance and tools for recovery.

After the recent historic flooding in Missouri, HFI Staff Chuck and Sue Duby assisted Hope Force International's national partner, the Salvation Army, as chaplains in community MARCS near St. Louis.  Each day as the lines grew and anxious faces awaited someone to call their name, Chuck and Sue watched for those who needed assistance.

For some, just a simple “How is your home?” led to a phone pulled out of a back pocket to show photos, a lengthy story and unexpected tears.  For others, an offer to assist in their journey from table to table provided opportunity to slowly build trust, provide practical assistance and send them off with a renewed sense of hope.

Sue noticed one woman immediately when she walked in the room. Well-groomed, focused and intent, her expression cried, “I am trying to hold it all together!”  After accepting Sue's offer for guidance, she discovered more of her story.  Renting a small room in her Dad’s basement, she’d been juggling a medical certification program as a single mom to three small boys.  When the floods hit, the basement flooded and she lost everything.  Trying to navigate clean up while sleeping with her boys on her grandparents’ floor, Nicola received word that the school dismissed her for missing too many days.

Sue wondered how the deep well of discouragement might be filled… and then watched as God unfolded surprises that left her speechless.

One agency broke protocol and gave her a $500 voucher -- normally reserved for homeowners.   Another gave her $300 and another a Walmart card for $250.  A local church pastor hugged her tightly and said, “We will be here for you!”  -- then handed her an armload of diapers, a large food basket and a grocery store gift card.  Another agency committed to finding her a part time job and housing.  All the while, her five-year-old son squealed with delight as two caregivers in the MARC played games, shared snacks and created paper crafts with him.

Nicola walked out of the MARC with a radiant smile.  Hope had taken root with a strong sense that she will make it through the journey in the coming days.