Adventist Organization Aids and Acts in Response to Hurricane Destruction

Hurricane Laura made landfall on the coast of Louisiana on Aug. 26 as a category four hurricane, leaving a trail of destruction behind it. Although Texas was affected in some areas, Louisiana was hit the hardest by the storm. Besides wiping out thousands of homes and businesses, it also took the lives of 25 people. Hundreds of thousands of people had to be evacuated and were left without power, food or shelter.

Adventist Community Services (ACS) mobilized immediately in the wake of the storm. Having been preparing in advance, they were ready when the time came. ACS partnered with the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help distribute food and water, as well as help find shelter for those who were evacuated or could not return to their homes. They have and continue to help in recovery efforts across the state.

The Southwestern Region Conference churches have opened their doors and have been handing out much needed food, clothing and other essential items to those in need. The West End Seventh-Day Adventist Church set up a drive-by distribution center, aided by the conference, Adventist Community Services and the local police department. The Arkansas-Louisiana Conference donated their campground for the building of a warehouse by Adventist Community Services at the request of the Louisiana government. It was finished and opened Sept. 7 to start to receive supplies. It currently receives and manages all incoming supplies and donations from out of state.

As recovery efforts have continued, Adventist Community Services has continued to help along with the Southwestern Region Conference. As of Sept. 10, they had established several distribution sites across the state, especially in the areas that were hit the hardest. The warehouse continues to receive and distribute supplies and the conference office has opened its doors to help with the distribution efforts as well.

Through this tragedy, it is amazing to see how the people of the Adventist Church, along with other organizations such as The American Red Cross and FEMA, have come together and rallied around those who need it most. This event has shown, yet again, that good can come out of bad when people are willing to reach out and help others.

Hannah Olin is a Sophomore

History Ed Major from

Princeton, Illinois