Hope Quarterly 24

S P E C IA LR E P O R T

PA RT N E R I N G I N DISASTER RESPONSE IN 2021

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2

04

Hurricane Ida

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Haiti Earthquake

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Disaster Response Timeline

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Tennessee Flooding

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Western Wildfires & Drought

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Compassionate Corporations

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Airwave Partners

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Local Church Generosity

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Staying Power in the Bahamas

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Q&A With Ashley Roethlisberger

Gulf Coast residents will long remember Hurricane Katrina. On the 16th anniversary of that disaster, Hurricane Ida left a new path of destruction.

The month of August saw Haitians reeling from three impact events, with a 7.2 magnitude earthquake squarely in the middle.

In just a few weeks of summer, Convoy of Hope coordinated multiple crisis responses.

When three months’ worth of rain falls in just hours, a flood is inevitable.

Amid widespread drought and millions of charred acres, pure water is precious.

Workplace generosity creates a wave of support for Convoy of Hope.

Listeners tuning in to disaster updates took large-scale need to heart.

Throughout Convoy of Hope’s history, churches have been trusted community partners.

Convoy of Hope continues to meet needs long after a crisis is out of the public eye.

This dedicated member of the Pittsburgh Steelers family is bent on offering help and hope.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

WINTER 2021

330 S. Patterson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802 Hope Quarterly is published by Convoy of Hope.

Published: Winter 2021 ©2021 Convoy of Hope

Editor-in-Chief | Roger Flessing Editor | Scott Harrup Managing Editor | Lindsay Donaldson-Kring Content Editors | Levi Costello, Alyssa Everett & Morgan Mills

Reporters | Sara Forhetz & Destin Harrison Photographers | Clayton Gilligan, Christian Lamb, Joe Mason & Jill Welker Webmaster | Jess Heugel

Creative Director | Josh Carter Designers | Aaron Davis, Leah Kiser & Misty Olivera

Board of Directors Dr. Aaron Cole, Court Durkalski, Dr. Brad Trask, Telvin Jeffries, Dominick Garcia, Dr. Tom Carter, Lindsay Howard, Dr. Sam Huddleston, Randy Hurst, Cheryl Jamison, Klayton Ko, Kay Logsdon, Rich Nathan, Sherilynn Tounger, Kirk Yamaguchi & Hal Donaldson (President) Feedback | editor@convoyofhope.org Website | convoyofhope.org Twitter | @convoyofhope Facebook | /convoyofhope

Responding Together C

onvoy of Hope has learned that disasters often come unpredictably and can even overlap. This year, communities have continued to grapple with the long-term effects of COVID-19 and have also had to confront hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding, wildfires, and humanitarian crises.

But Convoy of Hope has also experienced a powerful reality — when disasters increase, compassionate people come forward, rolling up their sleeves to meet urgent needs.

Your partnership has not only fueled Convoy’s continuing response to the pandemic, but has also deployed our teams to the frontlines of Hurricane Ida, Haiti’s most recent earthquake, Tennessee’s record floods, and wildfires across the West.

In this special issue of Hope Quarterly, we want to express our thanks. You are helping us connect with more hurting people than ever before. And, thanks to faithful friends like you, we’re already preparing to be there whenever disaster strikes next.

Postmaster | Send address changes to: Hope Quarterly 330 S. Patterson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802

On the Cover: Convoy of Hope team members begin distributing relief supplies in Houma, Louisiana, after Hurricane Ida.

Gratefully,

Hal Donaldson President, Convoy of Hope

Photographer: Christian Lamb

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HOPE QUARTERLY: SPECIAL EDITION

Hurrican

ID

4

ne

DA

HURRICANE IDA

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)

By Destin Harrison

“I

was seeing trees flying, roofs flying, fences flying,” said Hurricane Ida survivor Herman Moreau.

On the afternoon of August 29, Hurricane Ida rolled ashore from the Gulf of Mexico with wind speeds near Category 5 strength. Convoy of Hope was quick to respond.

Ida tore through the New Orleans area 16 years to the day after Hurricane Katrina. For many in southern Louisiana, Ida was even more devastating.

