Hurricane Isaac Outlook from HFI Founder/CEO

We want to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the emergency disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Isaac. Together, we have mounted an effective response on behalf of people who have endured great loss and suffered personal trauma as a consequence of this natural disaster. On behalf of the people served ? and those who served, we thank you! Time and again, survivors expressed deep gratitude for the generosity and kindness being demonstrated, and were greatly encouraged to know that they had not been forgotten.

We also want to provide you with an overview of accomplishments, while inviting you to prayerfully consider extending your partnership into the all-important rebuilding phase of the response. This is often the most challenging, and yet most rewarding expression of kindness; typically at a time when people feel forgotten by the rest of the country.

Hurricane Isaac came ashore in Plaquemines Parrish, Louisiana, virtually seven years to the day after Katrina devastated the area. The scar of that tragic experience lingers in the heart, soul and living conditions of the community. Many of the homes that were destroyed after Katrina were replaced by trailers ? and people have wondered if things will ever be the same again.

Hope Force International arrived on the scene within 24 hours, and has maintained a presence of compassionate service. The most critical need after such an event is to apply tarps to damaged roofs in an effort to mitigate further water penetration. As we conclude the relief phase of the response, HFI has served 195 households and has contributed more than 2,900 man-hours.

It is now approximately six weeks since Hurricane Isaac and waters have receded from homes that were once submerged. As a result, it is necessary to shift the focus to addressing the damage done and preparing for rebuilding, which is the third phase of disaster response. The rebuilding phase, along with rapid relief, is often the most difficult to execute ? and sustaining rebuilding efforts is perhaps the most challenging phase of all.

In recent weeks, HFI has been joined by other agencies in an effort to alleviate the pressing need for tarp application, and now the proper mucking out of flooded homes. It has been our privilege to provide on-the-job training to these groups; thus, empowering them to serve with increased effectiveness. As a benefit, HFI is now able to turn our attention to the rebuilding phase, which will commence in earnest starting January 2013.

Having had extensive experience in establishing, sustaining and executing rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 Nashville floods, it is the intention of Hope Force International to bring this expertise to bear on behalf of the residents of Plaquemines Parrish. The time between October 2012 and January 2013 will be used to obtain both the financial and human resources necessary to successfully carry out the project. Homeowners will require time, as well, to pursue governmental assistance; for those insured ? their insurance settlements.

While many will receive financial assistance of some kind, the key to a greater recovery is that of volunteer labor. Hope Force International will bring this invaluable resource to the aid of survivors struggling to restore normalcy to their lives. Through working with partners and donors, we believe that restoration can, and will, exceed pre-existing conditions in most cases.

As we shift our focus to rebuilding, we are motivated by God?s commitment to the poor ? ?those beaten down by life?s circumstances? ? represented by the plea for help from those served thus far. In the midst of their despair and chaos, our prayer is that through these practical acts of compassion, hope can be ignited and peace restored. Please join us in prayer, generosity and action as we endeavor to secure the necessary funding and teams to join us in this effort.

Hope Force International is planning a four-month initiative to restore 50 homes at a cost of $85,000. The primary focus will be roofs and interior drywall, which constitutes a major component of the restoration effort. These funds will address a portion of the materials and supplies required, as well as necessary operational requirements. This contribution to the homeowners? recovery will augment their financial commitment, and will serve to significantly enhance their recovery capability.

We can use more workers, and also the funding to carry it out. The need is great!