In North Carolina, World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) and our partners are waiting for flood water, caused by heavy rain and storm surge on the coast, to recede before volunteers start to clean up residents’ homes and property.

While Hurricane Matthew’s destructive energy has dissipated over the Atlantic Ocean, the damage it left behind is now the daily reality of millions of people in the Caribbean and the U.S.

“Some rivers there are still rising and have yet to crest.”

In North Carolina, World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) and our partners are waiting for flood water, caused by heavy rain and storm surge on the coast, to recede before volunteers start to clean up residents’ homes and property.

“In Fayetteville, North Carolina, water levels have reached 22 feet above flood stage,” says Rick and Bonnie Wiersma, World Renew DRS regional managers. “Some rivers there are still rising and have yet to crest.”

Many rivers in South Carolina are also at flood stage and rising. It may take a week or two for the water to recede in some of these areas.

In Florida, residents are returning to their communities this week to find out what kind of damage Matthew did to their homes. Most people will deal with downed trees and damaged roofs. “Florida’s governor has requested a federal disaster declaration in eight coastal counties,” said Eric and Nancy Johnson, World Renew DRS regional managers.

Area rivers across the southern East Coast are continuing to flood and crest, and where communities are affected, the water will stand in many homes for several days. There will be significant damage to the walls and floors, and the moisture will eventually cause mold if it’s not addressed properly. World Renew DRS is lining up volunteers to help with clean up and mold remediation once the water recedes.

Your financial support is needed to help Hurricane Matthew survivors.

After the clean-up phase, World Renew DRS will offer services that have proven to be of great value to individuals, families, and communities after a disaster like Hurricane Matthew. World Renew’s trained, experienced volunteers often carry out unmet needs assessments that help community recovery groups discover who in their neighborhood has disaster-related needs, including safety, reconstruction, financial, emotional, and household needs. World Renew then provides reconstruction services to help homeowners who are physically or financially unable to repair their houses on their own. In a disaster the size and scope of Hurricane Matthew, it is often years before those who are the most vulnerable to receive the assistance they need to restore their homes and lives.

Your financial support is needed to help Hurricane Matthew survivors. Please give generously to World Renew – Hurricane Matthew N. America. Your gift will provide essential clean up and repair services, free of charge, to people who truly need help to recover. Your donation will not only enable World Renew DRS volunteers to put hammer to nail, it will bring the love of Christ into the lives of people who have lost much.