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HOPE QUARTERLY: SPECIAL EDITION

‘People were terrified. People were saying that it was the scariest storm they have experienced. But there is a sense of hope and optimism — knowing that it could have been much worse, and that things are going to be all right.’

“Katrina was bad, but I think this one was worse in the wind. It did a lot more damage than Katrina did,” Herman added.

Herman and his wife took shelter in their Louisiana home while Ida blew through their neighborhood. When the storm passed, the Moreaus had no electricity, no running water, and little access to other essentials due to shortages and infrastructure damage.

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By the time it made landfall, Ida exceeded the National Hurricane Center’s criteria for a “major hurricane.” Wind speeds of 150 mph ripped homes apart, uprooted trees, and knocked down power lines.

The storm reversed the flow of the Mississippi River, submerged houses in a massive 16-foot storm surge, contaminated water supplies, and knocked out power for more than 1 million survivors — including the entire population of New Orleans.

While Ida was still gaining strength offshore, Convoy of Hope was

HURRICANE IDA

moving food, water, and relief supplies toward the disaster zone.

Before the rain had stopped in Louisiana, Convoy had even more tractor-trailers en route. These prepositioned materials allowed for a quick and effective response.

For Herman, his wife, and more than 200,000 survivors, hope came in the form of food, water, ice, sheltering supplies, and more from Convoy of Hope.

Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees raised funds and donated to Convoy of Hope’s response.

“People were terrified. People were saying that it was the scariest storm they have experienced,” said Stacy Lamb of Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team. “But there is a sense of hope and optimism — knowing that it could have been much worse, and that things are going to be all right.”

Ben and Ashley Roethlisberger of the Pittsburg Steelers sponsored 10 tractor-trailer loads of food, water, and emergency supplies. (See page 26.) And partners like Clorox® — which gave nearly 800 tractortrailer loads of cleaning supplies to Convoy — helped those who found themselves in Ida’s path. (See page 22.)

Partners from across the U.S. contributed to Convoy’s relief efforts in a united act of compassion.

Hundreds of volunteers donated time to help survivors. Retired New

To date, Convoy has provided more than 3.9 million pounds of relief supplies to Ida survivors in Louisiana alone.

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HOPE QUARTERLY: SPECIAL EDITION

Haiti

EARTHQ H

aiti’s 7.2 magnitude earthquake on August 14 reduced buildings to rubble, triggered landslides, and buried roads. Because Convoy of Hope had relief supplies pre-positioned for response, team members and partner Mission of Hope quickly engaged with those in need.

“The team, both at our headquarters and partners on the ground, began working to determine what the needs were and how we could respond,” said Ryan Grabill of Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team.

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The quake originated approximately 78 miles west of Haiti’s capital, Portau-Prince, and damaged or destroyed more than 130,000 homes. At least 2,207 people were killed, with more than 12,000 injured.

130,000+ homes damaged or destroyed

At least

2,207

More than

12,200

deaths

injuries

HAITI EARTHQUAKE

(AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

QUAKE (AP Photo/Joseph Odelyn)

(AP Photo/Joseph Odelyn)

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(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

HOPE QUARTERLY: SPECIAL EDITION

The earthquake occurred between Tropical Depression Fred and Tropical Storm Grace. The backto-back disasters left communities weary and vulnerable.

Resources in Haiti and valuable relationships amplified the speed and extent of Convoy’s response. Convoy of Hope feeds more than 113,000 children at more than 500 program centers across the country.

Less than a week after the earthquake, Convoy of Hope had provided more than 1 million meals and emergency supplies. To date, Convoy of Hope and partners have distributed more than 6 million meals.

(AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

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Pekat, a Haitian translator for Convoy of Hope partner Mission of Hope, had family in the disaster zone when the earthquake struck. It wasn’t the first time his loved ones had been in danger. In 2010, when Pekat’s family lived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s infamous magnitude 7.0 earthquake destroyed much of the city and

Why Haiti is susceptible to massive quakes Haiti sits on the Gonave tectonic plate. It is sandwiched between the North American and Caribbean plates that shift against each other. Earthquakes take place along the fault lines that separate these plates.

