Program Summary 

Disaster Profile

Hurricane Florence made landfall on September 14th, 2018 which caused a flooding crisis throughout the Carolinas. The subsequent record-breaking rainfall from this storm system led to many flash floods, road closures, power outages, and emergency evacuations. Despite weakening into a category 1 storm, 90mph winds uprooted trees and left 80,000 people without electricity. Sadly, 48 individuals lost their lives as a result of Hurricane Florence.

Our Work

Our team is currently working in New Bern, North Carolina; a city severely impacted by Florence. Upon arrival, we set up the Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) which opened on Friday, 21 September. According to city officials, the largest need in this community was volunteer coordination at that time. Thanks to our partner, Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC), the VRC is adequately equipped to process incoming volunteers.

Having completed nearly 4 months of Response work, we have transitioned towards Recovery efforts. Our initial attention was focused on activities such as assessments of the affected area, mucking and gutting, debris removal, residential flood clean up and chainsaw work. We then shifted our focus to Mold Sanitation, which was identified as the next critical step in helping homeowners to begin rebuilding their lives.

Our scope has now expanded to include critical repairs on qualifying homes in Pamlico County and Craven County. As a critical repair program, we will serve the most vulnerable populations (elderly, disabled, veterans, children, low income, etc.) currently living in their homes. Critical repair work includes installing drywall, insulation, basic cabinetry and appliances, helping to make the home safe and comfortable for the homeowners. This is also a critical step in helping homeowners to begin rebuilding their lives.

Additionally, we are currently exploring opportunities for community recovery, such as rebuilding a community center. While the media attention is gone, the need here is still great. 

All Hands and Hearts arrives early and stays until the job is done. The time to get involved is now. Please make a donation or register to volunteer today!

Featured Video 

Stay up to date with the latest developments in the wake of Hurricane Florence.