FLASH ALERT! Urgent Request for Reservists

Hurricane Irene strengthened to a category 3 storm after marching across the Caribbean leaving torrential rains, flooding and mudslides in its wake. Evacuation orders are now in place for coastal North Carolina as the storm takes aim at the United States, packing winds up to 120 miles per hour. Officials project that the storm will be one of the most powerful to strike the East Coast of the United States in years.

The leadership team of Hope Force International (HFI) has been tracking Hurricane Irene and is now in the process of positioning equipment and personnel closer to the anticipated strike zone. Our response teams at the head office are mobilizing supplies and equipment to aid in the disaster response. Team leader Craig Snow will be heading our efforts and is currently traveling to the Philadelphia area where HFI plans to stage our assets. It is expected that teams will be involved in tarp application, debris removal, general clean up and providing emotional and spiritual care to survivors.

In addition, HFI has been in contact with our national partner, the Salvation Army*, and they are anticipating the need of volunteer Reservists when Hurricane Irene hits the US coast. The National Hurricane Center reports this storm is predicted to grow and strengthen. The hurricane's winds stretch over 400 miles ? the same width as the entire state of Arizona. Current projections have Irene hitting the US over the weekend.

"The Salvation Army has issued an urgent request to Hope Force to provide as many of our Reservists as possible," says Cherie Minton, HFI Co-Founder. "They want staging to begin by Saturday night at an operating location in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Please contact Sue Duby if you can participate. The storm is shaping up to be one of the worst ever seen on the East Coast in a generation and there will undoubtedly be flooding and damage in Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland. The staging area in PA is far enough away that we are safely located but close enough that we can move in immediately after the storm passes."

Reservists who can come for two weeks are eligible for travel expense reimbursement through the Salvation Army, whether driving or flying.

Hope Force has recruited and trained a motivated team of Reservists -- ready to respond to disasters across the nation. Our goal of 1,000 active Reservists has been met. We now are seeking the needed funding to support these teams as they respond to disasters here in the United States. Contributions are being received for tools, plywood, tarps and other supplies.