HAITI EARTHQUAKE

robbed them of their home. After rebuilding their lives in rural Haiti, they survived this August’s quake. Convoy and Mission of Hope sent a team with 350 boxes of food and hygiene kits to Pekat’s village.

“Thank you so, so, so much,” Pekat said when he heard the news. “It’s priceless what you’re doing. Only God knows how grateful I am.”

Because roads and bridges were destroyed, reaching some of the communities was a challenge. But partnerships with military personnel allowed access to communities isolated due to damaged roads and infrastructure. Transportation by way of helicopter, Osprey aircraft, and amphibious landing craft helped Convoy and its partners reach survivors in otherwise inaccessible locations.

To date, Convoy of Hope and Mission of Hope have provided help and hope to 369 communities across Haiti.

HELP AND HOPE PROVIDED TO

369

Convoy of Hope is providing food, water, and relief supplies to refugees from Afghanistan. Partnerships around the world allow Convoy of Hope to respond to this crisis on multiple fronts, including Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.

Convoy of Hope has served close to 6.8 million meals to more than 562,000 Venezuelans affected by economic unrest.

In-country partners help Convoy locate vulnerable families and distribute supplies directly to them. These partners also identify local vendors who can provide, package, and distribute resources.

After volcanic eruptions on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Convoy of Hope responded with food, water, and other relief supplies. Convoy also provided supplies to help households clean up across the disaster zones.

Convoy of Hope continues to respond to COVID-19 in multiple countries, providing emergency relief in the form of essentials and personal protective equipment.

COMMUNITIES ACROSS HAITI

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HOPE QUARTERLY: SPECIAL EDITION

Afghanistan Refugee Crisis*

Disaster Response Timeline

Date: August Location: Afghanistan and other locations Effects: emergency evacuations; millions displaced Convoy’s response: relief supplies to refugees *Specific details withheld.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)

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West Coast Fires & Drought

Haiti Earthquake

Date: July and continuing Location: Western U.S. Effects: evacuation orders; millions of acres burned; compromised water systems and widespread water shortages Convoy’s response: strategically positioned water

Date: August 14 Location: Haiti (78 miles west of Port-au-Prince) Effects: 2,200+ deaths; 12,200+ injuries; 130,000+ homes damaged; infrastructure devastated Convoy’s response: food, water, hygiene kits, tarps, medical supplies, solar lanterns

West Coast Fires & Drought Stats 1,272,171 pounds of relief supplies distributed 66,577 individuals served

Haiti Earthquake Stats 274,219 people served 6.8 million meals distributed 26,887 hygiene kits distributed 2,816 tarps distributed 369 communities served 215 partners engaged

DISASTER RESPONSE TIMELINE

Tennessee Flooding Date: August 21 Location: Middle Tennessee Effects: 20+ deaths; 20 missing persons; damaged roads, homes, properties Convoy’s response: food, water, crisis care kits, baby care kits Tennessee Flooding Stats 148,926 pounds of relief supplies distributed 3,760 people served

Hurricane Ida Date: August 29 Location: Louisiana (landfall around Port Fourchon) Effects: massive power outages across Louisiana; tornadoes and 40 deaths in Northeastern U.S. Convoy’s response: food, water, solar lanterns, hygiene kits, tarps, other relief supplies Hurricane Ida Stats 3.9 million pounds of relief supplies distributed 1.2 million meals distributed 206,920 people served 13,351 cars served 556 volunteers served 4,056 hours worked 71 partners engaged

Scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit convoy.org/hq24 to donate.

(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

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HOPE QUARTERLY: SPECIAL EDITION

Disaster Services

Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team is consistently among the first to respond to disasters at home and around the world. Highly regarded for our scalable response and distribution model, we utilize our international and domestic warehouses, a specialized disaster response fleet, and a highly trained team of staff and volunteers to respond to disasters quickly and effectively.

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Children’s Feeding

We believe children are essential members of their communities.

As future leaders, they’ll have the opportunity to one day bring positive change to their countries by breaking the cycles of poverty and hunger. We use regular meals in schools and access to clean drinking water as starting points to build and support thriving communities.

