Disaster Relief

If you're able, I humbly ask you to find a way to donate to the disaster relief for the state. Some of our team members are also part of the Red Cross and they are overwhelmed. One of our members is overseeing a shelter that just opened yesterday in Ripley and she said they are feeding between 500-1,000 people a day and expect to be open through next week at a minimum. And this is just one shelter. At last count, there are close to 70 open across the affected areas. I'm taking a load of food and hygiene supplies up there Saturday morning on behalf of our team. So if you're able I am pleading with you to find a shelter and see what their biggest needs are and do what you can or donate to the red cross or other organization helping in the recovery process. These shelters will be overwhelmed even more this weekend when this next surge of dangerously cold air pushes in.

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The shelter I'm delivering food an hygiene products to tomorrow is now requiring a police presence due to people starting to become unruly. I understand the frustration and desperation they're undoubtedly feeling. Especially those with kids they're trying to look out for. This weekend is going to add even more stress. Desperate, cold, and hungry people will do things out of character for them normally.

FEMA would typically resource this within 3 days after the disaster, but they simply don't have the staff or resources anymore. It's a bad situation in a lot of places. Thankfully we got through hurricane season without much disruption but the winter storm has definitely opened some eyes about what's to come...