The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has awarded Lutheran Services Carolinas a grant of $200,000 to help with Lutheran Disaster Response efforts in North and South Carolina.

The grant seeks to address needs created by Hurricane Florence, a Category 4 storm that ravaged coastal areas of North Carolina and South Carolina, necessitating the evacuation of more than a million residents and causing 33 deaths. Many coastal cities experienced 30-plus inches of rain, as well as wind damage — and the disastrous effects are still unfolding as waters continue to rise in some places.

The six-month grant will help fund survivors’ immediate needs, such as temporary housing, clothing and basic necessities. The grant will also fund a full-time disaster response coordinator for North Carolina and a part-time disaster response coordinator for South Carolina.

The coordinators will act as liaisons on behalf of Lutheran Services Carolinas to work closely with the North and South Carolina Synods of the ELCA, congregations, other faith-based partners and community partners to ensure timely and accurate communication of disaster response activities and ensure that donations are coordinated for those who need them.

These coordinators will also assist with preparedness and disaster response education and will work closely with local long-term recovery groups and VOADs (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters) to represent Lutheran Disaster Response. LSC will collaborate with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, United Way agencies, other faith-based organizations, and North and South Carolina LRTGs (Long-Term Recovery Groups) and VOADS.

For more information about services in South Carolina, call 803-361-5871.

For more information about services in North Carolina, call 252-756-1304.