Agriculture

Food security transforms communities by lifting people out of dependence on others for their daily sustenance. Through this program, we equip vulnerable farmers and their families with the skills, tools, and seeds to produce life-sustaining crops.

Local farmers harvest many meals each year for our Children’s Feeding program, which simultaneously generates income for them.

LEARN ABOUT CONVOY

Rural Initiatives

Poverty and hunger have gained a devastating edge in rural communities. Through this program we resource, empower, and partner with rural churches through training, mentoring, and coaching. We believe their increased presence and partnership with local leaders help strengthen and enrich their communities.

Women’s Empowerment

When women are given the opportunity to generate income, it impacts the economic standing of their families and communities.

We partner with women to help develop sustainable resources which they can leverage to make more strategic, independent life choices.

Community Events

Communities are the heart of counties, states, and nations.

Convoy of Hope is committed to working with local volunteers, businesses, agencies, churches, and organizations that believe in building stronger communities through generosity and kindness.

At our Community Events, we partner with such entities to provide free groceries, health and dental screenings, haircuts, family portraits, veterans services, hot meals, career service training, and much more to those who may not have the means to access these resources themselves.

Please pray for those we serve.

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HOPE QUARTERLY: SPECIAL EDITION

Tenness FLOO (AP Photo/John Amis)

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TENNESSEE FLOODING

(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

see ODING

By Jess Heugel

T

orrential rain was unrelenting in Waverly, Tennessee, on August 21 when Missy received a phone call from her mother and stepfather. Floodwaters washing over their vehicle would soon submerge them. “They were telling us bye,” Missy said through tears.

“They were ready to go.”

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HOPE QUARTERLY: SPECIAL EDITION

Miraculously, a man came walking out of the woods just in time and pulled Missy’s mother and stepfather out of the water with a rope. “I have no idea who he was or where he came from — still don’t know,” she said.

In a day, 15 inches of rainfall pummeled the Trace Creek Valley in Tennessee. The town of Waverly was blindsided when more than a quarter of their annual rainfall came in a matter of hours. Homes, businesses, schools, and streets were submerged under feet of churning water and debris.

In the desperate hours following the storm, 51 people were missing. Some would later be found, but 21 would ultimately lose their lives.

“Devastating is the word to describe it,” said Pastor Kody Newcomb of Compassion Church in Waverly.

He and his wife, Samantha, were shocked by the damage the floods caused. “It came out of nowhere,” Samantha said.

There was an immediate cry for help after the flood hit the town of just over 4,000 people. With stores awash and electricity out, people needed that help to come to them. And that’s exactly what Convoy of Hope was able to do.

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TENNESSEE FLOODING

Tennessee record rainfall The National Weather Service says up to 17 inches of rain fell in Humphreys County in less than 24 hours on Saturday, August 21, shattering the Tennessee record for a one-day rainfall.

(AP Photo/John Amis)

Before floodwaters had drained from the Trace Creek Valley, Convoy of Hope was on the ground with food, water, and cleaning items. Over the coming days, Convoy delivered multiple tractor-trailer loads of relief supplies. The Newcombs rallied volunteers from Compassion Church to help neighbors in need. Other Tennessee churches also stepped in.

Pastor Mike Burnette in Clarksville, Tennessee, regularly encourages his congregants to serve as volunteers.

“Convoy of Hope continues to be one of our strongest partners. When the flooding disaster struck our neighbors in Waverly, Convoy was our first call and the first one to show up,”

said Pastor Burnette. “Disaster has a way of bringing people together and uniting them with a common goal.

LifePoint Church gathered volunteers to join forces with Convoy of Hope to unload and distribute supplies that provided immediate relief for flood victims. Through the devastation, we saw our teams come together and rally around the community of Waverly, providing hope in what seemed to be a hopeless situation.”

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HOPE QUARTERLY: SPECIAL EDITION

(AP Photo/Pedro Armestre)

Western WILDF &

By Levi Costello

H

istoric wildfires have charred more than 2 million acres in California alone, with Oregon and Idaho also battling multiple blazes. Widespread drought has limited drinking water, firefighting capabilities, and hydroelectric power.

