Disasters happen any time, but we're entering some of the most active months for hurricanes and flash floods. In fact, August and September are peak months for hurricanes along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, with September seeing about 36% of landfalls.
But we've already seen devastation this past month, with hurricanes and flooding claiming hundreds of lives, displacing thousands of families, and devastating communities for years to come. đź’”
We grieve with those who have lost so much.Their pain and hopelessness break our hearts and inspire us to action, because they need to know they're not alone.
The Hope Force team is vigilant in being prepared for new disasters, and we are grateful to have you with us!
Texas Flooding: Heartbreak and Vigilance
Our hearts continue to break for those who are grieving deep losses in the Hill Country of Texas. Since early July, Hope Force has been diligently monitoring the situation in connection with trusted partners on the ground.
As search and rescue operations wind down and long-term recovery begins, we continue to assess how Hope Force could engage in response to this tragedy.
One of our longtime partners in Texas—an experienced disaster responder—shared this sobering reflection:
“This flooding is the worst I’ve ever experienced. The scope of this tragedy is beyond words. My chest gets tight, and tears well up in my eyes every time I drive through the affected areas. Everyone in the area has a direct connection to someone who tragically died in this flooding.”
Seven people are still unaccounted for in the Texas flooding, down from over 160, thanks to weeks of intense search and rescue efforts. But we grieve alongside those mourning the 137 confirmed deaths, including 36 children.
We remain vigilant in prayer and at the ready should a deployment opportunity arise within our scope of competencies. 🙏 Please pray for the families deeply affected and for the search teams still continuing their efforts.
Hope in Haiti: A Light in the Darkness
Despite ongoing instability, Hope Force continues to serve in Haiti through the faithful leadership of Rene and Marianne Lako. This summer, Hope Force Haiti has helped meet chronic, daily needs in a nation still suffering from political chaos, gang violence, and the long shadow of the 2010 earthquake.
Thanks to your support, the team in Haiti is:
Distributing food to families in need
Building latrines to increase hygiene and prevent disease
Helping hundreds of children have access to life-changing education
Please pray for safety, strength, and fruitfulness for the Lakos and their Haitian partners in this long-term work.
When Hurricane Erick swept through the Costa Chica region of Oaxaca and Guerrero, it brought fierce winds and heavy rains that displaced thousands of families. In the hard-hit municipality of Pinotepa Nacional, many neighborhoods were left flooded, isolated, and without power.
Amidst this devastation, Hope Force Mexico was there, reaching those who needed help the most.
This month, our team navigated washed-out roads and rising water to deliver:
Food and clothing
Toys for children
Tarps for temporary shelter
Each tarp keeps a family dry. Each meal brings hope and relief. Each act of kindness reminds survivors they are not forgotten. đź’™
With your support, 220 families have already received tangible help, and more are being reached every day. Thank you for partnering with us to help these precious survivors!
PRAISES 🙌
For the 220 families helped in Mexico after Hurricane Erick
For donors who have helped pre-position our teams and equipment ahead of hurricane season
For the faithful and courageous work of the Haiti team bringing help and hope to children and their families
PRAYER REQUESTS 🙏
For families along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts as new storms begin to form
For strength and protection over Hope Force Reservists preparing for deployments
For long-term recovery and peace in Texas, New York, and New Jersey flood zones
Attention, Hope Force Reservists!
Please keep your eyes open for an email to update your Reservist profile and save a week to deploy during hurricane season! We need all the help we can get when storms hit, and we hope we can count on you. đź’Ş
You'll also receive an invitation to a Reservist Zoom call in the coming weeks. This is an important opportunity to hear directly from our leadership, ask questions, and stay informed heading into peak hurricane season.
Keep an eye on your inbox—details are coming soon. We’re excited to gather virtually with the amazing people who make our mission possible!
As we prepare for this season, we’re also approaching a meaningful milestone. August marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina, the disaster that launched Hope Force into action and shaped our mission. Stay tuned for a special reflection in next month’s newsletter.
Disasters are unpredictable, but your faithful support isn’t. Because of you, Hope Force is ready to respond with practical help and Christ-centered compassion.
With heartfelt thanks, Hope Force International đź’™
P.S. Peak hurricane season is just weeks away. Help us pre-position supplies, train more Reservists, and be the first ones on the ground when disaster strikes.
All donations to Hope Force International are completed gifts which will be used, directly or indirectly, to advance the charitable and religious purposes of Hope Force. Funds received in excess of project needs may be used where most needed. Donor designation will be honored to the fullest extent possible.
Hope Force International is recognized in the US by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. It is the policy of Hope Force International that a modest portion of gifts and/or income therefrom is used to defray the costs of raising and administering the funds. Gifts are deductible as charitable contributions for federal and state income tax purposes as permitted by law.
A Hope Force audited financial statement is available by visiting our website at www.hopeforce.org/about-us.
Hope Force International is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Hope Force International, 7065 Moores Lane, Suite 200, Brentwood, Tennessee, 37027, (615) 371-1271