Program Summary 

Disaster Profile

Hurricane Florence made landfall on September 14, 2018, with heavy rain over the United States, causing severe flooding 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.

Our Work

Our team is currently working in Pamlico County, North Carolina — a city severely impacted by Florence. Upon arrival, we set up the Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) which opened on Friday, September 21st. At that time, city officials believed the largest need in this community was volunteer coordination. Thanks to our partner, Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC), the VRC was fully equipped to process incoming volunteers in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. 

Outside setting up the VRC, our initial response activities included assessments of the affected area, mucking and gutting, debris removal, residential flood clean up and chainsaw work. Later on, we shifted our focus to mold sanitation as this was the next critical step in providing homeowners with a safe place to live. Thanks to the impressive response from the community, we have been able to continue mold sanitations and help ensure families and children are able to live in mold-free environments.

Nearly one year after Florence hit, our response work continues despite having transitioned our efforts towards recovery. Our scope has now expanded to include critical repairs on qualifying homes in Pamlico County. 

As a critical repair program, our efforts are serving the most vulnerable populations, who are still living in their homes. Critical repair work includes installing drywall, insulation, basic cabinetry and appliances. This will help to make their homes safe and comfortable – helping homeowners begin rebuilding their lives.  

While the media attention is gone, the need here is still great.

Our Impact

We arrive early and stay until the job is done.

Although our volunteer applications are close for this program, please donate today to help us continue supporting communities in North Carolina.