(AP Photo/Noah Berger)

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As temperatures continued to rise and water levels decline, Convoy of Hope sent water to strategic locations in affected areas.

WESTERN WILDFIRES & DROUGHT

“We put out the call to Convoy of Hope, and we were able to get tractor-trailer loads of water that came in and were able to supply families that were in need,” said Shawn Sanassarren of Bayside Church in California.

Convoy has a long history of responding to fires in Western states, including the 2018 Camp Fire that destroyed the

FIRES Drought (Los Angeles County Fire Air Operations via AP)

(AP Photo/Noah Berger)

city of Paradise, California, and killed 85 people.

“We are committed to meeting needs on the West Coast for the long haul — whatever it takes,” said Hal Donaldson, president of Convoy of Hope.

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HOPE QUARTERLY: SPECIAL EDITION

‘Convoy of Hope is providing a truly valuable service in getting these products to impacted communities as quickly and efficiently as possible.’

— Chris Tucker, CloroxPro®

Compassionate CORPORATIONS

By Sara Forhetz

T

hanks to multiple corporate and business donors, Convoy of Hope has come alongside hundreds of thousands of people devastated by recent natural disasters.

These events have hit communities within weeks of each other. From wildfires in the West, to Hurricane Ida on the

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Gulf Coast and record flooding in Tennessee, people in the line of disaster have had hope delivered.

“Convoy of Hope is providing a truly valuable service in getting these products to impacted communities as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Chris Tucker, vice president and general manager for CloroxPro®.

The company donated Clorox® electrostatic sprayers designed to disinfect large spaces. The handheld sprayers clean, kill, and control mold and mildew.

Convoy of Hope delivered these products and other lifesustaining supplies to areas that have been impacted by both natural and human-made disasters.

Thanks to corporate partners like CloroxPro®, Valero Energy Corporation, and many others, thousands of people in need are receiving tangible help in the immediate aftermath of these crises and will continue to for weeks and months to come.

PARTNERSHIP

By Ethan Forhetz

A

well-known saying notes that radio is effective not because it speaks to the masses ... but because it speaks personally to every individual.

When Hurricane Ida hit, Convoy of Hope was contacted by media partners, asking how they could help.

“Our listeners stepped up to the challenge,” David Pierce, chief partnership officer at K-LOVE, said about listeners donating more than $3.6 million for Convoy’s Hurricane Ida relief. “They embraced the opportunity Convoy of Hope provided, and we are humbled, excited, and amazed at the support that poured in.”

The on-air personalities at K-LOVE, Radio Training Network, Focus on the Family, and many

‘Our listeners … embraced the opportunity Convoy of Hope provided, and we are humbled, excited, and amazed at the support that poured in.’

— David Pierce, K-LOVE others united with the hearts of listeners and inspired them to turn their empathy into action by partnering with Convoy of Hope.

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HOPE QUARTERLY: SPECIAL EDITION

Local Church

GENEROSITY A

fter Hurricane Ida roared ashore on August 29, Convoy of Hope teams moved in to help. Local churches acted as invaluable distribution centers. Throughout Convoy’s history, church partnerships have multiplied Convoy’s ability to reach survivors across the country and the world.

This year, Convoy is maximizing church participation to meet desperate needs.

“We love partnering with Convoy of Hope and One Day to Feed the World®. It’s a great way for our church to be the hands and feet of Jesus around the world and invest in a ministry we trust,” said Dave Ginther, lead pastor at New Life Church in Conrad, Montana.

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‘We love partnering with Convoy of Hope and One Day to Feed the World®.’

— Dave Ginther, New Life Church

PARTNERSHIP

STAYING POWER in the Bahamas “T

he entire roof blew from right over our heads,” Ryan Forbes said.

Ryan and his community felt the full force of Hurricane Dorian when it struck the Bahamas in 2019. He recalled feeling the walls shake and hearing a locomotive sound while sheltering from the hurricane. “After a while, even the walls left from around us.”

Long-term commitment has always been part of Convoy’s post-disaster work. If a community needs the help and support Convoy’s teams offer, they continue working and providing hope.

