Hurricane Wilma Update

We are on our way back to Mobile, Alabama after our assessments of the Hurricane Wilma damage.

Our first stop was Everglades City, Fl. This is a small town. We spoke with a police officer there. He informed us that the electric had come back on and there really wasn't much damage with the exception of trees down.

From there we headed to Fort Lauderdale, we had the opportunity to meet with Bill Craddock of the West Broward Church of Christ in. He is the associate minister and a wonderful person (not only that but he is an Ohio State fan!!). We discussed the situation in Fort Lauderdale. The main problem there is downed trees and power lines. We would normally go in and cook if the electric is off. However, in this case most of the stores are still open to at least go in and purchase canned goods, etc. (usually after a disaster the stores are closed) The most damage is downtown in the business district (windows blown out, etc.) We told him if we can be of any assistance as time goes on to let us know and he assured us he would.

Our next stop was Clewiston, Fl. OK..........this is an area that needs help. There are many mobile homes that were damaged or destroyed and some houses flooded. This appears to be a very low income town (at least the section we were in) We tried to call the church in the area but the phone lines are still down. We stopped there but no one was around. We did get the opportunity to hand out some personal care and baby packs in the area and told them they were from the church. We will continue trying to reach the church there to see what we can do for them. If you are interested in going to help, let us know. (Clewiston is near Lake Ockeechobee).

All in all we believe Florida faired pretty well through Hurricane Wilma.

So you're wondering what's next, right?!?! Well....our next step is starting up in New Orleans. AND.........there is still MUCH to do in Alabama and Mississippi!!! We are starting to put up drywall so need alot of help in Mobile as well as the help we'll need in New Orleans.

We would like to get as many volunteers as possible especially the week of Thanksgiving. We would like to cook Thanksgiving dinner for the communities we've been working in as well as helping them get into their houses. Let's see how much can be accomplished that week!!