Take a look at some of Convoy of Hope’s most recent extended responses, where teams partnered with communities for months and even years after a disaster.

Dorian, the worst natural disaster in the island nation’s history, claimed more than 70 lives and caused an estimated $3.4 billion in damage.

Although Hurricane Dorian struck more than two years ago, Convoy of Hope continues to provide help to those affected by the storm.

Hurricane Dorian

Hurricane Laura

Nepal Earthquake (Highlighted by TED & Monday.com)

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Ashley with

Roethlisber B

en and Ashley Roethlisberger are fixtures in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and on a national stage thanks to Ben’s role as quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Two years ago, they partnered with Convoy Nation — Convoy of Hope’s movement of kindness that creates pathways for friends in the professional sports, entertainment, and business worlds. Recently, Kirk Noonan, vice president of Convoy Nation, interviewed Ashley for Hope Quarterly.

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Q&A

HQ: You and Ben sponsored and also served at one of our emergency points of distribution in New Castle, Pennsylvania, last year. That event was part of Convoy of Hope’s distribution of 200 million meals to families as COVID-19 swept the nation.

What caused you to get involved?

Ashley: We’ve been a part of Steelers Pro-Series Community Events, but when we learned we could partner with Convoy of Hope in response to COVID-19 last year, we were so grateful to bring Convoy to my hometown.

For many families who were already struggling, COVID created a new low point. Convoy of Hope helped our family partner with a local church that was already doing a distribution.

HQ: I’ve watched you and your kids get on the frontlines of

rger

fighting hunger, poverty, and suffering. Why is your family so intent on helping others?

Ashley: Ben and I grew up in households where hard work and

helping neighbors were always emphasized. Just showing up doesnʼt feel right to us. When we can help, we know how good it feels to do so. As parents, we are teaching our kids to be “all hands on deck” when there are needs to be met.

HQ: Speaking of your kids, you and Ben decided to have them assemble 1,000 hygiene kits for a Convoy of Hope Pro-Series Community Event during the NFL Draft weekend. That’s a lot of work!

Ashley: It’s so easy to stay in your own bubble when the world is struggling with COVID, but Ben and I wanted to create a safe environment where our kids could serve and make a difference. One the things I love about Convoy of Hope is that you have lots of opportunities to serve.

Packing those bags and praying for the families that would receive them was a meaningful and great experience for our kids.

HQ: During the football season, you host small group gatherings for other players’ wives?

Ashley: Yes, every Wednesday!

The Steelers are blessed to have Kent and Erica Chevalier as chaplains.

HQ: What could life look like once you step away from football?

Ashley: Last year, we bought a 174-acre farm in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, about a mile from our house. We put a pond for fishing in there, and we have a guest house. Ben’s parents will live there and help care for it.

Our goal is to create an outdoor sanctuary, not just for our family but as a place that we can share with others who maybe don't have the opportunity to spend a lot of time outdoors. It’s also a place for families to bond and spend some quality time together. Ben and I felt called to do father-and-son retreats there, too. It’s a special place. I have a feeling when football’s over, thatʼs where a lot of our time and energy will be invested.

HQ: Convoy of Hope is grateful for friends like you. You most recently sponsored 10 tractortrailer loads to hurricane survivors in Louisiana.

Ashley: What’s special about Convoy, is that you all kind of lead the way Jesus would lead and love the way He would love.

If you compare Convoy to other organizations, youʼre different in the sense that there are no feelings of pressure or guilt to get involved. Itʼs always just a very relaxed, friendly environment.

I think Convoy has always done such a great job of coming alongside people who want to serve and helping them serve!

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Visit us online at: convoyofhope.org

Mail: 330 S. Patterson Ave. Springfield, MO 65802-2213 P: (417) 823-8998 F: (417) 823-8244 Donations: P.O. Box 1125 Springfield, MO 65801

330 S. Patterson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802

John Doe Family 10203 West Phelps Cincinnati, Oh. 61210

Disaster relief is one piece of the puzzle.

Support all of Convoy of Hopeʼs initiatives through the Feed the World Fund.

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